A Realistic and Relaxing 3-Day Cinque Terre Itinerary
If you are looking for that perfect blend of pastel-colored houses, salty sea air, relaxed paces, and views that look like they belong on a vintage postcard, then a trip to Cinque Terre is exactly what you need. We have spent a month exploring this beautiful stretch of the Italian Riviera, and while we’ve traveled to many parts of Italy, this area remains one of our favorites. Whether you are walking along the pebble beaches or hopping between villages on the local train, Cinque Terre offers a relaxed energy and beauty that’s hard to find anywhere else in Europe. In this three-day Cinque Terre itinerary, we’ll cover the highlights of what makes these five villages so special in a relaxed, yet efficient way that works even in peak travel season.
For travelers like us who want to maximize every minute of their limited vacation days, three full days is just enough time to see the highlights of all five villages without feeling like you are constantly in a rush. We aren't really the type to spend hours inside a museum or on a guided walking tour. We'd much rather dive into an indulgent seafood lunch, wander through a lemon grove, or find the best spot for a sunset boat tour. This itinerary is designed to help you see the very best of Cinque Terre in just a few days.
Day One: Relaxing in Monterosso al Mare
After what’s often quite a journey of planes and trains to reach the Cinque Terre area, we’re going to start off this itinerary with a relaxing beach day in Monterosso. There’s a different vibe to this town compared to the others. Along with being the flattest in the area, it feels more like a resort town with its long, sandy beaches and wide boardwalks than a quaint fishing village. It’s still small and charming, but more relaxed and beachy.
Start your first morning at Fegina Beach. This is the newer part of town, and it is famous for its iconic orange-and-green-striped umbrellas. We suggest grabbing a chair early in the morning. There is something incredibly peaceful about sitting under one of those umbrellas with a book while the waves crash in front of you. You can book your beach chairs and umbrella in advance from Stella Marina Beach Bar here!
After you have had your fill of the sun and sea for the day, take a short walk over to the Old Town for a fresh seafood lunch. We always look for places that prioritize quality ingredients over a fancy facade. The local anchovies are a specialty here, and even if you think you don't like them, you should try them fried or marinated in lemon! They are nothing like the sardines in the sad little cans back home.
In the afternoon, head toward Buranco Vineyards. This is a bit of a hidden gem located just a short walk from the center of town. You can do a wine and olive oil tasting right in the middle of a lemon grove. We love these kinds of cozy, traditional spots that feel like you’re really getting to know the area. Walking through the trees with a glass of local wine in hand is one of those moments where you truly feel like you’ve arrived in Italy!
Finish your first day with a sunset dinner at L’ancora della Tortuga. This restaurant is literally built into the cliffs, offering some of the most dramatic views of the coastline. You definitely want to make a reservation in advance to ensure you get a table by the window or on the small terrace! Watching the sky change colors over the Mediterranean is a memory that will stick with you long after you go home.
Cinque Terre Travel Guide
While just as dreamy as a movie setting, this destination is sure to blow you away. This guide is dedicated to the best things to do, see, and experience in Cinque Terre, Italy!
Day Two: The Charm of Vernazza, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore
On day two, it’s time to see more of the variety between the villages! The best way to get around is the Cinque Terre Express train. It is fast and efficient, which is exactly what you need when you are trying to see three different towns in one day. This train runs to and through all of the towns, regardless of where you’re staying.
Start your morning by taking the train to Vernazza. Many people consider this the most beautiful village because of its natural harbor. We suggest grabbing a coffee at one of the small cafes right by the water. Watching the local fishermen bring in their boats while you sip a cappuccino is a great way to orient yourself and start the morning off in a more relaxed way after what’s sometimes a harried experience on the train in high season. Take some time to wander through the narrow "carruggi" or side streets that lead away from the harbor. You will find small boutiques and locals hanging their laundry, which gives you a glimpse into real life here.
Next, hop back on the train for a quick ride to Corniglia. This is the only village that isn't directly on the water. Instead, it sits high on a cliff, which means you have a choice to make regarding how to reach the town! You can either climb the Lardarina, a brick staircase with nearly 400 steps, or you can take the shuttle bus from the station to the town center. We’ve done both options and honestly can’t decide which is better or worse. For the 400-step hike, you’ll get in a workout for sure, but you’ll also be treated to incredible views. Taking the shuttle means saving your legs (and lungs) from the climb, but it also means waiting for the next bus that’s often packed tightly with tourists who often smell…well, less than fresh.
Once you are in town, grab a light lunch of pasta or focaccia at any of the cute, local cafes, then treat yourself to a lemon basil gelato at Alberto. It might sound like an unusual combination, but the freshness of the basil against the tartness of the local lemons is incredible! It’s honestly our favorite, most refreshing flavor combination we’ve tried as far as gelato goes. Corniglia feels quieter than the other towns, and we love the peaceful atmosphere here.
Finish your second day in Riomaggiore. This is the southernmost village and is famous for its iconic, colorful houses that seem to stack on top of each other. Walk down to the harbor and find a spot on the rocks to watch the sunset. To end the evening, head to Osteria La Torpedine for dinner. We highly recommend calling the restaurant on WhatsApp (+39 0187 920692) to make dinner reservations well in advance, as this is a popular spot - for good reason!
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Day Three: Pesto and the Path of Love
On your final day, you will head to Manarola. This relaxing little fishing village is so charming, but you’ll want to get there before the crowds do in the peak afternoon. Fun fact - this is the area (the Liguria region) that invented Pesto! Get a later start to your morning with a pesto-making class at Nessun Dorma. You get to use a traditional mortar and pestle to grind the basil, garlic, and pine nuts while overlooking the ocean. It’s an experience-based way to learn about the local culture, and honestly, the pesto you make yourself will taste remarkably better than anything you can buy in a store. Plus, the view from their terrace is among the best in the region!
After lunch, take advantage of the newly reopened Via dell’Amore. This "Path of Love" connects Manarola and Riomaggiore and is completely flat, which is a rare find in this part of Italy. It had been closed for years due to landslides, so being able to walk it now is a treat. It’s a scenic, easy stroll that lets you appreciate the coastline from a different perspective.
Once back in Riomaggiore, explore the town for the rest of the afternoon, perhaps picking up some local honey or a bottle of Sciacchetrà, the local sweet wine. From here, you can take a boat tour for a whole new perspective of Cinque Terre. It’s one of our favorite travel memories of all time! Seeing all five villages from the water is truly the best view in the region and will be the perfect way to wrap up a wonderful trip. When the sun goes down, and the lights of the towns begin to twinkle against the dark cliffs, it is the most beautiful way to say goodbye to this beautiful area.