Cinque Terre, which translates to “five lands,” is a string of five seaside villages along the Italian Riviera’s rugged coastline. It includes the lands of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Our tours will show you the best of each spot.

In each of the centuries-old towns, colorful pastel houses and vibrant green vineyards line steep hillsides, and fishing boats fill the crystal clear harbors. This area is famous for its fresh seafood, local pesto, stunning views, and cliffside hiking trails—all of which are big draws for tours in Cinque Terre.

To learn more, read our guide to Cinque Terre’s five villages.

The best time for most Cinque Terre trips would be in September or October, right as the busy summer season comes to an end. The weather is still warm, but not too hot, and there are often more available spots on our Cinque Terre tours at this time.

Cinque Terre tours are known for their stunning views of these idyllic five villages. 

• Monterroso is known for its white sand beaches and downtown shops.
• Vernazza is famous for its candy-colored harbor, where you can take short boat tours all around. 
• Corniglia is the only town without a beach or harbor, which means fewer tourists and more quiet moments.
• Riomaggiore, and is home to one of the best viewpoints in all of Cinque Terre—Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero. 
• Riomaggiore and Manarola feature a famous hiking path that connects the two villages. You can learn all about it on our tour of Lake Como, the Italian Riviera & Venice, and can even hike a portion of it during your free time.

Cinque Terre tours are perfect for you if you like to get off the beaten path, enjoy the sun, or sample the freshest fish. 

If you’re into adventure, you can embark on incredible coastal hikes, some of which meander between villages. 

And if trekking isn’t your thing, we suggest sunbathing on the gorgeous sandy beaches (which are not the norm in northern Italy), shopping at local markets, or going out for drinks at authentic seaside bars.

And of course, one of the best things to do on all Cinque Terre trips is to eat. Monterosso has some of the best fresh-caught anchovies in all of Europe, Corniglia has incredible honey gelato, and Riomaggiore has fried seafood that will make your mouth water.

Local seafood like anchovies, mussels, and other shellfish are as fresh as it gets, making them a must-try when visiting Cinque Terre. Pesto is a can’t miss, too. The Ligurian Coast is famous for this basil-and-oil delicacy. Locals often serve it on trofie pasta, a regional, twisted noodle traditionally made with chestnut flour.

This guide to hidden restaurants in Northern Italy will help you find some of the best places to eat on our Cinque Terre tours.

The main thing to remember is that every village—with the exception of Monterosso—is car-free. This gives the area a bit more of a nostalgic, slower-paced atmosphere.  It also means you’ll want to plan for plenty of walking. So if you’re looking for what to pack for a tour in Cinque Terre, bring comfortable footwear and lots of water.

If you have mobility concerns, Monterosso is a fantastic option to experience the best of Cinque Terre. This northernmost village allows cars, so you can easily get around without walking too far.

The biggest benefit of choosing from our Cinque Terre tour packages is that you can travel to all the top destinations and attractions without having to do all of the planning. Our guided tours to Cinque Terre are highly curated to bring you to all the best spots, with the right amount of time at each one. Plus, when you travel with us, you’ll get the perfect balance of carefully planned activities and free time to explore your interests, so you’ll return home with memories that last a lifetime. Learn more about the Go Ahead Difference.