Best Cinque Terre Itinerary 3 Days – Things to do, Hotel with Views & Tips

Are you looking for a perfect itinerary for Cinque Terre? Then, read this blog on Cinque Terry itinerary 3 days. Cinque Terre, a beautiful coastal area in Italy, consists of five charming villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Cinque Terre has colorful houses, stunning sea views, and a rich cultural heritage.

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Cinque Terre Itinerary 3 Days – Cinque Terre Travel Itinerary

Here’s a detailed itinerary of how to spend 3 days in Cinque Terre, which helps you to explore the best of Cinque Terre.

Day 1: Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza

After arriving in Monterosso al Mare, explore the whole town for half a day, and after lunch, explore Vernazza as a half-day trip.

How to reach Monterosso al Mare – If you’re from major cities like Florence or Pisa, take a train to Monterosso al Mare. The ride from Pisa takes about 1.5 hours, while it takes around 2.5 hours from Florence.

Where to stay in Monterosso al Mare – Check into Hotel Porto Roca, a beautiful hotel offering stunning views of the Ligurian Sea. It’s known for its excellent location and comfortable amenities.

Things to Do in Monterosso al Mare

• Fegina Beach: Start your day relaxing on the sandy beach. Fegina Beach is the largest in Cinque Terre and offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming. It’s one of the few sandy beaches in the region, ideal for sunbathing and water activities.
• Old Town Exploration: Wander through the narrow streets of Monterosso’s old town. Visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista, known for its distinctive black-and-white striped façade. The old town provides a glimpse into the region’s history and architecture.

Vegetarian Food Suggestions in Monterosso al Mare

• Lunch: Try a classic Italian Margherita pizza or pasta with pesto at La Cantina di Miky.
• Snack: Enjoy focaccia al formaggio (cheese focaccia) from a local bakery.

Head to Vernazza – The train ride from Monterosso to Vernazza takes about 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can hike the trail between the two villages, which takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.

Trains are the most efficient way to travel between villages, with frequent services. Tickets are affordable and can be purchased at the station or online.

Things to Do in Vernazza

1. Vernazza Harbor: Explore the picturesque harbor and enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant. Try local specialties like trofie al pesto or gnocchi with tomato sauce. The harbor offers stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere.
2. Castello Doria: Climb up to the castle for panoramic views of the village and the sea. It’s a historic site with spectacular views, perfect for photography.

Vegetarian Food Suggestions in Vernazza

• Lunch: Head to Ristorante Belforte and order the vegetable risotto or eggplant Parmesan.
• Snack: Try a gelato from Gelateria Vernazza.

Evening: Sunset at Vernazza

• Sunset Spot: Head to the viewpoint near the Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia for a breathtaking sunset.
• Dinner Recommendation: Dine at Belforte, a restaurant perched on the cliffs offering delicious vegetarian options like ravioli with ricotta and spinach.

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Day 2: Corniglia and Manarola

Take a train from Vernazza to Corniglia, which takes about 10 minutes. Your overnight stay on day two will be in Manarola.

Pro Travel Tip: Corniglia is the only village not directly adjacent to the sea. You’ll need to climb a series of steps (Lardarina) or take a shuttle bus from the train station.

Things to Do in Corniglia

1. Exploring the Village: Wander through Corniglia’s narrow alleys, visit the Church of San Pietro, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Corniglia offers a quieter experience than the other villages and has a unique charm with its terraced vineyards.
2. Scenic Views: For spectacular views of the coastline, head to the panoramic terrace of Santa Maria, one of the best viewpoints in Cinque Terre.

Vegetarian Food Suggestions in Corniglia

• Lunch: Enjoy a vegetable pizza or pasta alla norma at A Cantina de Mananan.
• Snack: Try bruschetta with tomatoes and basil from a local eatery.

After having lunch in Corniglia, take the train from Corniglia to Manarola, which takes about 5 minutes. Trains are the best mode of transport. Hiking is also an option, but it’s more challenging and time-consuming.

Things to Do in Manarola

• Manarola Marina: Explore the picturesque marina and watch the local fishermen at work. The marina is postcard-perfect, offering great photo opportunities.
• Via dell’Amore (Lovers’ Lane): If open, stroll along this famous path connecting Manarola to Riomaggiore. It’s a romantic, scenic walk with stunning sea views.

Vegetarian Food Suggestions in Manarola

• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Trattoria dal Billy, which offers stuffed mushrooms and pasta primavera.

Where to stay in Manarola: Book your stay at La Torretta Lodge, which offers beautiful views and comfortable accommodations.

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Day 3: Riomaggiore and Hike the Trails

Take a train ride from Manarola to Riomaggiore takes about 2 minutes.

Local Commute: Walking and trains are the best ways to get around.

Things to Do in Riomaggiore

• Riomaggiore Castle: Visit the historic castle to glimpse the village’s past and panoramic views. The castle is an important historical site with stunning views of the coast.
• Church of San Giovanni Battista: Explore this beautiful 14th-century church. It’s an architectural gem and a peaceful place to visit.

Vegetarian Food Suggestions in Riomaggiore

• Lunch: Try pasta al pesto or vegetable risotto at La Lampara.
• Snack: Enjoy a Caprese salad from a local café.

Afternoon: Hike the Cinque Terre Trails

Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro): Hike one of the famous trails connecting the villages. The trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola (Via dell’Amore) is the easiest, while others are more challenging.

Hiking is the best way to experience Cinque Terre’s natural beauty. You’ll pass through vineyards and olive groves and enjoy breathtaking views.

If hiking isn’t for you, consider a boat tour along the coast to get a different perspective of the villages.

• Sunset Spot: Find a cozy spot in Riomaggiore to watch your final sunset in Cinque Terre. The marina area is gorgeous during this time.
• Dinner Recommendation: Dine at Ristorante Dau Cila for a memorable meal with vegetarian options like grilled vegetables and pasta with tomato and basil.

Useful Tips – Itinerary For Cinque Terre

• Cinque Terre Card: Purchase the Cinque Terre Card for unlimited train travel between the villages and access to hiking trails.
• Packing: Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
• Weather: Check the weather forecast and plan your activities accordingly. Summer can be hot, so plan early or late afternoon hikes.

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Must-see attractions in each village – Cinque Terre Itinerary

• Monterosso al Mare: Fegina Beach, Church of San Giovanni Battista
• Vernazza: Vernazza Harbor, Castello Doria, Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia
• Corniglia: Village exploration, Church of San Pietro, panoramic terrace of Santa Maria
• Manarola: Manarola Marina, Via dell’Amore (if open)
• Riomaggiore: Riomaggiore Castle, Church of San Giovanni Battista

Scenic Spots for photography – Cinque Terre Travel Itinerary

• Monterosso al Mare: View from the Capuchin Monastery overlooking the sea.
• Vernazza: The viewpoint near the Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia and Castello Doria.
• Corniglia: The panoramic terrace of Santa Maria.
• Manarola: The viewpoint near Nessun Dorma café, overlooking the village and harbor.
• Riomaggiore: The marina area and the viewpoint from Riomaggiore Castle.

FAQs – Cinque Terre Itinerary

Let’s check some useful frequently asked questions to plan itinerary for Cinque Terre. 

• How do I get to Cinque Terre?

The easiest way to reach Cinque Terre is by train. Major cities like Florence and Pisa have direct train services to Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost village. The ride from Pisa takes about 1.5 hours, while it takes around 2.5 hours from Florence.

• What is the best time to visit Cinque Terre?

The best time to visit Cinque Terre is from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this period, the weather is warm and perfect for hiking, beach activities, and exploring the villages. However, July and August can be crowded and hot, so consider visiting in May, June, or September for a more pleasant experience.

• How do I travel between the villages in Cinque Terre?

The most convenient way to travel between the villages is by train. Trains run frequently, and the journey between each village takes only a few minutes. You can also hike between the villages if you prefer a more adventurous experience, but some trails can be challenging.

• What is the Cinque Terre Card?

The Cinque Terre Card provides unlimited access to the trains running between the five villages and access to hiking trails. It’s available for purchase at train stations and online. This card is highly recommended for convenience and cost savings.

• Are there vegetarian food options available in Cinque Terre?

Yes, Cinque Terre offers a variety of vegetarian food options. Many restaurants serve delicious Italian vegetarian dishes such as pasta with pesto, vegetable risotto, and margarita pizza.

• What special Italian drinks and desserts should I try in Cinque Terre?

Drinks: Try Limoncino (a local lemon liqueur similar to Limoncello), Sciacchetrà (a sweet dessert wine made from partially dried grapes), and Aperol Spritz (a refreshing cocktail perfect for summer evenings).

Desserts: Enjoy Tiramisu, Panna Cotta, and local Lemon Cake. Gelato is also a must-try, with many unique flavors in each village.

• Is it necessary to book accommodations in advance?

Yes, especially during peak tourist season (June to August) and weekends. Booking in advance ensures you secure a good place to stay and may provide better rates. Hotels like Hotel Porto Roca in Monterosso al Mare and La Torretta Lodge in Manarola offer beautiful views and comfortable accommodations.

• Can I hike all the trails in Cinque Terre?

Some trails in Cinque Terre may be closed for maintenance or due to weather conditions. Always check the current trail status before planning your hike. The Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) is the most popular and connects all five villages, but some sections may require a maintenance fee.

• What should I pack for a trip to Cinque Terre?

Pack comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and lightweight clothing. If you plan to hike, pack a small backpack, a rain jacket (in case of sudden weather changes), and hiking poles if you need extra support.

• Is it safe to travel to Cinque Terre?

Yes, Cinque Terre is generally very safe for travelers. However, as with any tourist destination, be mindful of your belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended. The small villages have a friendly atmosphere, making them safe and welcoming to visitors.

• Can I swim in Cinque Terre? 

Yes, swimming is popular in Cinque Terre, especially in Monterosso al Mare, which has the largest sandy beach. Other villages have rocky beaches and harbors where you can swim. The water is generally clean and clear, perfect for a refreshing dip.

• Do I need cash, or can I use credit cards?

While credit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants and hotels, carrying some cash is good, especially for small purchases, tips, and local markets. ATMs are available in all villages, but having some euros on hand is better.

• Can I visit Cinque Terre as a day trip?

While it’s possible to visit Cinque Terre as a day trip from cities like Florence or Pisa, a 3-day itinerary allows you to fully experience each village’s beauty and charm. Staying overnight also allows you to enjoy quieter evenings and early mornings when the villages are less crowded.

I hope you loved this Cinque travel itinerary and will soon plan 3 days in Cinque Terre trip.

Cinque Terre is a magical destination that offers a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. Enjoy your 3 days in Cinque Terre journey through these enchanting villages, and savor the delightful Italian cuisine!

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