3-Day Itinerary for Cinque Terre, Italy, How to Enjoy without the Crowds.

Welcome to Wild Meadow Studio’s Travel Blog, where we “Focus on the Journey” from first stages of planning to the last flight home and everything in-between! We’re excited to share our 3-day itinerary to this stunning and unique region! We hope you enjoy it as much as we did! In this detailed Itinerary, we’ll be exploring, all of the “top things to do” that are discussed in our post, “Top 6 Things to do in Cinque Terre, Italy. Explore and Experience”. For some great recommendations on places to stay, eat, and much more, please read our post, “Tips and Recommendations, Your Travel Guide to Cinque Terre, Italy”, (coming soon) and for our Worldly Recipe we decided to share the recipe we were taught in our Pesto making class in Manorola for authentic Basil Pesto. For this recipe, read our post “How to make Authentic Basil Pesto from Cinque Terre, Italy”, (coming soon). You also have other cooking class options, we book most of our classes through Viator or Get Your Guide, check them out to see if anything piques your interest.

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Table of contents:

1. Overview of Cinque Terre
2. 3 Day Itinerary
3. Optional Ideas during peak hours
4. References
5. The Wrap up

1. Overview of Cinque Terre, Italy:

Cinque Terre is located on the North-West side of Italy, in the Liguria region, on the Italian Riviera! To say this area is beautiful, is an understatement, if you have the chance, it is certainly worth a visit. If you follow our itinerary, we’ll help you explore and enjoy the area during less crowded parts of the day! Cinque Terre consist of the 5 villages, Monterosso al Mare, the largest town with the biggest beaches, parking and actual flat areas, Vernazza, arguable the prettiest town with a beautiful harbour and castle ruins with great views, Corniglia, the smallest, quietest town with no direct access to the ocean, Manarola is the second smallest and full of charm, they have great restaurants and a “pinch me” moment pesto making class, Riomaggiore, the most southern town is a little on the quieter side, but just as interesting, it has a great harbour with a lookout that boosts great views of the town!

In our 3-day Itinerary, we will be exploring all 5 villages, taking a pesto making class, watching a beautiful sunset, hiking, enjoying some beach time, indulging in some amazing meals, and of course savoring some Gelato!! In this Itinerary we are suggesting you stay in Levanto, which is shown on the map above, it’s included in the Cinque Terre card and only 4 mins by train to Monterosso al Mare. People have a difference of opinion on where to stay while visiting Cinque Terre, our motivation to stay in Levanto is largely based on crowds, we try and plan all of our trips with this in mind, sometimes it’s unavoidable, but we do our best to minimize them. If you have your heart set on staying in one of the 5 villages, then you can still follow our itinerary, but check out #3 in our table of contents for some optional, how to beat the midday rush, ideas. Let’s get started!

2. Day 1 Itinerary for Cinque Terre: Early morning of exploring Riomaggiore, Pesto making class in Manarola, afternoon down time and dinner in Vernazza.

Welcome to day 1. Today we are suggesting getting up early and heading to Riomaggiore (clickable map above). Once at the train station, head south towards the harbour, through the pedestrian tunnel, when you reach the harbour and are facing the water, take the path up to the left and enjoy amazing views of the water and town. If you continue along that path south, you’ll reach the beach. It’s a small one without lounge chairs or umbrellas, but worth a quick look. Head back the way you came and head up into town.

If you haven’t had breakfast yet, or if you want a treat, you could stop along your way at one of the little cafes or coffee shops.

Continue up the street until you reach the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the pretty square in front of it. At this point you could go into the church and check it out or sit in the square for a little rest and take in your amazing surroundings.

After, continue along the same pathway around the corner towards the train station. There will be more amazing views, surprise, surprise. There is an elevator that takes you down to the train station, if that’s how you’d like to get to Manorola, otherwise you could take the ferry, (by heading back the way you came all the way to the harbour). Although we are suggesting that you walk the famous Via dell’Amore, walking trail, which takes about 25-30mins. This trail had been closed since 2012 and just reopened in 2024, but it’s always a great idea to check before you go to make sure the path is still open. Be advised, if you choose to do this path you have to book tickets online which does involve choosing a date and time slot as it gets very busy. You can also purchase the tickets at the Riomaggiore Train Station, keep in mind that the path is a one-way trail only, going from Riomaggiore to Manarola, not the other way around. It’s not fully included in your regular Cinque Terre Card either, so for more information on this, check out this website.

Once in Manarola (clickable map above), depending on the time and if you booked the Pesto making class at Nessun Dorma, that we are suggesting, you’ll likely need to make your way to the class. People are generally lined up approx. 30mins beforehand, when we arrived 15mins before the start time, there was already a sizable line, we didn’t realize the class was that big, about 70ish people. By 10:30am the line started moving into the restaurant pretty quickly and we lucked out and got a table right at the railing, but really every table seemed to have a great view, so I wouldn’t worry too much about that. This class was a definite “pinch me” moment, between learning how to make this delicious pesto and the beautiful views, it was incredible! The class is 2.5 hours and cost 85 euros per person (as of May 2025). It includes, the instruction, a delicious charcuterie board lunch (with your pesto) wine, water, an apron, and amazing views!

After the class you could do a little exploring of Manarola, but it may be busy, so we are suggestion that you head back to Levanto, as it’s not as busy there as the 5 villages are during the mid-day rush. From Manarola you could either take the ferry or the train, which takes about 15mins. Once you reach Levanto, it’s about a 10/15 mins walk from the train station to the beaches. They have different beach areas some pay areas with loungers and umbrellas and some free areas that you can just lay out on a towel. We liked the Spiaggia Est la Pietra free beach.

Levanto also has a pretty boardwalk that runs all the way along the waterfront, a nice town area with shops and restaurants, a castle, churches, lots of history and a relaxed feel.

Staying here gives you the advantage to return to your accommodations mid-day for some relaxation and a few hours of beach time or exploring, then an easy walk to the train station to hop back on the train and spend the evening in one of the villages, again all covered by the Cinque Terre pass.

For our Day 1 Evening head back to the train station (or Ferry) and take it to Vernazza. It’s about 10mins by train. Wander around the town and choose one of many restaurants in the main square with views of the harbour. One suggestion is Ristorante Belforte for great seafood and views, but you would likely need reservations here. For more restaurant recommendations check out our post, “Tips and Recommendations, A Travel Guide to Cinque Terre, Italy”. (coming soon)  After dinner do a Passeggiata (evening stroll) with some gelato!

Day 2 Itinerary for Cinque Terre: Sunrise in Vernazza, hike on the Cinque Terre trail to Monterosso al Mare, explore Old Town with Lunch, beach time and dinner in Manarola.

To start off day 2 we are suggesting getting up early, we will basically always say this, but head back to Vernazza as early as you feel comfortable, we arrived there just after 7:00am. Wander down the main street and pick a place to enjoy some breakfast, we stopped at the Blue Marlin Café and sat in their outdoor section. We had a really nice bacon and egg type meal, with coffee and tea, but they also had pastries. You could also grab something to go and eat it down by the water and watch the sunrise over the colourful building. There are also restaurants in the main square, Piazza Marconi, near the harbour. After you eat, walk along the harbour and take in the stunning views of the town and ocean.

Next make your way back up via Visconti and you should see signs on your right for the Castello Doria, follow the little alleyways and staircases up, up, up to the top to see the ruins of the Castello Doria and take in more amazing views of the town and waterfront. Originally built as a fortification to help protect them from Pirate attacks. It’s 1.50 euros per person and it’s open from 10:00 until 7:00pm.

Next you could check out the pretty Santa Margherita church, explore a little more then get ready to head out on the hike to Monterossa al Mare that we are suggesting.

The trail form Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare is approximately 4kms and everything I had read about it says it takes about 1.5hrs, so depending on your fitness level and how many photos you take along the way that could change, it took us a little over 2hrs. The hike is not an easy one, has a lot of up hill sections, some downhill too, closer to reaching Monterosso, but the views area spectacular! So, take your time, bring enough water, good grip shoes, hat, sunscreen and a camera/phone for taking lots of photos! If you’re worried about it being too hard for you, but really want to experience it, pack a lunch, start in Vernazza walk for about 30mins, then sit and take a break and enjoy the views for 10-15mins, then continue on for another 30-40mins and find a nice shady spot with a view and have your picnic lunch, then stop one more time for a break before your last leg into Monterosso. Whether you finish the walk in 1.5 or 3hrs, it doesn’t really matter, it’s the experience that counts!

Once you reach Monterosso al Mare, you’ll come to the Old Town area first, if you haven’t had lunch yet this would be great time to do so, check out one of the many restaurants in this section (for some recommendations on restaurants, check out our post on “Tips and Recommendations, Your Travel Guide to Cinque Terre” coming soon). After lunch spend a bit of time exploring the old town, cute little streets, shops, churches, the waterfront piazza. Spending some time here during peak hours is still pretty busy, but because Monterosso is bigger than the other towns it doesn’t feel quite as cramped.

Once done exploring, you could either take the ferry, which leaves from the dock in old town or take the train, which leaves from the station in the new town area and head back to Levanto for some beach time, exploring or just relaxing in your accommodations. Then shower (likely needed after the hike you did) and head into Manarola for sunset, dinner and a passeggiata (evening stroll).

Hop on the train and you should be there between 12 to 20 mins depending on the train you get. When you get to Manarola, take the tunnel into town and you should come out near the Piazza Dario Capellini, take that main road, Via Renato Birolli down towards the harbour. We ate at Trattoria La Scogliera, which we really enjoyed. We didn’t have reservations, and didn’t have a problem getting a table, this restaurant is great for seafood and pizza, they are open every day, but Fridays, 11:00am to 11:00pm. There are a lot of great restaurants here, up and down the main street and on the side streets too, like Trattoria dal Billy, which is very popular and has great reviews for its delicious food and views. Sometimes we just like trying places that pique our interest at the time, at any rate, choose a place to have your dinner and depending on timing and when the sun will be setting, (check out sunset times here), you could check out the beautiful sunset before or after dinner. To watch the sunset, follow Via Renato Birolli all the way up the hill to the lookout at Via Del Bambini trailhead, great views here, it’s shown on the map of Manarola we provided above. After dinner and the sunset, take a stroll through town and stop at one of the many Gelaterias to cap off your night!

Day 3 Itinerary for Cinque Terre: Breakfast in Monterosso al Mare, explore New Town, enjoy the beach, afternoon down time, late afternoon in Corniglia, exploring, Gelato, sunset and dinner on a terrace with olive trees overlooking the Ocean.

Day 3: Today, yes you guessed it, get up early and head to Monterosso al Mare for breakfast. You have a lot to choose from, (for some suggestions check out our post, “Tips and Recommendations, Your Travel Guide to Cinque Terre, Italy” coming soon). You could have a sit-down meal or take out some focaccia and sit by the water. Spend the morning in the new town section of Monterosso and explore, start on the west side of town at the Statua del Gigante, for some cool pictures, then head east along the water and stop in at some of the cute shops, walk along the board walk, check out some of the beautiful umbrella filled beaches along the way, another great photo opt. If you happen to be here on a Thursday, you could head over to the old town Monterosso section for their weekly market near the beach, open from 8:00am to 1:00pm. After you think you’ve got a feel for the new town area, you could either stop at one of the many amazing restaurants in either the new or old town areas for lunch or take out some focaccia if you haven’t already. Once done here, hop on the train or ferry for Levanto and spend the afternoon at the beach, then get ready for a night out.

Around 4:00 or 5:00 we suggest heading to Corniglia by train as the Ferry doesn’t stop here. Once you reach the Corniglia train station, you have two choices, this will depend on how ambitious you are, either walk up the zigzag staircase of 385 steps or take the free shuttle up into town, which drops you off at Ciappa Town square. From here, head down the main street Via Fieschi, stopping along the way at some of their interesting shops. A must-do here as far as we are concerned is having gelato at the award winning, Alberto Gelateria, which is along that main street at Via Fieschi 74, it’s open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm. It is some of the best gelato we’ve ever had. They have unique flavours, like honey and basil as well as lemon granita (slushie) all made from very local ingredients, delicious!! There are a few Gelato shops on this street, so make sure it’s Alberto’s and you won’t be disappointed. If you’re there mid-day, there could be sizable lines for the gelato, this is also why we are suggesting coming later in the day, just make sure you’re there before their 6:00pm closing. Take your gelato and continue down the main street to Largo Taragio, the main square and centre of town. This is a great place to sit, have your gelato and people watch. There is a WW1 memorial in the middle of the square, a church, and a few restaurants. After your gelato, continue down Via Fieschi and if interested stop for a wine or beer tasting at La Scuna Wine & Beer shop, (Via Fieschi 204). Last stop on this main street is Belvedere di Santa Maria lookout, the street ends here. Try to time it so that you get here for sunset, this is when the views are especially beautiful, check out sunset times here. Head back through town, to the Ciappa Square where you got dropped off. Across the street there is a 14^th century church, Chiesa di San Pietro, worth a look if interested. Next follow the road (Via Alla Stazione) towards the train station, just past the long staircase to the station, there is a restaurant called La Posada Ristorante, this is where we are suggesting having dinner on your last night in Cinque Terre. It is set on a terrace within olive trees, little lights and has an amazing view of the ocean, doesn’t get much better than this. The food was great and ambiance amazing! We recommend making reservations, (remember to make them after the sunsets). We didn’t have reservations, and they were able to accommodate us, but they had to scramble, and we had to wait, which we expected, but it would have been better had we made arrangements a head of time. After your relaxing and enjoyable dinner, head back to the square to catch the shuttle then the train back to Levanto!

3. Optional Ideas during Peak Crowds:

Day 1: optional midday activity, we are suggesting doing the Vineyard hike up above Manarola, most of the congestion happens in the main areas of town, so this trail makes a great alternative. Follow the main street up into town, it turns into Via Discovolo and once it goes around a big curve, you’ll see signs and a walkway to the left of the San Lorenzo church, follow the path all the way to the end at the cemetery. The views from here are stunning, makes a great afternoon activity, make sure to bring sunscreen and water. The walk is relatively flat, it’s approx. 1 to 1.5kms and takes somewhere around an hour or so to complete, depending on how many photos you take and if you take the time to relax on one of the benches to take in the views. After you’ve finished this head back to your accommodations in whichever town you’re staying in and relax, nap, then get ready for your evening out.

Day 2: optional midday activity, today we are suggesting that after your long and difficult hike to Monterosso al Mare from Vernazza, you pick up some food at a takeout place, like focaccia or the sea food in a cone, both tasty, and head to one of the beach. You could either rent the lounge chairs and umbrella or just lay out a towel on one of the free beaches. For two loungers and an umbrella, it would cost approx. 35 to 45 euros, but check before you go. Note: if you decide to do this optional activity make sure you bring your bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, and water. Once you’re finished at the beach, head back to your accommodation to freshen up for your night out!

Day 3: optional middy activity, for this day we are still suggesting that you head over to Levanto. It’s only 4 mins by train or you can take the ferry for some beautiful views. Either way make you way over there once you’ve finished in Monterosso, New town. Spend the afternoon exploring Levanto and enjoying some beach time. Then head back to your accommodations to get ready for your night out!

For more information on activities to do in and around Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera, check out Viator, Get your Guide or Expedia.

4. References:

All of this information, research and suggestions came from our own experiences we had while exploring this beautiful region of Italy, Cinque Terre. As well, we spent countless hours reading travel books, like DK Eyewitness, Italy, Rick Steves Italy’s Cinque Terre and Lonely Planets Pocket Genoa and Cinque Terre, I also enjoyed Lonely Planet’s Fast Talk Italian Phrase Book. These books gave me great insights into the areas around Cinque Terre as well. We read multiple Travel blogs and Cinque Terre tourism websites like, this one.

5. The Wrap up:

 We hope you enjoy your time in Cinque Terre and our suggested 3 day itinerary for this magical destination, as much as we did and find this information helpful. If you have any questions, ask away. Feel free to comment, give advice, join our mailing list, follow, like, pin, share with friends, anything goes. Let’s talk Travel!

Thank you,

From, Wild Meadow Studio

Where we, Focus on the Journey,

www.wildmeadowstudio.com

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