Cinque Terre Itinerary for 2 Days: A Perfect Weekend Trip

The Cinque Terre region is a feast for the senses, with its colorful villages, scenic hiking trails, and delicious local cuisine. It is a true paradise for me—a hiking enthusiast and a foodie!

I spent over One Week exploring Cinque Terre through my multiple visits during the years 2017, 2020, and 2024, therefor I felt obliged to give you my honest opinion on my Cinque Terre Itinerary in Italy.  

However, this place won't entertain you for more than 2 days. It simply can't—there's really not that much to do in Cinque Terre. And in my opinion, it's not even that good... But who am I to judge, go see for yourself!

How I perfected my 2-Day Cinque Terre Itinerary through the years? 

Day 1:

• Riomaggiore village
• Via Beccara hike
• Manarola village
• Corniglia village

Day 2:

• Sentiero Azzuro hike
• Vernazza village
• Monterosso al Mare village

 

I tried to smash it into one day—which, honestly, I did not like much. If you are really short on time, you can manage it in one day. But if you want to slow down a bit and enjoy the Italian atmosphere for a little longer than a few hours, just follow my itinerary and become an expert on Cinque Terre with my wisest and brightest tips for the place.

Whether you decide to do a Cinque Terre day trip or spend a week there, these are the places you shouldn’t miss.

How to get to Cinque Terre?

Everybody said it was easiest to get through Pisa Airport. But me being me, I found a better way through multiple visits. I flew to Genoa instead of Pisa, which had some perks for me, such as a bigger airport, better connections, and better rental car options. After landing in Genoa, I rented a car and explored northern Italy, including a visit to Cinque Terre.

If I were to visit Cinque Terre, I would take a direct train connection and go there by train. Another option would be to fly to Florence and drive from there, but the best choice depends on the sightseeing plans for the full itinerary.

How many days to spend in Cinque Terre?

Through multiple visits, I spent 3 days, 2 days, and 1 day in Cinque Terre, and I can tell you right away that 2 days is the best. I wasn’t in a rush like during my 1-day visit, and I managed to see everything.

Fun Fact: Cinque Terre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 and an Italian National Park since 1999.

I found 3 days a bit too long, as aside from hiking, taking a boat tour, and swimming, there isn’t much else to do. Unless you want to add a beach day to spend a lot more time tanning and clubbing, I recommend 2 days.

 

How to get around Cinque Terre?

The chaotic, the crowded, but super-fast Cinque Terre train (at Manarola station)
 

Most people get around the Cinque Terre villages by train. It's the fastest way how to get from one village to another, but man I lived through my worst nightmares on that train.

First of all, there’s nothing like “THE Cinque Terre train”. It’s a regular rail link between Genoa and La Spezia and it’s totally chaotic. So, we ended up spending over two hours on the packed train. But as I said, it’s the fastest way... So, my recommendation is: to travel by train to Cinque Terre.

We also tried driving on one occasion, and honestly, it was nothing to write home about. Cinque Terre is quite hilly and winding, so it requires your best driving skills. And finding a parking spot? It's basically impossible.

I visited Cinque Terre during peak season, so you can imagine what the parking situation was like... We spent a good two hours searching for a free spot. It was infuriating, and trust me, you don’t want to go through that.

So, even though it's technically possible to get there by car, as I said before—take the train.

And the last option to get around the villages is to hike between them. The Sentiero Azzuro hiking trail connects all five villages. However, not all of them are open all the time. Check out the status of the trail on the official website before you go, just to be sure. I put the best parts of the trail into this itinerary, check out the deets:

Day 1 of Cinque Terre itinerary

See today's route on Google Maps
 

Main sites visited on day 1: Riomaggiore, Via Beccara hike, Manarola, Corniglia
Restaurant tips: Trattoria dal Billy | La Cantina del Macellaio | A Cantina da Mananan
Hotel recommendations: Cinqueterre Residence
Further reading: 10 Travel Tips for Italy | Top 15 Things in Genoa | One Day in Turin Itinerary

Day 1, stop 1: Riomaggiore village

Riomaggiore village
 

I started at the southernmost village of Cinque Terre Riomaggiore, which is a perfect introduction to the region. Colorful houses, narrow streets, and charming views—that's what defines a visit to Cinque Terre. And it’s what cheered me up after I got off the sweaty train.

The most interesting place in the village has to be Castello di Riomaggiore, the ruin of a castle so old that in the first written record of it from the 500s, the castle is already called “ancient”! Moreover, in the 8th century, part of the castle was torn down to make a cemetery out of it.

To get the best views of the city, go to the lookout point where you will be offered beautiful scenery of colorful buildings in the village and the small port with cute little Italian boats like from the romantic comedies your mom watches in the evening.

That was the first perfect Instagram photo spot of the itinerary, so make a note of it.
 

On our way to Riamaggiore Castle
 

Then I made my way to dip my toes in the sea and head down to the beach called Spiaggia di Riomaggiore. It's the only proper beach in the village, so if you visit during the main season, get ready, there will be more tourists than fish.

The beach is rocky, with stones being very uncomfortable to lie on. My back looked like a book written in Braille—I wonder what story it would have told...

Day 1, stop 2: Via Beccara hike

Views from the Via Beccara
 

Hike length: 1.3 km (0.8 miles)
Elevation gain: 343 m (1122 feet)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Hiking time: 45 minutes

I went to hike The Via Beccara trail which connects two Cinque Terre towns and is a convenient way to get from Riomaggiore to Manarola. And my PTSD told me to have a rest from trains for a while...

I would recommend it to everyone, but I must admit it felt challenging to manage on a really hot summer day, especially as the climb got quite steep. If you're not very fit, you might want to skip it and just take the train or a car instead.. 

In general, the two villages are connected via the Sentiero Azzuro hiking trail.
 

Giant rock staircase on the Via Beccara hike
 

How did the hike feel to me?

The Via Beccara hike is literally just a giant staircase made of rock I walked up and then down. It's a full-on mountain hike, so exchange your flip-flops for regular hiking shoes, lather yourself up with about ten layers of sunscreen, take plenty of water, and up you go! You can't even imagine how many tourists in Crocs we met on our way. Well, A—you don't look cool in those, it's not the 2000s anymore, and B—you'll hurt yourself and probably others when they stumble over your sorry a$$ after you twist your ankle.

While I sweat profusely, I was offered stunning views of the Mediterranean sea and the rugged coast along the whole way, and that's a bargain, my friends! Oh, and a slightly important warning: If you are afraid of heights, this might not be the perfect choice for you either.

Day 1, stop 3: Manarola village

Manarola village
 

Manarola is the second smallest of the five villages and the prettiest in the Italian Riviera. So, the activity I was doing in every village in Cinque Terre—strolling through the narrow streets and admiring local architecture and colorful buildings - didn't take me that long here. There's nothing particularly interesting to do in Manarola besides said strolling, so stroll like you’ve never strolled before!

Top Tip: If you skipped the dip in Riomaggiore or you just can't get enough of the Italian sea, you might feel a bit lost here while finding a proper beach. Because there is none. Just head down to the pier and find yourself a nice tanning spot on one of the rocks.

I had fun exploring all the caves along the coast and the life underwater. The access is a bit tricky, but it’s worth it. I was just surprised that the deep waters that start right from the shore might not be the best fit for your little ones.
 

Manarola streets
 

Speaking of kids, those little rascals have to be hungry after the busy morning! And so am I, so let's get lunch!

I can't recommend Trattoria dal Billy enough. 

Day 1, stop 3: Corniglia village

Corniglia Village
 

By the end of the day, I was up for the last stop of the first day is here and it was Corniglia—a small and charming village perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. Corniglia is the only of the five villages that is not directly connected to the sea, and it's a bit more off the beaten path, sitting on the top of a steep hill. That was pretty convenient as I burnt all the pasta calories you gained earlier.

I went back to the train station and took a 5-minute train ride from Manarola.

To get to the top of the hill from the train station, you have to walk up a steep flight of stairs that leads to the village square. Don't let yourself be fooled—this piazza is more of a teeny tiny courtyard than the Italian version of Trafalgar Square.

There I found one of the must-see places in Cinque Terre Itinerary, the Church of San Pietro. It's a Romanesque church that dates back to the 14th century and offers great views of the sea and the coastline.

From here, you can also take a stroll along the scenic terrace that offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the sea. And then back to walking through the narrow streets, blending in with the locals as the evening crawled upon us and enjoying a nice glass of wine in some cozy bar.

When you’re ready to hit the sack, hop back on the next train for the 7-minute train ride to Riomaggiore. It runs roughly until 1 am, so you have all the time in the world.

Day 2 of Cinque Terre itinerary

See today's route on Google Maps
 

Main sites visited on day 2: Sentiero Azzuro, Vernazza, Monterosso
Restaurant tips: Miky Ristorante | Belforte
Hotel recommendations: Cinqueterre Residence
Further reading: Food of Italy | Best 7 Places in Lombardy | Top 10 Things to Do in Aosta Valley

Day 2, stop 1: Sentiero Azzuro: Vernazza—Corniglia hike

Sentiero Azzuro hike
 

Hike length: 3.4 km (2.1 miles)
Elevation gain: 211 m (692 feet)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Hiking time: 1.5 hours

Is there a better way to start your morning and wake your body up than with an uphill hike on one of the most scenic trails? Not for me! And this particular hike was my fave in Cinque Terre's visit.

I needed to hop on a train to Corniglia as soon as I got my eyes open in the morning because I was afraid it was going to be a hot one.

Sentiero Azzuro—the most famous Cinque Terre hike—connects all five villages, but due to landslides some parts were closed when we visited (check out the status of trail on the official website). We decided to hike the part I’m about to describe and what a great decision it was! No visit of Cinque Terre would be complete without hiking the Sentiero Azzuro.

For me, one of the most scenic sections of the Blue Trail (aka Sentiero Azzuro) is definitely the stretch between Corniglia and Vernazza. The path winds along the rocky coastline, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding hills, and passing through vineyards, olive groves, and fragrant shrubs.
 

Lovely views and a lovely path on the Sentiero Azzuro hike
 

How Sentiero Azzuro felt?

Again, even though it is rated as moderate, I get why some people might find it challenging—especially the first half, where I went uphill, which could be a little harsh for some. I climbed up the hill via stairs, pretty uneven most of the time—mind your steps, okay? 

There is a reason why I wanted to walk this hike early in the morning. Even though the temperature was about 25°C when we started it, it sure felt like 35°C—at least! Be armed with some strong-ass SPF and gallons of water.

To enter this part of Sentiero Azzuro, I had to pay a hiking fee of €7.50/day or have the Cinque Terre Card. On the official website, you can find out on which parts of the trail you need to pay a fee.

Day 2, stop 2: Vernazza village

Vernazza village
 

Okay, let's talk about the beach time I promised you earlier. In Vernazza, there is an urban beach which is honestly nothing that special and it was kind of dirty when I was desperate to cool myself down with a splash. I saw the garbage and lost my appetite! I postponed said beach time to the proper Spiaggia di Fegina, but about that later.

A way better and funnier activity than fighting for my spot in the sun with the crowds was visiting the adventurous ruins of Castello Dorio atop a hill, where I could channel my inner knight.

The castle is accessible once again via a steep uphill climb like probably everything in this goddamn region. I probably haven't been to a place more wheelchair and stroller-unfriendly than Cinque Terre. But once you get there, you'll get the most spectacular view of the town.
 

Castello Dorio

What to expect at Castello dorio?

The entrance is €2, but hey—it's money well spent. From the castle's terrace, I could admire the picturesque village and its colorful houses, the surrounding hills, and the sea. It's the perfect place for taking photos—another Instagram photo spot, I told you—enjoying a romantic sunset or just soaking up the beauty of this unique corner of Italy.

Vernazza is also the only village with a natural harbor. For centuries, fishing and wine production were the only sources Vernazza could rely on. Lucky for us, that meant we could enjoy wonderful fresh seafood and a tasty glass of wine there—the pride and joy of Italian cuisine.

To get to the next village, you can hike the rest of Sentiero Azzuro or take the train—you already know the drill.

Day 2, stop 3: Monterosso village

Monterosso beach
 

And now on to the last Cinque Terre village—Monterosso al Mare. It's the northernmost and the largest village of the five villages, so you bet your shirt and pants it'll be the most touristy one. But that means also benefits, like more modern facilities which give it more of a resort-like vibe.

The city is divided into two parts, the New Town and the Old Town—and we're about to discover the best of both of them.

The Old Town is literally a maze of narrow streets and colorful houses, with several churches, towers, and palaces dating back to the Middle Ages. It's a charming and atmospheric area to explore, with plenty of local shops selling handmade crafts, food, and wine—this is the place to buy all your aunties and nanas the gifts you promised them, including the most unhinged and cliché magnets.

When I got to the New Town, I immediately saw it was a more modern area, with wider streets, larger buildings, and a more commercial vibe. It's where you'll find most of the beach resorts, hotels, and restaurants, as well as the train station and the ferry port.
 

Monterosso
 

But the main draw of Monterosso that makes it the most visited of all the villages is the only sandy beach in Cinque Terre—my favorite clean and beautiful Spiaggia di Fegina. It's a long stretch of golden sand with clear blue waters that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is equipped with all the important facilities such as showers, umbrellas, and bars or restaurants.

Top Tip: If you're looking for more privacy and tranquility than being around sweaty German tourists, you can head to the smaller coves and rocky outcrops along the coast. You can access them via a scenic coastal path on foot. These hidden spots are super handy for snorkeling, diving, or simply relaxing in the shade of a cliff away from crowds.
 

Yeah, Italy is all right.
 

After my ADHD started to kick in and I could no longer lie on the beach, I picked up my already-tanned bum and headed to another significant monument of Monterosso. The Convento dei Cappuccini is a monastery founded in the early 17th century by the Capuchin Friars, a branch of the Franciscan Order—if you head there to get a cup of cappuccino I must disappoint you, my friends.

The church is a small and cozy space, featuring frescoes, paintings, and sculptures by local artists. The highlight of the Convento dei Cappuccini is its panoramic terrace, with a killer view. The terrace is a popular spot for sunset-watching and taking some hundred-likes-worthy photos—the last perfect Instagram spot of our itinerary, yaay.
 

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