How We Spent 3 Nights in Cinque Terre: A Travel Guide
Manarola-Cinque Terre
After years of dreaming about Italy’s Ligurian coast, we finally made it to Cinque Terre—and it was every bit as magical as the photos. With only three nights to soak it all in, we wanted to make the most of our time. After a lot of research, we decided to stay in Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages and the only one with a true sandy beach.
Here’s a breakdown of how we spent our trip and tips to help you plan your own visit!
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Day 1:
Where We Stayed: Monterosso
We arrived in Monterosso in the late afternoon by train from Venice. The moment we stepped off at the station, we were greeted with postcard-perfect views of the coastline. Monterosso only has one train station, but it conveniently connects you to the other four towns in just minutes.
With only half a day left, we eased into our first evening. We stopped at a local winery where you can either grab a bottle and wander with it or book a tasting class. From there, we headed to Torre Aurora Mare for dinner. The restaurant sits right at the start of Monterosso’s Old Town and has some of the best sunset views in the village. After dinner, we strolled through the winding streets of Old Town—perfect for walking off fresh pasta and gelato.
Travel tip: Many shops and restaurants in Cinque Terre close midday and reopen for dinner. Some are also closed on certain days of the week, so double-check hours if there’s somewhere you don’t want to miss.
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Day 2: Exploring the Villages
Cinque Terre is incredibly easy to explore by train. Trains run frequently between villages, and tickets cost about €8 one way or €16 round trip. Don’t forget to validate your ticket before boarding—if you’re caught without a validated ticket, the fine is €58 per person!
We started our morning with coffee and breakfast at Wine Bar in Monterosso’s Old Town before setting off to visit the neighboring villages.
Vernazza
Our first stop was Vernazza, known for its colorful harbor, lively piazza, and the 13th-century Santa Margherita d’Antiochia church right by the sea. The town has a cozy, authentic feel and is a great place to sit by the port with a glass of wine.
If you’re a foodie, check out Cinque Sensi, a cooking school where you can learn how to make authentic Ligurian pesto.
Manarola
Next up: Manarola. This is the village you’ve likely seen all over Instagram and TikTok, thanks to its iconic cliffside views. The town is home to Nessun Dorma, a famous bar and cooking class spot. It was unfortunately closed when we visited, but normally you need to reserve a table through their app the same day.
We opted instead for La Regina, a restaurant with amazing views and delicious pizza. Afterward, we wandered through charming little shops before heading back to Monterosso.
Dinner Back in Monterosso
That evening, we ended up at EMY’s Way, a tiny, family-run restaurant that turned out to be a hidden gem. With just a handful of tables, it feels intimate and authentic. We tried the pizza, carbonara, and seafood pasta—and every dish was fantastic. If you’re in Monterosso, this spot is a must.
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Day 3 – Beach Day & Exploring Riomaggiore
We kicked off our final day in Cinque Terre with breakfast at Mae Caa in Monterosso’s old town. It was the perfect way to start the morning—they had pastries, avocado toast, pancakes, eggs, and really good cold brews. Afterward, we wandered through the Thursday farmers market held in Piazza Cavour (Piazza del Mercato), where local vendors set up stalls selling everything from fresh produce to regional specialties. If you happen to be in town on a Thursday, it’s definitely worth checking out.
From there, we headed straight for a beach day. We rented chairs and an umbrella at Stella Marina Beach Club, the one lined with the iconic orange and green striped umbrellas. For €50 we had two sunbeds and shade for the entire day—a great deal considering the location and amenities. The beach club also had bathrooms, changing areas, and a bar serving cocktails, beer, and focaccia sandwiches. If you want something different, there are plenty of casual restaurants within walking distance right along the beach.
Once we’d had our fill of sun and sea, we took the train to Riomaggiore, one of the towns we hadn’t explored yet. Riomaggiore is instantly captivating, with its colorful cliffside homes, charming harbor, and dramatic Ligurian coastline views.
The first thing we did was grab one of the famous seafood cones from Tutti Frutti—crispy, fresh, and perfect for wandering around the village.
If you have time to explore, Riomaggiore has some great cultural stops, like:
• Castello di Riomaggiore – A medieval castle perched above the town with sweeping views.
• Church of San Giovanni Battista – A 14th-century church in the heart of the village.
Summer (April-October): 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Winter (November-March): 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday Masses: 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM
When it comes to food, Riomaggiore has some excellent options. For dinner with a view, try Ristorante L’Ancora della Tortuga, Fuori Rotta, or Osteria La Torpedine for a more intimate feel.
We ended up at Da Dulìn, and it couldn’t have been better—the food was delicious, the service was warm, and it was the perfect way to wrap up our time in Cinque Terre.
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Final Thoughts
Cinque Terre is everything you imagine—colorful cliffside villages, fresh seafood, and unforgettable sunsets. By basing ourselves in Monterosso, we had the best of both worlds: a relaxing beach town and easy access to the others.
Three nights felt just right for a first visit, giving us time to explore without feeling rushed. If you’re planning your own trip, my biggest tips are:
• Stay in Monterosso if you want beach time- it definitely has the best beach!
• Validate your train tickets.
• Double-check restaurant and shop hours.
• Make time for at least one family-run restaurant—you’ll never forget it.
Cinque Terre is a place that captures your heart with its beauty. I already can’t wait to go back.
