2-Day Family Retreat: Cinque Terre Sightseeing, Relaxation and Wine
Cinque Terre, Italy
2 days
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 2
Discovering Riomaggiore and Corniglia
Morning
Start your second day with a visit to Riomaggiore. Take a walk around the village, exploring its narrow streets and charming houses.
Lunch
Have lunch in Riomaggiore. Try some Ligurian specialties such as farinata, a chickpea pancake, and testaroli, a type of pasta served with pesto.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, take a boat to Corniglia. Unlike the other villages, Corniglia is not directly adjacent to the sea but is on top of a promontory. Enjoy the stunning views.
Dinner
Have dinner in Corniglia. Enjoy a meal of local dishes, accompanied by a glass of Vermentino, a white wine produced in the region.
Evening
End your day with a walk around Corniglia. The village, with its narrow streets and terraced vineyards, is particularly beautiful in the evening light.
Attractions in Itinerary (5)
1Vernazza
Vernazza is one of the five towns that make up the Cinque Terre region. It's known for its colorful buildings and stunning harbor.
2Manarola
One of the five villages of Cinque Terre, known for its colorful houses and vineyards. It's also the oldest of the five villages.
3Riomaggiore
The largest of the five villages of Cinque Terre, famous for its wine and the Via dell'Amore (Lovers' Lane) walking trail.
4Corniglia
Corniglia is the middle village of Cinque Terre, perched on a 100m high cliff, offering stunning views. It is the only village without a seaport and is characterized by narrow roads and colorful houses.
5Monterosso to Vernazza trail
A beautiful hiking trail connecting the towns of Monterosso and Vernazza, offering stunning views of the coastline.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
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
A thin, crispy bread filled with creamy cheese. It's a popular snack or appetizer in Cinque Terre.
Acciughe al limone
A traditional dish in Cinque Terre consisting of fresh anchovies marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs.
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.
SciacchetrÃ
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
A white wine that's produced in the Cinque Terre region. It's often served with seafood dishes.
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.
| Date | Day | Holiday 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 |
How to get around
Train
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.
Ferry
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.
Hiking
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.
Bus
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.
Car
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
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.
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
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
Swimsuit
Hat
Sunglasses
Light jacket or sweater
Toiletries
Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner
Travel-sized body wash
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Razor
Makeup and makeup remover
Sunscreen
Hand sanitizer
Prescription medications
First aid kit
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or ID card
Credit and debit cards
Cash and coins
Travel insurance documents
Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations
Emergency contacts and important addresses
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Adapter plug
Camera
Charger for camera
Headphones
Miscellaneous items
Travel pillow
Earplugs
Snacks
Water bottle
Books or e-books
Travel guide for Cinque Terre
Italian phrasebook
Umbrella
Backpack or daypack
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!
| Month | Hi / 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?
Places near by Cinque Terre, Italy
Portofino
A picturesque fishing village known for its charming port and colorful houses.
Genoa
A vibrant port city with a rich maritime history and beautiful architecture.
Pisa
Famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, Pisa also offers beautiful architecture and a rich history.
Lucca
A city with well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city center and cobblestone streets.
Parma
Known for its architecture, music, art, and prosciutto, Parma is a food lover's paradise.
Florence
The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to masterpieces of art and architecture.
Milan
A global capital of fashion and design, Milan is also known for its high-end restaurants and shops.
Bologna
A historic city known for its rich food, left-wing politics, and high quality of life.
Turin
Known for its refined architecture and cuisine, Turin is also the home of Italy's royal family.
Venice
Built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, Venice has no roads, just canals.
