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A Day Trip to Italy’s Cinque Terre
No trip to Northern Italy is complete without spending at least one beautiful day in Italy’s Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre is a region consisting of five colorful fishing villages in the province of Liguria. The Cinque Terre towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are spread across six miles of the rocky Italian Rivera. This area is a protected national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. 2.4 million people visit Cinque Terre each year. The area is a popular day trip and easily be reached from Florence or Pisa by train.
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Getting to Cinque Terre
Vehicle traffic in Cinque Terre is limited to residents. Visitors reach the villages by hiking, train, or ferry. A train connects each village. La Spezia and Levanto are the starting/endpoints of the train line. 2-3 trains run each hour. Tickets can be purchased from one village to the next or by day pass. Be sure to validate the ticket, they are checked and you will be fined. Be alert to the current politics, trains are often not running due to strikes. Consider purchasing a Cinque Terre card. The card includes walking paths, wifi, local shuttles, and toilets. There is also a version for unlimited train rides. One of the best ways to see the colorful hillside villages is from the water. There is a ferry available to transport from village to village by trip or day pass. It is possible to hike the Cinque Terre walking path in 6-8 hours. Sections of the path are often closed for repairs due to mudslides.
Top Day Trip Things to Do in Cinque Terre
Relax. Wander. Eat gelato. Enjoy the view. Drink local wine. Eat seafood. These are the best things to do for a successful Cinque Terre day trip.
Monterosso
Monterrosso has a great promenade and beach full of umbrella chairs for rent. This is the perfect village to relax and enjoy a gelato in the sun, go paddleboarding in the harbor, or kayak along the coastline. Jump on the train or hike the 2-hour path to Vernazza.
Vernazza
Vernazza is known as the pearl of the Cinque Terre. Hike Doria Castle and climb the tower for amazing views. Also, be sure to walk the 20-minute path to the north viewing point for amazing pictures of the colorful harbor.
Corniglia
Corniglia is the smallest village. It sits high on a hill and is reached by 365 steps from the train station (or by shuttle). Be sure to try Miele di Corniglia (honey-based gelato) while exploring the village.
Manarola
Manarola is a hillside village with the main street leading down to the fishing boat dock and beach. Relax and soak up the sun on a rock, try cliff jumping, or take a pesto-making class. This village is surrounded by terraced vineyards and is known for its wine. Go wine tasting and be sure to taste sciacchetra (sweet dessert wine) the specialty of the area.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore sits on a steep hill and has a harbor full of fishing boats. Take a pesto-making class and stop at Pie de Ma or Fuori Rotta for a glass of local wine with a view.
Be sure to check the Cinque Terre Italy Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
What to Eat While Visiting Cinque Terre
Pesto and Focaccia bread were both invented in Cinque Terre. Focaccia bread spread with pesto is a great mid-morning snack. Anchovies and fried calamari in a cone are also popular snacks along the coast. For a meal, eat seafood risotto or pansotti (ravioli in walnut sauce).
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