.png)
How to See Cinque Terre in One Day
Updated: Jul 23
If you’re heading to Italy, make sure you add this charming region to your itinerary. Cinque Terre is a coastal region made up of five small fishing villages, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.
These seaside villages offer beautiful ocean views, remarkable seafood, and quaint colorful architecture. While they are small, they are all worth spending time in and exploring their own bustling streets.
Stay a few nights in Cinque Terre, or explore Cinque Terre in one day as a fun day trip. Each of the five villages of Cinque Terre is unique, you simply have to explore all of them. From the picturesque views of Manarola to the fishing harbor of Vernazza, you won’t want to miss out on any of them.
You can hop on the train and walk through each town all in one day, or take your time, and leisurely enjoy what each one has to offer. Now for the good stuff. Add these activities to your list and enjoy the best things to do in Cinque Terre in one day!
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through one of them. Read our affiliate disclosure. Thank you for your support!
The Five Villages of Cinque Terre
Here are the five towns of Cinque Terre in order if you're arriving from the south. If you're getting to Cinque Terre from the north, the order would be reversed. Check out how to get to Cinque Terre before you go.
Riomaggiore
The southernmost village of Cinque Terre is Riomaggiore. This is one of the quieter villages, but it offers the most underrated views.Â
Don't miss the views from the harbor! Walk out to the big rocks where many people take photos, and keep going to your left for beautiful ocean views. Riomaggiore is one of the most picturesque towns on the Italian coast.
Manarola
The most iconic village is Manarola. It's just north of Riomaggiore and a quick ride on the train. The harbor here is beloved and often photographed for its colorful houses and view of the town (pictured at the top of this article).
Corniglia
The most underrated town of Cinque Terre is Corniglia. Many people skip it because it requires a long stair climb to get to, but if you're up for the trek, Corniglia is worth it. This town is quiet and charming; it has the most local feel to it with far fewer tourists than the other villages.
Vernazza
Right after Corniglia is the town of Vernazza. This Cinque Terre village is very picturesque; it's the only town with a natural port. You can walk along it and venture all the way to the point of the port for the best photos. If you've seen the movie Luca, you'll feel like you're transported into the film when you visit Vernazza.
Monterosso al Mare
The final town when you're heading north through Cinque Terre is Monterosso al Mare. This town is split into two parts, Old Town and New Town, both of which offer a slightly different feel and many great restaurants and shops.
If you want to enjoy a beach day while in Cinque Terre, Monterosso is the place to do so. You'll find the biggest beaches here along with umbrellas for rent in the summer.
What to Do in Cinque Terre in One Day
Let's dive into the best things to do in Cinque Terre, Italy in one day. Below you'll find my top recommendations for things to do in each of the five towns of Cinque Terre.Â
It is possible to visit all five villages in one day as they’re small and easily accessed by train. You can either pick two or three towns to stick to and really explore, or opt to visit all five and enjoy a few sights before heading to the next.
Either option is worthwhile, it just depends on your travel style. This itinerary begins in Riomaggiore and ends in Monterosso al Mare, but you can easily reverse the order. Before you visit Cinque Terre, here are some helpful travel guides.
Start in Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the southernmost town of Cinque Terre making it a great starting place. It’s one of the smaller and least crowded villages. Enjoy a cappuccino in Riomaggiore to start your day in Cinque Terre.
I recommend you start from the train station in Riomaggiore and make your way in a clockwise circle up around the town and back down to the coast. Don't miss the views from the harbor! Walk out to the big rocks where many people take photos, and keep going to your left for beautiful ocean views.