Things to do in Cinque Terre: which village is the most beautiful?
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
Cinque Terre isn't just incredibly beautiful, it's also a surprisingly diverse destination. Each of the five villages has its own unique atmosphere, making it well worth exploring more than just one. Whether you're spending a week on the Italian Riviera or simply visiting as a day trip, there's plenty to see and do. If you're travelling through northern Italy, Cinque Terre is definitely a destination you shouldn't miss.
The five villages of Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is made up of five picturesque fishing villages. Although they're located just minutes apart by train, each village has its own character.
Below you'll find what makes each village unique and which ones we enjoyed the most.
Riomaggiore
If you're travelling by train from La Spezia, Riomaggiore is the first village you'll reach and it's also our personal favourite. If you love cosy restaurants and lively evenings, this is the place to be. The colourful harbour is absolutely stunning, with brightly painted houses built into the cliffs and plenty of restaurants and cafés overlooking the water. On warm summer evenings, the village comes alive with people enjoying takeaway pizza, a glass of wine, and the beautiful sunset.
Because Riomaggiore is one of the smaller villages, it can become quite crowded during the day. For the best photos, try visiting early in the morning or during the shoulder season.
If you're planning to have dinner here, booking a table in advance is highly recommended, especially during summer.
Manarola
Manarola is the oldest of the five villages and one of the most photographed. Its colourful houses cling dramatically to the cliffs above the sea, creating one of the most iconic views in Cinque Terre. Our favourite spot here is Nessun Dorma, a restaurant with spectacular panoramic views over the village. The Aperol Spritz is excellent, the food is delicious, and it's the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed Italian aperitivo. You can even join one of their popular pesto-making workshops during the afternoon.
Because the restaurant is so popular, you can't simply reserve a table in advance. Instead, you join a digital waiting list through their website. While you wait, you can explore Manarola, and you'll receive a notification when your table is almost ready. I recommend taking a good look at the website.
Corniglia
Corniglia is both the smallest and the least visited village in Cinque Terre. Unlike the other four villages, it isn't located directly on the sea. Instead, it sits high on a rocky hill surrounded by vineyards, giving it a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.
To reach the village from the train station, you'll need to climb 382 steps.
The walk takes around 15 minutes, so it's something to keep in mind when planning your day. If you're looking for a quieter experience away from the crowds, Corniglia is definitely worth visiting.
Vernazza
While Corniglia is the quietest village, Vernazza is arguably the busiest. Many travellers consider it the most beautiful village in Cinque Terre thanks to its picturesque harbour, colourful buildings, charming piazza, and small sandy beach. It's also one of the most popular places to stay overnight.
One of our favourite things to do here was hiking part of the trail towards Monterosso al Mare. You don't have to complete the entire route, walking just a short section rewards you with one of the best viewpoints overlooking Vernazza.
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the five villages and the perfect destination if you're looking to spend a relaxing day at the beach. Unlike the other villages, Monterosso has a large sandy beach where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas.
The village is divided into two parts. The historic centre is full of narrow streets, small shops, and traditional restaurants, while the newer section is home to the beachfront promenade, hotels, and beach clubs. The train station sits conveniently between both areas, making it easy to explore everything Monterosso has to offer.
The best things to do in Cinque Terre
Hike between the villages
One of the things that makes Cinque Terre so unique is the network of hiking trails connecting the villages. You can hike all the way from Riomaggiore to Monterosso al Mare, passing through Manarola, Corniglia, and Vernazza along the way. Of course, you don't have to complete the entire route. Many visitors choose to hike just one section, such as the popular trail between Vernazza and Monterosso.
Before setting off, make sure you're well prepared.Some sections of the trails are surprisingly steep, and during summer the heat can make hiking quite challenging.
Always bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and wear sturdy walking shoes.
Since 2019, flip-flops and unsuitable footwear have officially been prohibited on parts of the hiking trails. Visitors wearing inappropriate shoes, including shoes with smooth soles, can receive fines of up to €2,500. The rule was introduced after numerous hikers underestimated the trails, leading to accidents and even rescue helicopter call-outs.
Just as you'll need a train pass to travel easily between the villages, you'll also need a Cinque Terre Trekking Card to access many of the hiking trails. The pass can be purchased at any train station within Cinque Terre, as well as at La Spezia. You can also buy it online before your trip, making it easy to start hiking as soon as you arrive.
