2 Days in Cinque Terre Itinerary: What to See, Do and Where to Stay
Discover the perfect 2-day Cinque Terre itinerary with tips on what to see, where to stay, how to get around and the best places to eat in all five villages.
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Looking for the perfect way to explore Cinque Terre in just two days? Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, an hiking trip or a weekend of sea views plus Italian food, this 2-day Cinque Terre itinerary will help you make the most of your time.
You’ll visit all five villages with tips on what to see, where to eat and how to get around. We’ll also share the best places to stay, some scenic walking trails and pro tips to avoid the crowds.
Let’s dive into the perfect 2-day plan to explore one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal areas.
Day 1 Itinerary: Riomaggiore - Manarola - Corniglia
Your first day in Cinque Terre will take you through three of its most charming villages. You’ll start in Riomaggiore, walk (or ride) to Manarola and finish the day in Corniglia.
Morning: Riomaggiore
Begin your first day in Riomaggiore, the easternmost village of Cinque Terre. This colorful town is built vertically on the cliffs, with pastel houses that rises above a small fishing port. Take a slow walk-up to the Castello di Riomaggiore for great views over the sea: it’s not a long climb and it’s worth it.
Then head down to the harbor and explore the rocky beach area. It’s a great spot to snap some photos, especially in the early morning light when it’s still quiet.
Grab breakfast with a sea view at one of the cafés near the port - fresh pastries and cappuccino taste even better with the sound of the waves nearby.
Midday: Hike or Train to Manarola
From Riomaggiore, you have two options to reach Manarola:
- Take the quick regional train (2-3 minutes),
- Or hike the scenic Via Beccara trail (about 30-40 minutes, moderate difficulty with some steps).
The hike offers amazing views over the coast but requires good shoes and some energy. If it’s hot or you're short on time, the train is an easy choice.
Once in Manarola, head to the panoramic terrace near the Nessun Dorma bar for that famous postcard view. Walk down to the harbor and follow the short path to reach the sea. It’s a peaceful place to relax, take photos or even dip your feet in the water.
Afternoon: Corniglia
Corniglia is the only Cinque Terre village without direct access to the sea: it sits on a hilltop, surrounded by vineyards. To reach it from the train station, you can either climb the 377 steps of the Lardarina staircase (make sure to bring water with you!) or take the shuttle bus.
Once at the top, wander through the quiet alleys until you reach the Church of San Pietro, a small but beautiful spot with Gothic details. Then head to the panoramic terrace for stunning views over the coastline: on clear days, you can see all the way to Vernazza.
End your day with an aperitivo in the main square or at one of the local wine bars. Corniglia is known for its relaxed vibe and fewer crowds, making it a perfect sunset stop.
Day 2 Itinerary: Vernazza - Monterosso al Mare
Your second day in Cinque Terre is all about views, beaches and a bit of hiking or a lot of relaxing, if you prefer. Start the morning with one of the most scenic trails in the area, enjoy a postcard-perfect town and end the day on a sandy beach with time to unwind.
Morning: Sentiero Azzurro (Corniglia → Vernazza)
If you're up for a bit of adventure, start the day by walking the Sentiero Azzurro, the famous trail from Corniglia to Vernazza. It’s about 4 km and takes around 1.5 hours, with a few uphill parts, but the views over the coastline are absolutely worth it.
Not in the mood to hike? No problem, the regional train connects the two villages in under 5 minutes and saves your energy for the beach. Not a fan of hiking, but still want to enjoy the the view? Try this Boat Tour from La Spezia to Cinque Terre including Portovenere.
Midday: Vernazza
Welcome to Vernazza, often known as the most beautiful village in Cinque Terre and for a good reason. Colorful buildings, a little beach and a peaceful port make this village truly special.
Climb up to Castello Doria for a bird’s-eye view over the bay, then come back down and dip your toes in the small urban beach right in front of the main square. It’s not big, but it’s really nice.
Afternoon: Monterosso
Finish your 2-day journey in Monterosso, the largest of the five villages and the only one with a wide sandy beach. Head straight to Fegina Beach, where you’ll find sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars and all the space you need to stretch out and relax.
Once you’ve had enough sun, take a walk through the old town. Don’t miss the Convento dei Cappuccini, perched above the village. It’s quiet, peaceful and offers a beautiful view over the coast.
Stay a bit longer to catch the sunset from the monastery or the promenade. It’s the perfect way to end your Cinque Terre trip.
How to Get to Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre are easy to reach by train from many cities in northern and central Italy. The villages are small and car traffic is limited, so traveling by train is the best and most relaxing option.
By Train
- From Milan: About 3-3.5 hours. Take a direct train to La Spezia or change in Genova. From La Spezia, you can hop on the Cinque Terre Express.
- From Florence: Around 2.5-3 hours. Trains usually go through Pisa or La Spezia.
- From Pisa: Just 1.5 hours. A direct and easy route to La Spezia.
- From Genoa: About 1.5 hours. Trains run frequently and stop directly in the Cinque Terre villages.
Once you reach La Spezia, it’s just a short ride to each of the five villages and trains run every 10-15 minutes during the day.
While it’s possible to reach Cinque Terre by car, we don’t recommend it. The roads are narrow and winding, parking is limited and expensive, and most villages don’t allow cars in the center.
Would you like a more stress-free way to reach the Cinque Terre? Try this Full-Day Guided Trip with Cruise from Milan: it includes transport, guide and even a scenic boat ride.
Closest Airports
The nearest airports from Cinque Terre are:
- Pisa International Airport (PSA) - about 1.5 hours by train
- Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) - about 1.5-2 hours
- Florence Airport (FLR) - about 2.5 hours
- Milan Airports (MXP or LIN) - 3-4 hours
After you land in one of these airports, just take a shuttle or a regional train to the nearest main station, then follow the train routes above.
How to Get Around the Five Villages?
Getting around Cinque Terre is part of the fun! The villages are connected by train, walking trails and even ferries during the high season: so you can choose the way that mostly suits your pace and style.
By Train (Cinque Terre Express)
The easiest and fastest way to move between the five villages is by train. The Cinque Terre Express runs every 10-15 minutes and stops at all five towns: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso.
Travel time between villages is only 2 to 5 minutes and the views from the window are amazing.
You can buy single tickets at the train stations or use the Cinque Terre Card, which includes unlimited train rides.
By Foot (Scenic Trails)
If you love walking and nature, don’t miss the famous hiking trails! The most popular is the Sentiero Azzurro, a coastal path that connects all five villages with breathtaking sea views.
- Corniglia → Vernazza and Vernazza → Monterosso are the most scenic parts (but they include some climbs and stairs!).
- The Via Beccara trail connects Riomaggiore and Manarola as a steeper alternative to the seaside Via dell’Amore (currently closed for repairs).
Some trails require an entrance fee or the Cinque Terre Card. Wear proper shoes and check the trail status before starting.
By Ferry (High Season Only)
From spring to early autumn, you can travel between the villages by panoramic boat. It’s a slower option, but the sea views are stunning and it’s a great way to relax while seeing the coastline from the water. Ferries stop in all villages except Corniglia (since it’s not by the sea).
Looking for a relaxing sea view? Join this Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Aperitif at Sunset.
What’s the Cinque Terre Card?
The Cinque Terre Card is a handy pass that gives you:
- Unlimited access to the Cinque Terre Express trains between La Spezia and Levanto
- Entrance to the paid hiking trails (like the Sentiero Azzurro)
- Free use of the shuttle buses (like the one from Corniglia station)
- Wi-Fi in the villages and discounts on local services
💰 Cost (2025):
- 1 day: from €19.50
- 2 days: from €34
- Family and children discounts available
🛒 You can buy it online, at the train stations or at visitor centers in the villages.
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre?
Choosing where to stay in Cinque Terre really depends on the kind of trip you want. If you're dreaming of romantic sunsets and peaceful evenings, Manarola is a great pick. For something livelier, Riomaggiore offers more bars, restaurants and easy connections to La Spezia.
If you're after classic charm and a central location, Vernazza is the perfect choice: a colorful harbor, a small beach and that picture-perfect vibe. Prefer something quiet and laid-back? Corniglia sits up on a hill and feels more peaceful, with stunning views and fewer crowds. And if the beach is a must, Monterosso al Mare is your spot: it has the only sandy beach in Cinque Terre and a wider choice of hotels and services.
For those traveling on a budget, towns just outside the park like La Spezia or Levanto are great alternatives. They're both well-connected by train and offer more affordable stays.
🛏️ Some great options to consider are:
- Scorci di Mare (Riomaggiore) - Charming rooms in a historic building right by the water.
- Il Sogno di Manarola - A popular boutique retreat located above the sea, perfect for sunset photos and cozy evenings.
- Hotel Baia (Monterosso al Mare) – A beachfront hotel with balconies, steps from the sand and ideal for families or anyone valuing comfort and convenience.
Wherever you choose, make sure to book early especially during spring and summer.
Extra Tips for a Perfect Trip to Cinque Terre
Planning a short trip to Cinque Terre? These tips will help you make the most of your 2 days.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal months are May, June and September. You’ll get sunny weather, fewer crowds and great hiking conditions. July and August can be very hot and packed with tourists, while spring and fall offer a more peaceful vibe.
What to Pack
Bring comfortable walking shoes, you’ll need them for stairs and trails. A refillable water bottle, hat, sunscreen and a light backpack are all useful for long days outside. Don’t forget your swimsuit if you plan to hit the beach or cool off after an hike!
Book in Advance
Cinque Terre is popular, so it’s smart to book your hotel, restaurants and Cinque Terre Card in advance especially during the high season. Many restaurants are small and fill up very quickly, so a reservation guarantees you a good spot for dinner with a view.
Where to Eat
Looking for local food? Try one of these well-loved spots:
- Trattoria dal Billy (Manarola) - Famous for seafood pasta and stunning views
- Ristorante Miky (Monterosso) - A more upscale choice with local Ligurian dishes
- A Cantina da Mananan (Corniglia) - Cozy and rustic, great for wine and small plates
Would you like to learn how to cook your own Ligurian meal? Try this Cinque Terre Pesto Making Class with Wine & Tasting
Conclusion
Cinque Terre might be small, but, in just two days, you’ll find yourself wandering through colorful streets, tasting fresh seafood by the sea, hiking along cliffside trails and catching sunsets you’ll never forget.
It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, look around and enjoy the simple beauty of each village.
Ready to go? Your Italian coastal adventure is just a train ride away. ✨🇮🇹
Want More Italian Getaways?
If you loved Cinque Terre and you're based in northern Italy, why not plan another beach escape? Check out our guide to the 11 best beaches near Milan all easy to reach by train or car.
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