Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most touristy coastal areas. Its colourful waterfront villages and easy train travel make it an ideal place to visit on a weekend. Here are the things to see, do and taste in Cinque Terre! 👇
🍤 Eat fried fish in Riommagiore harbour
They say that Riomaggiore is home to the best fried fish in Cinque Terre. Moreover, its port is one of the most famous spots in this Italian area. You can sit in front of the sea and have lunch while enjoying some of the most beautiful views of Cinque Terre.
I recommend Il Pescato Cucitano for fried fish.
👀 Climb up to Vernazza viewpoint
There are actually two viewpoints in Vernazza: the one that always appears on Instagram (but where it is forbidden to pass) and the “secret” one that is not so unknown.
On the Vernazza-Monterosso trail you’ll find this viewpoint with a beautiful view of Vernazza. I would even add that it is one of the most beautiful in Cinque Terre.
🍋 Drink a real lemonade in Corniglia
Corniglia is known for its lemons. In fact, during your visit you’ll see the figure of the lemon everywhere, even on souvenirs. Magnets of lemons, plates, glasses… everything you can imagine that you can find in any tourist place!
That’s why in Corniglia it’s a must to try the lemonade.
🏊♂ Take a dip in Monterosso
Almost all the villages in Cinque Terre have direct access to the sea, but the only one with a beach where bathing is allowed is Monterosso al Mare.
In summer it is full of sunbeds and tourists looking for a bit of sun and enjoyment.
🍨 Enjoy the best italian gelatos in Cinque Terre
Well, the truth is that in Italy it’s hard to find a place where they don’t have good gelato. They are usually artisan ice creams with quite a lot of flavour. I recommend:
📍 Gelateria Vernazza – recommended the dark chocolate ice cream.
📍Gelateria Il Porticciolo
🚶♀Visit Via D’ell Amore
When I went there it was under construction and we couldn’t do it. But they say that the trek from Riomaggiore to Manarola is one of the most beautiful trails in Cinque Terre.
🍴 Try the farinata
Farinata is a type of bread typical of the Liguaria region made from chickpea flour. I recommend 📍 La Pia Centenaria in La Spezia.
🗺 See Manarola from the heights
No, you’re not going to fly over Manarola by helicopter! 🚁
Nessun Dorma is one of the most famous restaurants in Cinque Terre because of its terrace with a view. But if you don’t want to have a drink here because of the time or price, you can enjoy the same views from a path that leads up to the restaurant.
🥂 Toast with limoncello
Limoncello is a very Italian liqueur, not from this particular area. But I wanted to include it because when we visited Vernazza, we ate at Ristorante Al Castello, a family restaurant near the Doria Castle.
I was very surprised to see such old people working there. But, what surprised me the most was that when you pay the bill they send you to the house across the street where an old woman is waiting for you with a glass of limoncello to toast.
🛥Visit Cinque Terre from the sea
The most typical way to visit Cinque Terre is by train, but it is not the only way. You can also visit by boat and enjoy this Italian area from a different angle.
