How Many Days to Spend in Cinque Terre

How many days to spend in Cinque Terre is the biggest question to ask yourself before booking flights to this stunning stretch of the Italian Riviera. With its five picturesque villages, Ciqnue Terre demands more than a quick whirlwind stop. Cinque Terre is a place where you’ll want to linger and relax into the laid back vibe of these quaint Italian villages. From dipping your toes in the Ligurian Sea to wandering the vibrant old towns and coastal paths, there is so much to do! But working with limited vacation days like I did, you want to make sure have the right balance of days to maximise your enjoyment here. Below is your guide to working out how many days to spend in Cinque Terre and the perfect Cinque Terre Itinerary for visiting the five towns.

How Many Days to Spend in Cinque Terre?

Having recently vistied Cinque Terre in the summer, if you ask me how many days do you need in Cinque Terre, I would ideally recommend 3-4 days. I would especially recommend 3-4 days if you are looking to not just train between the villages, but rather do some of the scenic hikes between them, take ferry tour or two and allow yourself time to really take in the place. Having an extra day or two really does make a big difference when it comes to enjoying a vacation in this part of Italy!

Cinque Terre Towns

Below is a suggested breakdown town by town of how many days you need in each of these Cinque Terre towns.

1. Riomaggiore

Start your adventure in the easternmost village. Wander the narrow streets, catch a sunset at the marina, and savor fresh seafood. It’s the perfect introduction to Cinque Terre’s charm.
Days to spend: Half day – 1 full day

2. Manarola

Famous for its sweet Sciacchetrà wine and breathtaking views from Punta Bonfiglio, Manarola is a feast for the senses. Don’t miss a swim in its crystal-clear waters.
Days to spend: Half day – 1 full day

3. Corniglia

Perched atop a hill, this town offers panoramic views and a quieter vibe. The hike up from the train station is a rite of passage here. Reward yourself with gelato from Alberto Gelateria.
Days to spend: Half day

4. Vernazza

Often hailed as the most picturesque, Vernazza definitely lives up to its reputation with a stunning harbor and the iconic Doria Castle. I recommend getting dinner at a place the waterfront to take in the stunning views and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Days to spend: 1 full day

One word of warning if you are visiting Cinque Terre between May to August time, is to book any popular or view worthy restaurants in advance! The place can get busy very quickly especially at peak meal times, so better to be safe and book ahead where possible, rather than risk being turned away.

5. Monterosso al Mare

With its expansive beaches and lush lemon groves, Monterosso calls for a slower pace. Leave time for lounging on the beach, explore the historic old town, and indulge in some gelato!
Days to spend: Half day – 1 full day.

5. Levanto

Levanto is not officially one of the five Cinque Terre villages, nonetheless its highly worth checking out Levanto and Levanto beach for its relaxed vibe and loval atmosphere. I’m personally because we stayed in Levanto while exploring Cinque Terre and absolutely loved it! Not only was it a lot cheaper than the other five Cinque Terre villages, but it was less touristy with a more authentic feel. The best part is that Levento is on the Cinque Terre train only a few minutes from Monterosso, hence easy to get to /from anywhere in Cinque Terre.

How to get around Cinque Terre

When considering how many days to spend in Cinque Terre, its worth considering you you plan to get around Cinque Terre, as hikes and ferry rides will take longer to explore than taking the train.

It is relatively easy to get around Cinque Terre with the train and ferries connecting the five villages. However, I have to say I really enjoyed hiking between the villages for the views and sense of adventure. The villages are best seen from a distance and the hiking routes privide these perfect vantage points for this. However I did love having the convenience of a train. It meant we could have dinner in on village and be back at our Airbnb in another village in 30 minutes or less. That being said, below a quick summary of the 4 options available.

Hiking in Cinque Terre

If you’re up for some physical activity, hiking in the Cinque Terre region is a fantastic way to take in the breathtaking landscapes. The blue trail as its known is the famosu coastal path which connects the five villages. The trails between in of the villages vary in difficulty, so there’s something for most people from casual walkers to seasoned hikers. Keep in mind that trail conditions can change, and some paths may be closed for maintenance, especially after heavy rains. It’s free to hike, but some trails require the Cinque Terre Card for access.

Cinque Terre Train

The local train service is the most convenient way to hop between the villages. Trains run frequently, about every 20 minutes or so, making it easy to explore multiple villages in a single day. For costs, a single journey ticket ranges from €4 to €5, depending on the distance. However, investing in the Cinque Terre Card is more economical if you plan to travel multiple times or hike. This card offers unlimited train travel between the villages and access to the hiking trails. A one-day pass for the train version of the Cinque Terre Card costs about €16, while a two-day pass is around €29. Prices are slightly lower for children and groups.

Car

While it’s possible to drive to Cinque Terre, it’s not recommended. The roads leading to the villages are narrow and winding, and parking is scarce and expensive. Plus, the villages themselves are largely car-free, meaning you’d have to park outside and walk or take a shuttle in anyway. Cinque Terre focuses on preserving its natural beauty and reducing traffic congestion by encouraging public transport and hiking.

Ferries

Ferries in Cinque Terre offer a scenic route between the villages, perfect for those looking to take in the coastline from the sea. The main ferry provider, Navigazione Golfo dei Poeti, runs frequent services in peak summer, connecting Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso. Corniglia unfortunately, does not have sea access. Prices for a single trip start around €7, but day passes are available for around €30, giving unlimited rides and a chance to hop between towns at your leisure. Check the latest schedule on their website, as times vary, but expect boats to run hourly.

Closest Airports to Cinque Terre in Italy

There is no International Airport in Cinque Terre directly, however Genoa and Pisa are the closest cities with international Airports to fly into.

Genoa’s Cristoforo Colombo Airport – Genoa to Cinque Terre

This is the closest to the action, about an hour and a half away by car. It’s ideal for those looking to dive straight into the Italian Riviera without the long transit times. The drive from Genoa to Cinque Terre is as picturesque as it gets, with stunning views of the Ligurian Sea to greet you.

Cinque Terre from Pisa Airport

The next convenient option is to arrive into Cinque Terre from Pisa Airport, and this is the option we chose. With a plethora of flights and just a two-hour train ride separating you from the colorful towns of Cinque Terre. It’s perfect for if you are looking to weave a little train adventure into their travel plans, offering a glimpse of the Tuscan countryside along the way. We in fact decided to fly in the night before, and explore Pisa in the morning before catching our train to Cinque Terre from Pisa.

Is Two to Three Days in Cinque Terre enough?

If you ask me, having been to Cinque Terre I would say 2 days in Cinque Terre is enough to cover the bare essential places, but if you really want to enjoy your vacation, I would opt for 3-4 days in Cinque Terre. This will allow you time to really visit each of the villages, so some amazing hikes, explore a vineyard or two and relax at the beach. Given the amount of towns to see and activities to do, 2 days in Cinque Terre may make trip a little rushed and will require cutting some some of the acitivities or skipping some of the towns, netiher of which I recommend because each place is unique and worth a visit!

Below is a day by day itiernary / guide on how many days to spend in Cinque Terre, based on our own time there over 4 days. You can adjust the itinerary based on which villages you want to skip or further explore.

Day 1: Arrive into Levanto

First day, we arrived into Levanto, where our first Airbnb was located and settled in. After unpacking, we headed to the local beach and market for some famous focaccia with a view. The bustling market had the lingering smell of dreshly baked bread and we made the most of it, sampling out all the different flavours of focaccia in the local market. After a short post lunch break, we ventured to do the shortest of all the walks (50 mins) between the villages which is between Manarola and Riomaggiore, also known as ‘Love’s Lane’. However it turned out that this path was closed, and resulted in us taking an unconventional and steep detour through the vineyards (which I don’t recommend), to finally arrive in Manaola for dinner!

Day 2: Levanto to Monterosso Hike

Day 2, we kicked off the day with a morning hike from Levanto to Monterosso (to avoid the midday sun!). After the hiking experience, this day was all about soaking up the sun at the iconic Monterosso beach. However, my favourite part was wandering through the old town sampling some iced lemonade and local gelato shops!

Day 2: Hike Monterosso to Vernazza

Late afternoon post lunch (and gelato!), we ventured to hike teh Monterosso to Vernazza part of the Blue Trail. This is honestly one of the most beautiful and scenic trails, so if you do just one, I highly recommend this one! If you’re like me and looking to capture those iconic views of Vernazza’s natural harbor and colorful marina, then these can be found at towards the end of your hike to Vernazza as the route makes way down to the village, provding a stunning vantage point for views of the coastline.

We had heard Vernazza was an excellent place for wine tastings, so after wandering to a places offering tastings in the area, we decided to do a local wine tasting at Cinque Sensi – a charming little wine bar and restaurant. Vernazza for the evening was the sunset views, we decided to stop by and grab some pesto to go at a locally recomended spot Pippo A Vernazza, before heading to a viewpoint for sunset views from a short path just s short distance from the main street in Vernazza.

Day 3: Riomaggiorre

The next day, we leisurely strolled the quaint Corniglia after breakfast. In the afternoon we hiked what was propbably the most beautiful of all the paths in Cinque Terre to Riomaggiore. We were greeted by the iconic pastel buildings and dramatic cliffs. We spent the rest of day meandering through the streets, capturing postcard-perfect shots, and enjoying a refreshing swim in the clear waters. Climbing to the top of the village, I was rewarded with magical, panoramic views, making it clear why Riomaggiore is often dubbed the most photogenic of the Cinque Terre villages.

Day 4: Levanto to Liquria

Day 4 we decided to hire some bikes and cycle over to the smaller town of Liquria for a half day trip. Liquria is accessible via a short coastal cyclying route from Levanto and definitely feels more local and off the beaten path. Here spent some time at the beach before heading back to Manarola in the late afternoon for our final evening in Cinque Terre.

Nessun Dorma viewpoint

This time we opted to get sunset views from the iconic viewpoint near the famous Nessun Dorma restaurant. This place is truely magical at sunset, with a buzzing atmosphere and breathaking views. I would highly recomend booking dinner here in advance or trying their walk-in option if its not too busy!

Hiking between the Cinque Terre Villages

Unlike the Amalfi Coast, I found that Cinque Terre has a lot more options for hikes, especially short 1-2 hour coastal hikes which you can easily fit into a day itinerary. Before setting out on any of the hikes, make sure you have purchased your Cinque Terre Pass. This pass is used to access all the hikes between the five Cinque Terre villages on the Blue Trail. Also check the latest park website notice on which paths are open. Often rail or erosion can cause paths to close at different times of the year, so best to check this in advance.

Cinque Terre Hikes

These are the most well known hikes in Cinque Terre –

Monterosso to Vernazza: Expect to spend about 2 hours on the trail. The hike is a bit challenging with some steep sections, but the views are worth it.

Vernazza to Corniglia: Plan for about 1.5 hours. This part of the trail offers a mix of climbs and easy walks, with plenty of scenic spots.

Corniglia to Manarola: Allocate around 2.5 hour. This segment is generally easier, with flatter sections and stunning vineyard views.

Manarola to Riomaggiore: Takes about 1.5 hours. Known as the Via dell’Amore, it is currently closed for repairs, but once reopened, it is one of the most iconic and easiest stretches.

Cinque Terre Hiking Tips

Hikes can easily be done in Cinque Terre on your won without any guided tours, just make sure to download the route map. I personally use All Trails app for this.
Before you start your hikes in Cinque Terre, check if you need a Cinque Terre Pass for access to certain trails. This pass also includes unlimited train travel between the villages, making it handy for return trips or skipping sections. For more details see below.
Cinque Terre hikes are best done in the morning or later afternoon. Beat the heat and the crowds by starting your hike early in the morning. This is especially crucial in summer when temperatures soar.
Good hiking shoes are a must. The trails can be rocky and uneven, so proper footwear will help prevent slips and falls.
Bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months. While there are refill stations in each village, options are limited on the trails themselves.
Trails vary in difficulty. The path from Monterosso to Vernazza and onwards to Corniglia offers some steep sections and is challenging for those not used to hiking. Consider your fitness level and how much time you have when planning which sections to hike.
Check for trail closures before you go. Some paths, especially the Via dell’Amore between Riomaggiore and Manarola, may be closed due to maintenance or weather conditions.
When planning out how many days to spend in Cinque Terre, I recommend factoring in an extra day or two just for hiking if you are planning on doing at least 2 to 3 hikes between the villages.

Cinque Terre Pass

I highly recommend the Cinque Terre Pass once you get to Cinque Terre. This handy pass is worth purchasing online at the official website, and it’s a game-changer for navigating the area. Prices vary depending on what you’re after – a basic hiking pass starts at around €7.50, while a combo train and trails pass, which includes unlimited train rides between the villages and access to all trails, is about €18.20 for one day. Getting this on the day we arrived saved us time from having to buy separate train tickets and hiking passes for our full trip, and also saved us money.

Before deciding whether or not to get the Cinque Terre pass, its worth planning out how many days you plan to spend in Cinque Terre and how much commuting between the villages you will be doing.

Where to stay in Cinque Terre

Each option has its unique charm. We overlooked how far in advance we needed to book accommodation here. Hence we ended up booking a Airbnb in Corniglia. Although its further out from the other villages, it was always nice to be roaming in the main towns then come back to a quiter more relaxed village to sleep at night. Nonetheless, below is a summary of the the pros and cons of staying at each of the 5 villages based on my own travel research:

Riomaggiore is great for night owls, with plenty of bars and a lively scene.
Manarola boasts some killer sunset spots and the great spot in the main harbour for a dip in the water. Its perfect for those looking to capture insta worthy shots.
Corniglia stands out for being the quietest, offering a break from the crowds. Nonetheless, it’s up on a hill, so the views are top-notch.
Vernazza has that classic harbor look, ideal for water lovers, ideal if you want to enjoy a good meal by the sea.
Monterosso offers the best beaches, making it a hit if you’re looking to soak up some sun. I found Monterosso has bigger feel and more accommodation options.
Levanto is much lesser known and not officially one of the 5 cinque Terre towns. However, its well connected to the other towns via the Cinque Terre train. It has a smaller, more local feel and can be somewhat cheaper to stay in.

For booking, I recommend Airbnb or Booking.com.

Overall, I found of all the towns, Riomaggiora, Manarola and Vernazza had less accommodation options available, compared to Corniglia and Monterosso. Corniglia is overall a little quieter than the other towns, whereas Monterosso is a lot larger hence has much more accommodation options available. I would recommend booking accommodation as early as possible for Cinque Terre as popular places get booked up fast! We ended up staying the Levanto – the town furtherest up past Monterosso in Cinque Terre.

Finally I hope the above has helped you decide how many days to spend in Cinque Terre! For more Italy travel guides check out our posts.