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2-Day Cinque Terre Unexplored Retreat for Couples: Nightlife & Nature

Cinque Terre, Italy

2 days

Vernazza village
The harbor with colorful houses and the boats in Porto Venero Liguria
Hiking path in the vineyard in Manarola Liguria
Monterosso al Mare beach
Vernazza panorama

About Cinque Terre, Italy

Experience the enchanting allure of Cinque Terre, Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This picturesque destination is a collection of five centuries-old seaside villages perched on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. Explore the vibrant houses and vineyards clinging to steep terraces, harbors filled with fishing boats, and delicious seafood specialties. Traverse the Sentiero Azzurro cliffside hiking trail, connecting the villages, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visit the Gothic-style church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia in Vernazza or the iconic colorful houses in Riomaggiore. Savor the local white wine, Sciacchetrà, and the famous Pesto alla Genovese. Cinque Terre, with its timeless charm, offers an unforgettable Italian Riviera experience.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring Monterosso and Vernazza

Morning

Start your day with a scenic hike from Monterosso to Vernazza. This trail offers breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding vineyards. It's a bit challenging, but the scenery is worth it.

Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Vernazza. Opt for a local trattoria and try some of the region's famous seafood dishes, such as anchovies, mussels, and octopus.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the charming town of Vernazza. Visit the Doria Castle, the Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church, and the colorful houses lining the harbor.

Dinner

Have a romantic dinner in one of the many restaurants overlooking the sea. Try the local wine, Cinque Terre DOC, paired with a traditional Ligurian dish.

Evening

End your day with a moonlit stroll along the harbor, or join the locals for a lively night out in one of the town's bars.

Morning

Take a Boat tour from Vernazza to Riomaggiore. This is a great way to see all five villages of Cinque Terre from the sea.

Lunch

Have lunch in Riomaggiore. Try the local specialty, pesto alla genovese, in a cozy trattoria.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring Riomaggiore. Visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista, take a dip in the sea, or simply relax and enjoy the view.

Dinner

Enjoy a romantic dinner in Riomaggiore. Opt for a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea and try some of the local seafood dishes.

Evening

End your day with a relaxing walk along the Via dell'Amore, a famous path that offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding cliffs.

Attractions in Itinerary (5)

Doria Castle

1
Doria Castle

A medieval castle offering panoramic views of the sea and the village.

Monuments
Attractions
Landmarks
Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church

2
Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church

A 14th-century church located on a rock at the edge of the sea.

Religious Sites
Architecture
Cultural Experiences
Boat tour from Vernazza to Riomaggiore

3
Boat tour from Vernazza to Riomaggiore

A boat tour offering breathtaking views of the Cinque Terre coastline.

Tours
Cultural Experiences
Church of San Giovanni Battista

4
Church of San Giovanni Battista

A 14th-century church known for its beautiful gothic facade.

Religious Sites
Architecture
Cultural Experiences
Via dell'Amore

5
Via dell'Amore

A famous walking trail connecting Manarola and Riomaggiore, known as Lovers' Lane.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Landmarks

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Pesto alla Genovese

Pesto alla Genovese

A popular sauce in Cinque Terre made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It's usually served with pasta.

Focaccia di Recco

Focaccia di Recco

A thin, crispy bread filled with creamy cheese. It's a popular snack or appetizer in Cinque Terre.

Acciughe al limone

Acciughe al limone

A traditional dish in Cinque Terre consisting of fresh anchovies marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs.

Farinata

Farinata

A savory pancake made from chickpea flour. It's a popular street food in Cinque Terre.

Torta di riso

A sweet rice cake that's a traditional dessert in Cinque Terre.

Sciacchetrà

A sweet dessert wine made from dried grapes. It's a specialty of Cinque Terre.

Mesciua

A hearty soup made from chickpeas, beans, and wheat. It's a traditional dish in Cinque Terre.

Panigacci

A type of flatbread that's typically served with cheese, cold cuts, or pesto. It's a popular food in Cinque Terre.

Tagliatelle al pesto

A pasta dish served with the traditional Pesto alla Genovese. It's a staple in Cinque Terre cuisine.

Vermentino

Vermentino

A white wine that's produced in the Cinque Terre region. It's often served with seafood dishes.

Ricciarelli

Ricciarelli

Almond-based cookies that are a popular sweet treat in Cinque Terre.

Bruschetta al pomodoro

A simple yet delicious appetizer consisting of grilled bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. It's a common starter in Cinque Terre.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Cinque Terre, Italy, is typically from late April to early October. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and sightseeing. However, if you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October. These periods offer a balance of good weather and fewer tourists. Keep in mind that Cinque Terre can be quite crowded in the peak summer months of July and August.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 6

Sat

Epiphany

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

April 25

Thu

Liberation Day

May 1

Wed

Labor Day / May Day

June 2

Sun

Republic Day

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day

December 8

Sun

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

St. Stephen's Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

The Cinque Terre Express is a dedicated train service that connects all five villages. It's the fastest and most convenient way to travel between the villages, with trains running approximately every 15-30 minutes during the peak season.

Ferries operate between the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Corniglia is not accessible by sea due to its high position on a cliff. The ferry offers a unique perspective of the Cinque Terre from the sea.

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Cinque Terre is by hiking the trails that connect the five villages. The most famous trail is the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path), which offers stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding vineyards.

Each of the five villages in Cinque Terre has a local bus service that connects the train station with the upper parts of the towns. These buses are particularly useful for reaching accommodations that are located high up in the hills.

While cars are not recommended for getting around within Cinque Terre due to the narrow, winding roads and lack of parking, they can be useful for reaching the area from other parts of Italy. Once you arrive, you can park your car and use other forms of transport to get around.

Ridesharing services like Uber are not commonly used in Cinque Terre due to the small size of the villages and the availability of public transportation. However, they may be available in larger nearby cities like La Spezia or Genoa.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 112, 118; Fire: 112, 115; Police: 112, 113;

Drinking waterYes, but some opt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type FPower socket type L

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Cinque Terre, Italy as a first time visitor

1

Cinque Terre is a car-free zone, so you'll need to rely on trains, boats, or your own two feet to get around.

2

The best time to visit Cinque Terre is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.

3

The region is known for its steep, hilly terrain, so be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes.

4

Cinque Terre is part of a national park, and you'll need to purchase a Cinque Terre Card to access the hiking trails.

5

The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the sea, with dishes featuring fresh fish and seafood. Don't miss trying the local specialty, anchovies.

6

The region is also known for its white wine, particularly the Sciacchetrà dessert wine.

7

Cinque Terre is made up of five villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each has its own unique charm.

8

The local language is Italian, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

9

The local currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases.

10

The region is generally safe, but as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

11

The weather can be unpredictable, especially in the shoulder seasons. Be prepared for sudden rain showers.

12

The region can get quite hot in the summer, with temperatures often reaching 86°F (30°C).

13

The local time zone is Central European Time (CET), which is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).

14

Public restrooms can be hard to find, and many charge a small fee. It's a good idea to carry some coins with you.

15

The region is not very wheelchair-friendly due to its hilly terrain and narrow, cobblestone streets.

16

Many businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon for siesta, typically between 1pm and 4pm.

17

Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, but it's customary to leave a small tip for good service.

18

The region has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.

19

The local tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available if you prefer.

20

The region is known for its beautiful sunsets. Be sure to find a good spot to watch the sun go down at least once during your visit.

Basic Italian to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Ciao

chow

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Arrivederci

ah-ree-veh-der-chee

Leaving someone

Please

Per favore

pehr fah-voh-reh

Asking for something

Thank you

Grazie

graht-see-eh

Showing appreciation

Yes

Sì

see

Agreeing with someone

No

No

no

Disagreeing with someone

Excuse me

Mi scusi

mee skoo-zee

Getting someone's attention

I'm sorry

Mi dispiace

mee dee-spya-che

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Parli inglese?

par-lee in-gle-se

Trying to communicate

I don't understand

Non capisco

non ka-pee-sko

When you don't understand something

Where is...?

Dove si trova...?

doh-veh see troh-va

Asking for directions

Bathroom

Bagno

bah-nyo

Looking for a bathroom

Help

Aiuto

ah-yoo-toh

In case of emergency

Food

Cibo

chee-bo

Looking for a place to eat

Water

Acqua

ah-kwa

Asking for water

Beer

Birra

beer-ra

Ordering a beer

Wine

Vino

vee-no

Ordering wine

Check, please

Il conto, per favore

eel kohn-toh, pehr fah-voh-reh

Asking for the bill

How much does it cost?

Quanto costa?

kwan-toh kos-ta

Asking for the price

Train station

Stazione ferroviaria

stat-zee-oh-neh feh-roh-vee-ah-ree-ah

Looking for a train station

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Sleepwear

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Swimwear

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat

  • Light jacket or sweater

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • First-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers)

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport/ID

  • Flight tickets

  • Hotel booking confirmation

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Credit cards and cash

  • Guidebook or map

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Universal travel adapter

  • Portable power bank

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Umbrella

  • Travel-sized laundry detergent

  • Plastic bags for dirty clothes

Weather Conditions

Cinque Terre, Italy, is a beautiful destination known for its picturesque landscapes and mild Mediterranean climate. The weather here can greatly influence your travel experience, so it's important to plan accordingly. The warmest months in Cinque Terre are typically July and August, with average high temperatures reaching around 86°F (30°C). This is a great time for beach activities and swimming, but do remember to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen regularly as the sun can be quite strong. The cooler months, from November to February, see average high temperatures around 55°F (13°C). While it's not the best time for beach activities, it's a great time to explore the hiking trails and vineyards without the summer crowds. Do pack some warm clothing as temperatures can drop in the evenings. Spring (March to June) and fall (September and October) are considered the best times to visit Cinque Terre. The weather during these periods is usually mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). These seasons offer a balance of good weather and fewer tourists, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to pack a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella, as Cinque Terre can experience occasional rain showers throughout the year. Also, comfortable walking shoes are a must as the area is known for its steep and uneven paths. Lastly, keep an eye on the weather forecast during your visit. Cinque Terre is prone to occasional storms and heavy rainfall, which can lead to temporary closure of hiking trails for safety reasons. Enjoy your trip to Cinque Terre and make the most of the beautiful weather this Italian paradise has to offer!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

12° / 4°

January is the coldest month in Cinque Terre, with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 12°C. It's a quiet time to visit, but pack warm clothing.

February

13° / 4°

February is still chilly with temperatures similar to January. It's off-peak season, so it's less crowded.

March

14° / 6°

March sees a slight increase in temperature, ranging from 6°C to 14°C. The weather starts to warm up, but it's still relatively quiet.

April

17° / 9°

April is a pleasant time to visit with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 17°C. The weather is mild and the crowds start to increase.

May

21° / 13°

May is a great time to visit with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 21°C. The weather is warm and it's a popular time for hiking.

June

25° / 17°

June is the start of summer with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 25°C. It's a busy time with lots of sunshine.

July

28° / 20°

July is the hottest month with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C. It's a perfect time for beach activities and swimming.

August

28° / 20°

August is equally hot as July, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C. It's the peak tourist season, so expect crowds.

September

24° / 16°

September sees a slight drop in temperature, ranging from 16°C to 24°C. The weather is still warm and it's a great time for outdoor activities.

October

20° / 12°

October is a pleasant month with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C. The weather is cooler and the crowds start to decrease.

November

16° / 8°

November sees a further drop in temperature, ranging from 8°C to 16°C. The weather is cooler and it's off-peak season.

December

13° / 5°

December is a cool month with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 13°C. It's a quiet time to visit, but pack warm clothing.

Did you know?

Did you know that Cinque Terre, Italy is made up of five villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore?

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