A Day in Cinque Terre

During our Mediterranean cruise in the summer of 2024, my husband and I spent one unforgettable day exploring Cinque Terre, a stretch of rugged coastline in northern Italy that looks like a dream painted in pastels. Translating to “Five Lands,” Cinque Terre refers to the five centuries-old fishing villages that cling to the cliffs of the Italian Riviera—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Once accessible only by sea or narrow paths, these villages are now connected by train, yet each still feels like a world of its own.

We chose to explore Cinque Terre independently, without a group excursion or guide, and it turned out to be the perfect decision. From our cruise ship docked in La Spezia, we walked from the port to the nearby regional train station, easily purchased our Cinque Terre train pass, and set off to discover the villages at our own pace. The trains run frequently, and navigating them was simple and stress-free.

Monterosso Al Mare -- Sun, Sand, and Seafood

We began our journey in Monterosso al Mare, the largest and most resort-like of the five villages. It’s the furthest from the port of La Spezia, so it seemed logical to start there and work our way closer to the ship. It’s known for its long sandy beaches—a rarity in Cinque Terre—and its lively seaside promenade lined with cafés and shops. Monterosso is also famous for its anchovies, which have been fished and preserved here for generations. We strolled along the waterfront, admiring the contrast between the deep blue sea and the colorful umbrellas dotting the sand. It had a more relaxed, beachy vibe than the other villages and made for a beautiful start to the day.

Vernazza — A Harbor Full of Heart

Our next stop was Vernazza, often described as the most picturesque of the five. With its small harbor, pastel buildings, and bustling piazza, Vernazza has long been a safe haven for fishermen and sailors. Overlooking the town is Doria Castle, a medieval fortress that once guarded against pirates. We paused here for a delicious panini, savoring the view of the boats bobbing in the harbor and locals chatting in the sun. Vernazza’s blend of history, color, and coastal charm made it one of my favorite stops.

Manarola — A Postcard Come to Life

From there, we headed to Manarola, one of the oldest and most photographed villages in Cinque Terre. Its pastel buildings appear to tumble down the cliffs into a tiny harbor surrounded by rocky terraces. Manarola is known for its sweet Sciacchetrà wine, a rare dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes grown on the steep vineyard terraces above the town. We wandered the narrow lanes, admired the views from the scenic overlook, and took in that classic Cinque Terre panorama that looks like it was made for postcards. As cliché as it sounds, Manarola has bucket list views.

Riomaggiore — A Burst of Color to End the Day

Our final stop was Riomaggiore, a lively village famous for its vividly painted houses and dramatic cliffside views. The streets here are narrow and steep, filled with local shops, seafood cafés, and the hum of daily life. Riomaggiore dates back to the 13th century and was built vertically into the gorge, giving it its signature layered look. We treated ourselves to a paper cone of fried seafood—crispy calamari and shrimp—while enjoying the sounds of the waves echoing through the harbor.

Seeing Cinque Terre from the Sea

Between two of the villages, we took a ferry ride, and it was hands-down one of the most breathtaking parts of the day. Seeing Cinque Terre from the sea offered a whole new perspective—the colorful towns rising from the cliffs looked even more magical framed by the endless blue of the Ligurian coast. It’s something I’d recommend to anyone visiting; it captures the spirit of the region in a single, unforgettable view.

Final Thoughts

As the afternoon came to a close and we made our way back to La Spezia, we couldn’t help but smile. One day in Cinque Terre was enough to fall in love—but not nearly enough to explore it all. You could easily spend several days wandering the villages, hiking the scenic trails, and tasting your way through the local cuisine. Keep in mind that the area is very hilly, so mobility can be a challenge in spots—but the views and experiences are worth every step.

Cinque Terre is a place that lingers in your heart long after you’ve left. I’m already dreaming about returning someday soon—this time, to linger longer.