If you are considering a Cinque Terre day trip, these five colorful cliffside villages are one of the dreamiest spots in Italy. With ocean views, charming streets, and incredible seafood, it’s easy to see why people fall in love with this place.

I visited in August 2024 with my friend Cheryl, and we had an amazing time. It was hot and crowded, but still totally worth it. If a day trip is all you have time for, don’t skip it! But if you can stay the night, even better.

We based ourselves in Riomaggiore and loved it. The views, the vibe, the location made it all perfect. If you have more time than one day, I put together a full 3-day Cinque Terre itinerary to help you see it all without feeling rushed.

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Where Is Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is located along the rugged coastline of the Ligurian Sea in northwest Italy. It’s tucked between the larger cities of La Spezia and Genoa and is part of the Italian Riviera.

If you’re coming from Genoa or Pisa, you can easily reach it by train in just a few hours. Despite its remote vibe, it’s surprisingly accessible, making it a dream spot for a coastal escape.

How To Get To Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre may feel like a tucked-away gem, but it’s surprisingly easy to reach from several major cities in Italy. Getting to Cinque Terre is easiest by train.

The five villages are connected by a regional train line, and nearby cities make great jumping-off points.

Below are a few of the most common routes for a Cinque Terre day trip:

From Florence

Many people take a day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence, but honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it. It takes about 3 hours each way. That’s a long day of travel for such a beautiful place with so much to see.

If you’re coming from Florence, consider staying at least one night in one of the towns. You’ll thank yourself later.

Looking to save some money? Stay in nearby La Spezia instead. It’s just outside Cinque Terre, hotel prices are cheaper, and the train into the park is quick and easy.

From Pisa

Only about an hour away, Pisa is a much more doable base for a day trip. You can squeeze in a solid visit without spending half your time on a train.

From Lucca

Located in Tuscany like Florence and Pisa, Lucca is about 1.5 to 2 hours away by train. It’s a quiet, charming place with medieval walls you can bike on. It is perfect if you want to pair Cinque Terre with a slower-paced stay.

From Genoa (Genova)

Genova is a great option if you’re coming from northern Italy. It’s about 1.5 hours by train, and you’ll pass through beautiful coastal scenery on your way.

Genoa also has its own charm, with a historic port, old town, and Europe’s largest aquarium.

Can Cinque Terre Be Done In One Day?

Yes, a Cinque Terre day trip is totally possible, but you won’t be able to see all five villages without feeling rushed. Trying to squeeze them all in will leave you tired, sweaty, and probably a little cranky (especially in the summer heat).

If you’re short on time or just want a taste of the magic, a day trip can still be worth it. You’ll get beautiful views, charming streets, and even a dip in the sea.

Whether you’re trying to stick to a budget or only have one day to spare, the following itinerary is (in my opinion) the best way to spend your time in Cinque Terre.

You May Also Like: How To Spend 3 Days In Cinque Terre: Best Way To See All 5 Towns

Cinque Terre Card

If you’re planning a Cinque Terre day trip, this pass is super handy. It gives you access to the trails, the local trains, or both depending on which one you choose.

There are two types of cards:

• Cinque Terre Trekking Card – for hiking only.
• Cinque Terre Treno MS Card – includes train travel AND trail access.

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices of the Cinque Terre Card depend on the season and type of card. Here’s a general idea for one day:

Train + Trekking Card

• Adults (ages 12+): €19.50 – €32.50
• Children (ages 4–11): €12.50 – €21
• Family card (2 adults + 2 kids): €49 – €84

Trekking Card Only

• Adults: €7.50 – €15
• Children: €4.50 – €9
• Family card: €19.60 – €39.20

Where To Buy It

You can buy your Cinque Terre Card online (super easy), or at train stations and park info points once you arrive.

Pro Tip: If you’re traveling with kids, the family card is a great deal and keeps things simple!

Helpful Tips For Visiting Cinque Terre

A few important things to know before you go:

• Ferries are a fun, scenic way to get around. A day pass costs €41 for adults and €15 for kids (ages 6–11). One-way tickets start at €10 and are great for catching sunset views from the water. Please note: the ferry takes longer than the train and you can’t access Corniglia by ferry either.

• Trains are almost always delayed. It’s just part of the Cinque Terre experience. Give yourself a buffer if you’re trying to catch a reservation or make a connection.

• Via dell’Amore isn’t free. Even with a Trekking or Treno Card, you’ll need to pay an extra €10 to walk this famous trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola.

• Buying single train tickets? The price is the same no matter which town you’re headed to. Adults pay €5–€10, and kids (ages 4–11) pay €2.50–€5, depending on the season. Don’t forget to validate your ticket at the machine before hopping on the train!

• Planning to hike? Be sure to check which trails are open before you go. Some close due to weather or maintenance. Also, some trails may have one-way restrictions, so knowing the route ahead of time is smart.

Cinque Terre Day Trip Itinerary

Now onto the good stuff!

In this Cinque Terre day trip itinerary, I’ll be focusing on just three of the five villages. These are the ones I believe offer the best mix of views, vibes, and experiences, especially if you’re short on time.

While each town has its own charm, these three really stand out and give you a well-rounded taste of what makes Cinque Terre so magical.

Wander The Streets Of Vernazza

Hop off the train in Vernazza, your first stop of the day. This small and popular village in Cinque Terre can feel extra crowded by mid-day. That’s why arriving early is key. You’ll be able to take in the beauty before the majority of the other tourists arrive.

From the train station, stroll straight down the main road toward the harbor. You’ll be greeted by a postcard-perfect view of colorful buildings stacked along the cliffs.

I especially loved the soft pastels with pops of green. It’s a stunning mix that gives Vernazza its charm.

Take your time wandering, snap some photos, and soak up the laid-back vibe before heading to your next stop.

Hike To Monterosso

A Cinque Terre day trip wouldn’t be complete without at least one hike, and the trail from Vernazza to Monterosso is one of the best.

To get started, head toward the back of Vernazza. Follow the signs marked “Monterosso” near the viewpoint above the harbor. You’ll wind through some narrow alleys and climb a few staircases before reaching the trailhead.

Once you’re on the path, take your time. This 3.5-kilometer hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos (trust me, you’ll want to stop a lot).

One of the most iconic viewpoints of Vernazza is just a short way into the trail. It’s worth pausing for that perfect photo.

Pro Tip: Always check if the trail is open before you go. Weather or maintenance can lead to closures, and sometimes there are restrictions on which direction you can hike.

Lunch In Monterosso At Ristorante Il Gabbiano

After your hike, it’s time to reward yourself with lunch, and Ristorante Il Gabbiano is the perfect spot. Located right by the beach, you can grab an outdoor table, rest your legs, and enjoy some top-tier people-watching as beachgoers stroll past.

This was one of the best meals we had during our time in Cinque Terre. We both ordered fresh seafood pasta, one with a mix of local shellfish, the other with shrimp. Both were packed with flavor and perfectly cooked. The sea breeze and coastal views didn’t hurt either.

If you’re hungry and craving something memorable, this place won’t disappoint.

Cool Off At The Beach In Monterosso

After lunch, it’s time to slow down and soak up the sun. Monterosso is the only village in Cinque Terre with a long stretch of sandy beach, making it the perfect spot to unwind on your day trip.

You can rent a beach chair and umbrella for a more comfortable setup. Prices typically range from €25–€40 for two chairs and an umbrella, depending on the time of year and location.

We rented ours from Hotel Baia, and while they weren’t the famous orange-and-green striped ones, they did the job just fine.

Want to save money? No problem. There are public beach sections where you can simply lay out a towel and enjoy the same beautiful views and refreshing sea water. See the above picture on the left.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking at the sea, the beach to the right has softer sand, while the beach to the left is rockier but has better photo ops.

This includes the iconic rock formation just offshore. Choose your side depending on what matters most, comfort or the perfect Instagram shot!

Take The Train To Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is the perfect place to wrap up your Cinque Terre day trip. It was my favorite town in Cinque Terre.

Hop on the train from Monterosso and in just a few minutes you’ll arrive in one of the most photogenic towns in the region.

Once you’re there, take some time to wander the narrow alleyways, colorful buildings, and steep staircases.

Most visitors head through the tunnel from the train station toward the marina, but if you veer straight ahead instead, you’ll find a scenic walking path along the cliffs with beautiful views of the Ligurian Sea.

Need a snack? Grab a deep-fried seafood cone or one of the cheesy arancini balls. We found some tasty options at Costeve Friggitoria right on the main street. Perfect fuel for more exploring.

Eat Dinner At Osteria La Torpedine

Tucked away from the main crowds, Osteria La Torpedine is a small gem in Riomaggiore that’s well worth the climb. Be prepared to tackle a few staircases to reach it! Once you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with a quiet, cozy atmosphere and seriously tasty food.

The menu is full of fresh, flavorful options, and the service is warm and welcoming. It’s a great way to end your Cinque Terre day trip on a high note, away from the buzz, but still surrounded by charm.

Be sure to make a reservation if you’re visiting during peak season, as this hidden spot fills up quickly!

Watch The Sunset From The Marina

If you’re ending your Cinque Terre day trip in Riomaggiore, the marina is the perfect place to unwind. It’s one of the best spots to catch the sunset, with the colorful buildings lighting up in golden hour glow.

Just a heads-up, this area gets busy in the evening, especially in peak season.

Alternative Option: Riomaggiore is the best town to join a sunset boat tour. We had one booked with Get Away Boat Tour and were so excited to see the coastline from a different perspective. Sadly, a thunderstorm rolled in and we had to cancel. They were incredibly kind and offered to rebook us the next day, but we were already moving on.

Note: If you decide to go on a boat tour, make sure the tour timing works with your train schedule. A sunset on the sea is a dreamy way to wrap up your Cinque Terre adventure.

What About Corniglia and Manarola?

I know! There are five towns in Cinque Terre, and we’ve only covered three in this itinerary. So what about Corniglia and Manarola?

Corniglia

Corniglia is often skipped during a Cinque Terre day trip, mostly because it’s the trickiest to get to. It’s the only village not directly on the sea, and you’ll have to climb quite a few steps (or wait for the shuttle) to reach the town from the train station.

But here’s the upside: it’s also the least crowded and has the most authentic local feel.

If you’re after peaceful streets and stunning views, Corniglia is a gem.

Watching the sunset down at Marina di Corniglia is an underrated highlight of any visit.

Manarola

Manarola is one of the most photographed towns in the region and for good reason. Colorful buildings stacked on the cliffs, charming streets, and the iconic harbor view make it a favorite amongst many.

If you want to do the pesto experience at Nessun Dorma (and yes, I highly recommend it), you can easily adjust your itinerary to include it. Just be sure to plan around the class times, either 10:30am or 1:30pm, and make a reservation in advance because it fills up fast.

If you’ve got more time or want to swap one town for another, both Corniglia and Manarola are fantastic options to include in your Cinque Terre day trip.