3 Days on Italy's Cinque Terre
Arrival in Monterosso
After flying from Porto, we landed in Milan and immediately took the train down to Monterosso. Our cute little Airbnb in the old part of town was the perfect base for our trip. After checking in, we wandered around the charming streets, soaking up the charm of the town. Monterosso is the largest of the five Cinque Terre villages and is known for its beautiful beaches and historical significance, including the 14th-century church of San Giovanni Battista. Dinner was simple but delicious: pizza and wine at a little spot near our Airbnb...a perfect start to our stay.
Monterosso al Mare VI - A view of the main beach in the town of Monterosso
Day 1: Hiking to Vernazza
Day one was all about hiking. We set off from Monterosso to Vernazza, a trail known for its breathtaking coastal views. There are trails connecting all five towns of the Cinque Terre coast, but some of them were closed off during our trip. And in the sake of time, we only hiked between two of them. The hike was challenging but rewarding, with stunning vistas at every turn. Vernazza, with its colorful houses and quaint harbor, dates back to around 1000 AD and has a rich history as a maritime town. Once in Vernazza, we enjoyed a well-deserved pasta lunch. After hiking back, we strolled along Monterosso’s promenade, lined with colorful umbrellas. The day ended with dinner and gelato in the old part of town, followed by live music by the water—a truly magical experience.
Sweet Escape - a photo of the beautiful pastel buildings adorning the town
The Sweet Life - My favorite photo of the trip: Monterosso's iconic rock formation and famous pastel umbrellas that dot the beach
Day 2: Exploring Riomaggiore and Manarola
We started day two with a quick train ride to Riomaggiore (the train system here is extremely convenient and easy to use). The pastel buildings and lively harbor were picture-perfect. Riomaggiore, the southernmost village of the Cinque Terre, was founded in the early 13th century and is known for its wine production. We explored the rocky beach and watched locals swimming in the harbor.
Riomaggore I - an image of the town's main harbor and waterfront area
Later that day, we took the train to Manarola for dinner at Nessun Dorma. Unfortunately, the wait was too long for us, so we opted for a more low-key spot. We enjoyed a spritz, bruschetta, and some local seafood while watching the locals cliff jump. Manarola is one of the oldest villages in the Cinque Terre, with the church of San Lorenzo dating back to 1338. Afterwards we returned to Monterosso for a relaxed evening.
Views from Nessun Dorma - postcard worthy views from the famous restaurant
Day 3: Day Trip to Portofino
Day final day was dedicated to exploring Portofino. We took the train to Rapallo and then a bus to Portofino. The harbor was stunning, and we climbed up to Castle Brown for an amazing overlook and a glimpse of the megayachts. Castle Brown, a historic fortress dating back to the 16th century, offers panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea and the village below. Although the weather was gloomy, we still admired the town’s beauty. I’d love to return on a sunny day to explore the quiet little beaches and coves.
Portofino Lookout - A photo of the sunning coastline of Portofino
Back in Monterosso, we spent the rest of the day relaxing under the umbrellas, sipping a few spritzes. Our final dinner in the old part of town was a delightful pasta feast, a fitting end to our time in this beautiful place.
Monterosso Mornings - Photo of the iconic pastel umbrellas of Monterosso
Day 4: Leaving Cinque Terre
We woke up early to take the train back to Milan, and then it was off to Lake Como for the rest of our trip. Cinque Terre and Portofino offered a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery. From hiking coastal trails to exploring charming villages and enjoying delicious food, every moment was a highlight. If you’re planning a trip to this stunning part of Italy, I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your visit.