Tips to visiting Cinque Terre

A lot has been said and written about Cinque Terre. Lately, the news talk about overcrowding, mass-tourism and so on. It is true, Cinque Terre has changed since the dawn of the internet, but it is still worth visiting as it is one f the most beautiful, magical and unique places in the world. So what is one to do?

We at Trekguyd care a whole lot about the area because we are based in Riomaggiore at the heart of Cinque Terre. We call Cinque Terre our home and want to protect the culture and the area as much as we can. We want share what we now about the area and its incredible history and culture that has not changed much for a 1000 years.

Tips to visiting Cinque Terre

Starting your hike early will improve your Cinque Terre experience

1. Stay in Cinque Terre
   Stay in Cinque Terre, not La Spezia, as many people have started to do. The mornings and evenings are when Cinque Terre returns home to how people have enjoyed it for centuries. Stay at least two to three days, as there is much to see and do. Rushing through at “Rush hour” (big bus and cruise-ship groups coming through) will not be your ideal experience.

2. Hike during the day and enjoy the night-time.
   Start hiking early in the morning to take advantage of the cool air. Once you are up, you can enjoy a quiet lunch away from the crowds. Take a nap in the afternoon, as businesses will be closed in the larger cities, and big crowds are expected to rush through the tiny villages.

3. Go swimming during the day
   Take advantage of the cool water during the day. We recommend Bonnasola, one stop before you get to Levanto for a more “Italian” experience. The only real beach in Cinque Terre you can find in the larger city of Monterosso, which is more a resort town. This beach and most others in Liguria will be pebble beaches, not sand, so bring some water shoes.

4. Enjoy the mornings and evenings
   The villages are entirely different in the morning and evening, though watch out for the many delivery trucks allowed in the mornings.

5. Make reservations
   Good places fill up quickly. It is advisable to make reservations at your favorite restaurant. Be aware that in Italy most restaurants do not open until 7 pm. It is very “Italian” to have an aperitivo before you have your dinner, so hit the next bar and enjoy some local vibes.

6. Day Trippers (by bus from Florence and Pisa)
   After many years of experience, we can confidently say that a day trip from Florence will not serve you well. People are rushed and pushed through the towns with little or false information. Large groups have become a nuisance. You are just a number and have no personal interaction. We even saw tour guides belittling their groups as if they were dealing with toddlers. It has also become a danger on the platforms as many big groups congest them and keep people from exiting and boarding the trains.

7. Cost of the Cinque Terre Train Pass

   The new park train pass is the way to go. It includes the use of the train from 5 am to midnight. The #2 trail from Monterosso to Vernazza & Corniglia. The restrooms at the train stations. Wi-Fi hotspots around Cinque Terre & the village bus. (these buses are only for the village. They do not go from Main Village to other Main Villages) The cost of the pass changes as the season does. This year (2024) The cost was: 18.50, 27.00 & 32.50 euros. It saves you money because one train station stop can cost 10.00 euros. So if you go to just four villages, it’s 40.00 euros.

8. We will gladly help you with any questions you may have. Just write & you will get a quick response.

Manarola is one of the most photographed village of Cinque Terre. Best time to visit is in the evening

Cinque Terre in a day?

Can you really see all of Cinque Terre in a day? NO! Many people come here to hike and check their list. They are not really seeing the area. To come and really experience it, you should have a true guide who lives in the area. This way, while you are hiking you get the history and a feel for what you are seeing. You will most likely be on trails or paths that most people don’t know about. You could take a trail map and try and follow it like many people who come here. This is most confusing and a waste of your time!

 The bus tour from other cities are not really giving you the full story. They are getting you there and bring you to the villages, but the most common phrase is “meet back here at ——“. Your time is controlled and your not with someone who lives here. The main reason you go to a place is not just to see a place, but to learn about it, feel it and leave with a better understanding of area as a whole. Plus you are coming at a time when all the other buses and cruise ships are coming, so it is packed.

“The main reason you go to a place is not just to see a place, but to learn about it, feel it and leave with a better understanding of area as a whole.”

 The best way to see Cinque Terre is to come and stay for a couple of days. This way you will see and experience much more because you will be here after the crowds leave. The lights of the villages at night ad a special feeling and taking the uncrowded trains are a delight. Having a guide on the trails also add to you time. They not only show you the best views and give you the history. Plus tell you where to find the best restaurants, sunsets places, evening happenings,  all for the same price of the tour.

Manarola at night

So come and enjoy Cinque Terre without being herded like cattle. Take a special trek, put your feet up at night and take in the true beauty of Cinque Terre. Don’t let the stories of crowds put you off. Come and be part of Cinque Terre and not just tear a photo out of a book!

written by Pall Forloney. Trekguyd

Nativity Scene in Manarola, Cinque Terre

“Vivamus pellentesque vitae neque at vestibulum. Donec efficitur mollis dui vel pharetra.”

— Jonathan L.

Its that time of year again. The spectacular display of Italy's largest nativity scene in Manarola, Cinque Terre.

With bad weather the celebration was a bit delayed, but at last it was a beautiful night in Manarola.

Many of our trekkers have come down this hill in the heat of the summer months. We hope you can join us again in the coming year!