If you’re dreaming of a picturesque getaway, our 2 day itinerary for Cinque Terre is the perfect guide for you. Cinque Terre, one of Italy’s stunning coastal regions, is like walking around a postcard with its colorful villages, breathtaking hikes, and delicious cuisine. If you’re planning to spend even just 2 days in Cinque Terre, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
We visited Cinque Terre in May and had great weather to enjoy all that these villages have to offer. If you’re visiting in the winter months, you likely will not want to spend time in the sea as it’ll be pretty chilly. If you’re still in the planning stages of your trip, check out my best month to visit Italy for my full breakdown.
This 2 day Cinque Terre itinerary will guide you through the best ways to explore these ridiculously charming villages, enjoy the beautiful beaches, and savor local flavors. If you’re coming from Florence, review my guide on traveling from Florence to Cinque Terre by train for a seamless transportation experience. That guide is perfect if you only have one day in Cinque Terre or are making a day trip.
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Day 1: Discovering the Villages and Hiking Adventures
Rise and shine! Your adventure begins with a morning hike through the stunning Cinque Terre National Park. Lace up your best walking shoes and get ready to explore the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail). This iconic trail connects the five villages and offers breathtaking views of the Ligurian coastline.
As a quick refresher, Cinque Terre consists of five picturesque towns: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each of the Cinque Terre villages has its unique charm.
- Riomaggiore: The first village you’ll encounter from the train station from La Spezia and the original gem of Cinque Terre. It’s probably featured on your guidebook’s cover, showcasing those iconic colorful houses stacked up the hillside. But no need for a guidebook—you’ve got this blog.
- Manarola: This village strikes the ideal balance between quaint charm and coastal cool. Stroll through its narrow alleys and you’ll find inviting cafes where you can savor some excellent regional wine.
- Corniglia: Reaching this village requires a bit of effort—I’m talking lots of stairs—but the reward is worth it. Corniglia is the quietest of the five villages because of the aforementioned stairs, offering a more authentic experience.
- Vernazza: My top pick among the villages. It boasts old-world charm with its narrow streets, delightful restaurants, gelaterias, harbor, and even a medieval castle.
- Monterosso: The beach destination of Cinque Terre, it’s the most commercialized with its recently developed beachside resorts. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking to enjoy kayaking or a boat excursion.
For the beginning of this Cinque Terre itinerary, start at Riomaggiore, the first village you’ll encounter. From there, make your way to Manarola. There are two paths between these two scenic spots, with lush greenery and dramatic sea views. The first path was just reopened in August 2024 and has an entrance fee. It’s a relatively easy hike at less than 1 mile in distance and should take about 30 minutes.
The other path is 1.5 miles and has drastic elevation changes, so you’ll want to make sure you are in good shape and used to hiking if you’re taking that one. There is no fee for that one, other than the sweat you’ll certainly work up. If you’re not used to having super active vacations, trust me, the panoramic vistas are well worth the effort (but you should probably pay the fee to take the easy one).
Once you reach Manarola, take a moment to catch your breath and admire the colorful buildings clinging to the cliffs. Snap some photos and soak in the stunning scenery. The trail continues to Corniglia, which is a bit more challenging but equally rewarding. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water; you’ll need it!
If that was all of the hiking you needed for the day, catch the train to any of the villages you most feel like exploring.
If you are hiking to Corniglia, it’s about 3.5 miles between the two villages with some steep sections. The path will guide you through ancient terraces that descend toward the sea, showcasing vineyards and olive groves tended by dedicated winemakers who produce exquisite, limited-edition grapes. The vineyard hike is moderately easy and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding villages.
My husband and I did this hike (view picture above). When I was planning our itinerary for Cinque Terre, I wanted to avoid some of the swells of crowds, and while we definitely did work up a sweat, you’ll 100% be able to avoid the crowds by hiking these trails instead of the two most popular trails from Monterosso to Vernazza and from Vernazza to Corniglia. Those paid trails are so packed you’ll feel like you’re stuck in line at an amusement park’s most popular ride.
If you are following my Italy packing list and planning to do these hikes, make sure you bring decent footwear. I’d suggest hiking poles or shoes with ankle support.
Traveling Between the Villages:
Cinque Terre offers two main types of cards for exploring the region. The Cinque Terre Trekking Card provides access to the paid paths between Monterosso and Corniglia for €7.50 per day, with a higher rate of €15.00 on peak days. This card is ideal for those who want to focus solely on hiking without train travel. If you’re following this Cinque Terre 2 itinerary, you do not need this card and the below card actually includes access as well.
The Cinque Terre Treno MS Card includes unlimited train travel on the Cinque Terre train line which covers all 5 villages and La Spezia, access to the aforementioned paid hiking trails, free restroom use at stations, and discounted admission to La Spezia’s Civic Museums.
Prices for the Treno MS Card vary depending on the season: from March 16 to November 3, 2024, one-day cards range from €19.50 to €32.50 for adults, with multi-day options available at higher rates. During the low season, from November 4, 2024 to March 15, 2025, prices are reduced. Cards can be purchased at train stations, Tourist Information Points, or online.
If you’re planning on traveling a lot between the villages, this card would be handy. If you’re planning on doing more hiking and you’re staying in one of the villages, you can pay for rides as you go to save a few bucks. There are ticket kiosks at every station in each of the villages.
Day 1: Afternoon – Village Hopping
After your morning hikes, it’s time to explore the villages at a more leisurely pace. Start by wandering through Corniglia. This charming village, perched high above the sea, offers narrow streets and quaint shops. Grab a gelato to cool down— you’ve earned it! Extra points if you reviewed my essential tips to visiting Italy and know how to find the most authentic gelato.
Next, make your way to Vernazza. This village is a personal favorite for many, including myself. Its narrow streets are lined with charming restaurants and cafes. Find a spot with a view of the harbor and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Try some local seafood—freshly caught and delicious. Or grab some supplies from the local grocery store and have a picnic. Budget friendly, sure, but super charming in the setting.
Once you’ve had your fill, continue to Monterosso. This is the largest of the five villages and offers a different vibe than the other four towns.
Day 1: Evening – Sunset Cruise
As the day winds down, it’s time for a magical experience: a sunset cruise. Board a boat in Monterosso and set sail along the Cinque Terre coastline. As the sun dips below the horizon, the villages will light up in a golden glow.
I’m not going to lie, this is a little bit more on the spendier side in terms of experiences, but watching the sunset set off the coast of Italy is a once in a lifetime experience that I think is totally worth splurging on it.
This tour leaves from Monterosso and is one of the most highly rated experiences in Cinque Terre. Aperitifs and prosecco will be served, and the group is capped at 10 to make it a more intimate tour. Book here.
If you’re staying in La Spezia to save a few bucks (Basic Economy B approved) this tour leaves from La Spezia, which would give you plenty of time to freshen up after your potentially sweaty morning. You’ll also enjoy prosecco and stunning sea views. Book here.
If you’re perusing Viator or Get Your Guide to see if there are any cheaper options, make sure you read the reviews of some of the other experiences before booking, as previous visitors may have words of caution.
Onboard, you’ll get a unique perspective of the colorful cliffside towns. Enjoy the gentle sea breeze and your glass of local wine. The sunset over the Mediterranean is nothing short of spectacular. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your first day in Cinque Terre.
As I detail in my 7 day Italy itinerary, you can choose to stay in any of the villages overnight or in La Spezia, just outside of Cinque Terre. Both are great choices but your budget might prefer La Spezia, or if you didn’t book far enough in advance, La Spezia might be the only spot with availability.
Cinque Terre hotels:
5 Terre Pelagos – Riomaggiore Village – offers a quaint and picturesque stay with easy access to the village’s stunning coastal views. Book here.
Locanda A Ca Du Gigante – Monterosso Village – provides a charming and intimate retreat with traditional decor and close proximity to the beach. Book here.
Hotel Firenze E Continentale – La Spezia (outside of Cinque Terre) option –combines modern comfort with a central location, making it a super convenient base for exploring Cinque Terre and beyond. Book here.
Day 2: Morning – Beach Time
After a lovely evening, enjoy a more relaxed start to your second day. Assuming you’re visiting in the warmer months between May-October, head back to Monterosso for some quality beach time.
It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely morning swim or a sun-soaked lounge. The sandy beach is well-equipped, with plenty of loungers and umbrellas. We found out very quickly that you’ll have to buy a drink or snacks to use the umbrellas and chairs or pay a fee to rent them.
If you’re up for a bit more activity after the previous day’s hike, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard or joining an organized tour.
This kayaking tour includes exploration of a hidden beach and the chance to snorkel in the sea.
The calm waters of Monterosso are ideal for a bit of adventure on the sea. Alternatively, just enjoy the sun and take a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean as you please. This part of the day pairs fantastically with an Aperol Spritz and bruschetta in my humble opinion. And gelato. Obvi.
Day 2: Afternoon – Wine Tasting or Pesto Making
For your afternoon activity on the second of your 2 days in Cinque Terre itinerary, choose between a wine tasting or a pesto and pasta making class. Both are fantastic ways to dive into the local culture.
Opt for a wine tasting and visit a local vineyard. Here, you’ll sample a selection of regional wines, paired with delicious local snacks. Learn about the wine-making process and savor the rich flavors of the Ligurian wines. It’s a delightful way to spend a few hours. Book your experience here.
Alternatively, sign up for a pasta and pesto-making class. Liguria is famous for its pesto, and this class will teach you how to make it just like the locals do. You’ll use fresh basil, pine nuts, and other local ingredients. It’s hands-on, fun, and you’ll leave with a jar of your homemade pesto. If that wasn’t enough of a sell, you’ll also learn how to make Tiramisu.
If you’re not looking to spend any money on additional experiences or you hate pesto and wine (not sure such a person even exists), you can extend your day at the beach or hike any of the trails between Corniglia and Monterosso that you wouldn’t have the previous day. You can also wander through any of the villages you didn’t get to check on your first day.
Final Tips
- Travel Light: You’ll be on the move through your two days, so pack light and comfortable.
- Wear Sunscreen: The Mediterranean sun can be sneaky strong, so protect your skin. This is my favorite because it’s so small and convenient to carry around.
- Hydrate: Keep a water bottle handy, especially during hikes. Vendors and grocery stores will be selling them as well.
- Cash: Some smaller shops and restaurants in Cinque Terre might not accept credit cards, so carry a bit of cash.
- Book Activities in Advance: especially if you’re traveling during high season or even the shoulder months. I, and many others, believe Cinque Terre is one of the Top 10 Places to visit in Italy. Activities have a set number of spots – if you’re on the fence, see what the cancellation policy is and consider booking to save your spot.
With this 2 day Cinque Terre itinerary, you’ll get a taste of the best that these charming villages have to offer. From stunning hikes and picturesque villages to relaxing beach time and delightful local experiences, you’ll make the most of your two days in this beautiful region. Enjoy every moment.
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