Curator’s statement
Cinque Terre has been blowing up on social media as the next big Italian travel destination, and for good reason. This collection of five charming coastal towns has everything you need for a memorable trip: beautiful scenery, rich culture, delicious food, and abundant activities. I recommend setting your base in Monterosso, the largest of the five towns, and exploring from there.
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Things to do in Cinque Terre
Exploring the towns:
The five towns of Cinque Terre are all connected by hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the coastline along the way. I would personally recommend the section between Monterosso and Vernazza. There is a Cinque Terre Trekking card you must purchase before hiking that supports the National Park and maintaining the trails.
Another great option is to see the towns from the water through one of the many boat tours in the area. We opted for a sunset boat tour, which included a stop at a snorkeling spot as well an unlimited drinks and appetizers.
The five towns are also connected by a train that runs along the coastline. This makes it super easy to hop over to another town for drinks or dinner. Just be careful at the train station, because not every train passing through this area will stop at every town.
Finally, I would recommend relaxing after all this exploring at the beautiful Monterosso beach. The iconic orange and green umbrellas are the perfect compliment to the clear blue waters. Two beach chairs and an umbrella for the day will cost you about 30 Euros for the day.
Places to Eat & Drink in Cinque Terre
Il Massimo della Focaccia
some of the best focaccia I've ever tasted, served right outside the Monterosso train station, and right off the beach for a convenient and easy lunch.
San Martino Gastronomica
Incredible seafood and pasta in a charming spot in old town Monterosso.
Miky
An upscale experience while maintaining local flavors, Miky is the perfect spot for a special occasion.
Il Porticciolo
Delicious seafood and pizza on the charming Main Street of Manarola.
Gianni Franzi
Perfect spot for cocktails and appetizers overlooking the sea in Vernazza.
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Travel Advisor
Cat Mayhew
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Fora's guide, Exploring Italy: 3 Days in Cinque Terre.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Cinque Terre.