Exploring Italy’s Cinque Terre by Train: A 3-Day Coastal Itinerary
Ah, Cinque Terre—Italy’s rugged coastal gem where colorful villages cling to cliffs, vineyards cascade down hillsides, and the Mediterranean sparkles like liquid sapphire.
If you’re a train travel lover, this UNESCO World Heritage site is your dream destination. Why? Because exploring Cinque Terre by train isn’t just convenient—it’s magical.
Picture yourself gliding past terraced landscapes, hopping between villages with ease, and soaking in views that’ll make your Instagram followers swoon.
Ready to dive into a 3-day adventure that balances relaxation, exploration, and pasta? Let’s get started.
Day 1: Arrival & Embracing the Charm of Riomaggiore and Manarola
Morning: Start in La Spezia
Your Cinque Terre journey begins in La Spezia, the gateway to the five villages.
Why start here? It’s well-connected by regional trains from cities like Florence, Milan, or Pisa, and offers affordable accommodation compared to the pricier villages.
Drop your bags at your hotel (or leave them at the station) and grab a cappuccino at Caffè Roma.
Pro tip: Buy the Cinque Terre Train Card (€18.20/day) for unlimited train rides and trail access.
Midday: Riomaggiore’s Rustic Vibes
Hop on the 8-minute train to Riomaggiore, the southernmost village. Wander its zigzagging lanes, snap photos of pastel houses stacked like Lego blocks, and peek into the tiny harbor. Hungry?
Grab a focaccia stuffed with local pesto or anchovies (a Ligurian specialty) at Enoteca Dau Cila.
Don’t miss the short hike to Punta Bonfiglio, a viewpoint where turquoise waves crash dramatically below.
Afternoon: Sunset in Manarola
Next, ride the train 4 minutes to Manarola, arguably Cinque Terre’s most photogenic village.
Stroll the Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane) if it’s open, or head to Nessun Dorma for bruschetta and Aperol spritzes with a front-row seat to the sunset.
Feeling adventurous? Swim at the rocky harbor—just watch your step!
Evening: Dinner with a View
End your day with seafood pasta at Trattoria dal Billy in Manarola. Their spaghetti alle vongole (clam pasta) is legendary.
As the village lights twinkle, you’ll realize why Cinque Terre steals hearts.
Day 2: Corniglia’s Quiet Magic & Vernazza’s Postcard Perfection
Morning: Hike to Corniglia
Start early with a train to Corniglia, the only village not directly by the sea. Why visit? It’s quieter and perched 100 meters above the coast.
Climb the Lardarina—a brick staircase of 382 steps—or take the shuttle from the station. Reward yourself with a lemon granita at Alberto Gelateria while gazing at vineyards.
Midday: Explore Vernazza’s Harbor
A quick 5-minute train ride brings you to Vernazza, a village so picturesque it feels unreal. Wander past gelato shops to the harbor, where fishing boats bob beside a natural swimming pool.
Climb the Doria Castle Tower (€2 entry) for panoramic views. Craving lunch? Gambero Rosso serves fresh calamari and homemade trofie pasta with pesto.
Afternoon: Beach Time or Coastal Hike
Choose your vibe: Relax at Vernazza’s tiny beach or tackle the Vernazza-to-Monterosso trail (3.3 km, 90 minutes).
The hike is steep but rewards you with cliffside vistas and the scent of wild rosemary. Too tired? The train back takes 4 minutes.
Evening: Sunset Drinks in Monterosso
Head to Monterosso al Mare, the largest village, for sunset. Sip local white wine at Enoteca Internazionale and watch the sky turn gold over the Ligurian Sea.
Dinner at Miky (try the lobster ravioli) caps off a day well spent.
Day 3: Monterosso’s Beaches & Farewell Feasts
Morning: Beach Bliss in Monterosso
Monterosso boasts Cinque Terre’s only sandy beach. Rent a lounge chair at Bagni Fegina or stroll the promenade with a gelato (pistachio + stracciatella = perfection).
Want culture? Visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista or the quirky Statua del Gigante.
Midday: Lunch Like a Local
Grab a table at L’Ancora della Tortuga for anchovy-filled panzerotti (fried pockets of joy) and a chilled Vermentino wine.
Ask for their “secret” lemon cake—trust us.
Afternoon: Final Village Hopping
Use your train pass to revisit a favorite spot or explore hidden corners. Missed Riomaggiore’s marina? Want one last gelato in Manarola? This is your chance.
Evening: Departure with a Foodie Souvenir
Before catching your train from La Spezia, stock up on pesto, limoncello, or a bottle of Sciacchetrà (local dessert wine) from Il Pesto di Pra in Monterosso.
As the train pulls away, you’ll already be plotting your return.
Pro Tips for Train Travel in Cinque Terre
1. Train Schedules Are Your Friend
Trains run every 15–30 minutes, but double-check timetables at stations. Missed your stop? No stress—just hop on the next one.
2. Pack Light & Smart
Cobblestones and stairs = no wheeled suitcases. Bring:
- Comfortable shoes (think hiking sandals)
- A reusable water bottle
- Swimwear and quick-dry towel
3. Avoid Peak Crowds
Visit in May, June, or September for fewer tourists and cooler temps. July/August? Prepare for heat and queues.
4. Respect the Environment
Stick to marked trails to protect the fragile ecosystem. Bonus: You’ll avoid fines (some paths require the Cinque Terre Card).
FAQs for Cinque Terre Train Travelers
Q: Can I do Cinque Terre in 3 days?
Absolutely! This itinerary balances exploration and relaxation. Extend to 4 days if you love hiking or slow travel.
Q: Are trains wheelchair-friendly?
Unfortunately, most stations have stairs. Check with Trenitalia for accessibility options.
Q: What if I hate crowds?
Corniglia and early mornings are your allies. Or visit in October—still warm, but quieter.
My Reflections on the Journey
This 3-day rail trip taught me much about travel and life. I found that careful planning makes a big difference. I learned to appreciate the small moments—a shared smile with a fellow traveller, a quiet moment at a seaside café, and the ever-changing view from my window.
I came back with a heart full of memories. The trip reminded me of the beauty of slow travel. I felt enriched by the culture and scenery. Every village had its own charm and story. I learned that travel is not just about reaching a destination, but about enjoying the path that leads there.
Final Thoughts: Why Cinque Terre by Train Wins
Let’s be real: Driving here means narrow roads and pricey parking. Trains let you focus on the views, not the road. Plus, the rhythm of train travel mirrors Cinque Terre’s laid-back vibe—slow down, savor the moment, and let the coast work its magic.
So, what are you waiting for? Dust off your backpack, charge your camera, and let Cinque Terre’s trains whisk you into a postcard. After all, life’s too short for boring vacations. Buon viaggio!
