Have you ever wondered how it feels to be in five different places at once? You don’t need to have superpowers to do that. Just visit Cinque Terre in Italy! A Cinque Terre tour will give you an experience like never before, so start packing your bags and make sure you find a trusted Italian tour operator as soon as possible.
Top five things to do on your private Cinque Terre tour
What is Cinque Terre? If the name sounds foreign to you, then you might understand it better through its English translation: the “Five Lands.” This coastal marvel in northwest Italy comprises not one, not two, but five charming villages, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Each village in Cinque Terre has something unforgettable to offer, allowing you to experience five distinct places without traveling for several hours or wasting money. These towns are right next to each other, spanning over 4000 hectares of Ligurian land.
The five villages in Cinque Terre start at Monterroso and end at Riomaggiore, and here is everything you need to know about each one:
- Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso is the largest of the five lands, situated on a collection of hills with rich biodiversity. Thanks to its size, Monterosso boasts some beautiful beaches that you definitely must visit during your stay.
The large town is divided into two parts: new and old. Aurora, a medieval tower, marks the older part of town, leading you into a path filled with archaeological ruins and ancient wonders.
Meanwhile, Fegina, a much more modern area in Monterosso, is an ideal tourist spot. This is the best place to visit if you’re craving food after a long walk. You’ll also find the Giant in this part of town, a massive statue created in honor of the Roman god of the sea.
- Vernazza
Next to Monterosso is a much smaller town by the name of Vernazza. This village is known as Cinque Terre’s fishing hotspot, overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
Here, you can taste the local dishes heavily influenced by Cinque Terre’s marine diversity. For example, the acciughe al tegame is highly recommended, a simple dish made with fried anchovies. You can also have your fill of spaghetti allo scoglio, a pasta dish filled with mussels, baked white fish, stockfish, and marinara sauce. And if you’re craving some meat, don’t hesitate to try Coniglio alla Ligure—Ligurian-style rabbit.
For those seeking a bit of a thrill, Vernazza is the perfect starting point. As the heart of Cinque Terre, it is home to several hiking trails that connect you to the rest of the villages, including the Blue Trail, which leads into Monterosso and Corniglia.
- Corniglia
After a long hike, you can finally take a break at Corniglia, Cinque Terre’s central village. But don’t be surprised when you find out that you can’t relax at the beach. Corniglia is the only town without direct access to the sea, sitting 100 meters above the water.
And because of its geography, Corniglia couldn’t be more different than its neighbors. Rather than sustaining a livelihood on fishing, the locals at Corniglia are more accustomed to their agricultural traditions.
For example, the town is deeply surrounded by vineyards, growing grape varieties like Bosco, Albarola, and Vermentino. As a result, Corniglia is best known for its exquisite wines, all of which you must try at least once.
- Manarola
The next stop is Manarola, an enchanting village built upon 70 meters of rocky land. This town may be small, but it makes up for the lack of size in color. Houses in different hues sit on top of each other, giving the village even more height.
Like Corniglia, Manarola doesn’t have a beach. But don’t worry—if you want to feel the cool water against your skin, you can take part in more exciting activities like deep-water swimming. If you see boats parked around the town’s tiny harbor, take this as a warning that the waves are rough.
For those who prefer to stay on land, you can course through a hiking trail that leads back into Corniglia. This path is narrow and steep, but it’s worth the risk, giving you picturesque views of the five villages and the Mediterranean Sea.
- Riomaggiore
Last but not least, you can journey on to the southernmost village of Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore. This town may be the farthest from Monterosso, but it lies closest to La Spezia, an Italian city that borders Liguria and Tuscany.
But there’s more to explore before you head back to the city. Riomaggiore is a romantic village that starts at Via dell’Amore, also known as Lover’s Lane. It’s a short 20-minute walk that gives you a spectacular view of the Ligurian landscape.
You can also explore some of the hiking trails in Riomaggiore, but make sure you’re ready for a long walk. The hike from the town to Portovenere takes about five hours; beginners can opt for the hour-long walk back to Manarola via Beccara instead.
A quick guide to visiting Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a top summer destination in Italy, welcoming about 2.5 million tourists each year. The best time to visit would be around late April to late October, especially if you want to avoid the crowd. This is because hundreds of cruise ships arrive at the coast from July to August, possibly leading to overcrowding.
If you’re having trouble planning your trip, consider looking for experienced tour operators offering luxury travel packages. This way, you can see everything Cinque Terre has to offer without having to deal with the horde of other tourists.
A private Cinque Terre tour will include a trip through the five villages and a professional guide that can help you learn more about the area. In addition, you can go on a nature and wildlife tour, visiting the roads less traveled in Portovenere and Palmaria.
Make sure to choose a certified tour operator specializing in Italian destinations and offering luxury services to make your vacation more memorable.