How to Visit Cinque Terre on a Budget – Top 12 Things to Do
Cinque Terre, Italy is home to the five towns Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. These colorful villages are located in the Italian Riviera. Many tourists flock here during the summer months to enjoy the Tyrrhenian Sea, authentic Italian cuisine, and rugged mountains. In the off-seasons locals get their fishing rods out to catch fresh seafood. Cinque Terre’s five towns can be reached by train, boat, or by foot.
1. Visit the White Sand Beach of Monterosso
Monterosso is home to the most gorgeous white sand beach in Cinque Terre. The beach stretches along the New Town side of Monterosso. Bring out the sunscreen, a book, and your towel for some relaxation. This is a free public beach. We got here early on a weekday and there was barely anyone. The views are absolutely gorgeous and the sand is irresistibly soft. If you get a little too warm basking in the Italian sunshine, take a swim in the ocean. Turn it into a beach day and pack a picnic. Umbrellas and lounge chairs are available for rent, for a fee. Close by you will find shops, restaurants, and gelato stands.
2. Eat Gobs of Gelato
Our favorite gelato shop in the Cinque Terre is Slurp. Slurp is located above Monterosso Beach along the pathway with other restaurants, bars, and shops. After laying on the beach, a refreshing scoop of Italian gelato is the perfect snack. Take in the ocean views while enjoying your gelato at the picnic tables located along the pathway. This is a cheap and delicious treat for under 3 euros. I highly encourage you to try the limoncello gelato! It is tangy and an Italian classic.
3. Visit the Mamma Mia Store in Riomaggiore
The Mamma Mia shop brings out the nostalgia inside of me. It makes you want to dance and sing as if you are in the Mamma Mia movie with Meryl Streep. Mamma Mia is a takeaway food shop selling fritti, pizza, wine, sandwiches, and snacks. A great one-stop-shop for everything you will need to tackle the long hike between the five villages or a relaxing day on the beach. One slice of pizza is just .50 euros!
4. Hike between towns
A 7-mile hike spans across Cinque Terre, starting in Riomaggiore and ending in Monterosso. The entire hike is called the Blue Trail. Hiking trails in this area are weather-dependent and can be closed during certain times of the year. Make sure to check here for closures and alerts. This is a great option to getting from town to town without having to buy a train ticket, plus it is a fun adventure with gorgeous views of the sea and rugged mountains. Some trails do have a small fee of 7.50 euros. If you do not want to do the entire trek you can simply go from one town to the next with shorter routes.
Hiking Routes
Riomaggiore ~ Manarola: 1 Mile (Easy)
Manarola ~ Corniglia: 2 Miles (Easy)
Corniglia ~ Vernazza: 2.5 Miles (Moderate)
Vernazza ~ Monterosso: 2.17 Miles (Moderate)
5. Vista Panoramica in Riomaggiore
Visit the Vista Panoramica view point in Riomaggiore. This iconic photo spot is located right around the corner from Riomaggiore’s boat dock. You will get views of all things Cinque Terre including the colorful town, local fisherman on boats, vast mountain ranges, and the blue Tyrrhenian Sea. You can hike all the way out on the rock peninsula or just take in the views from the stone platform. This was our go-to spot to enjoy the sunset, munch on local foods, and drink Italian Vino. Arrive early and beat the crowd to watch the sunrise!
6. Rock Beach in Riomaggiore – Spiagga del Paese
Right around the corner from the Vista Panoramica viewpoint, you will find Spiagga del Paese. A hidden rock beach with bright blue waters. There was no one here when we arrived, making for a peaceful location watching and listening to the waves crash against the rocks. The water was clear and the landscape was clean like no one has ever been here. Parallel to the ocean are walls built into the mountainside made of ocean rock. The stone walls are absolutely breathtaking with carved archways and intricate detail.
7. Views of Manarolla
Hike to the scenic viewpoint of Manarola to capture this colorful town from afar. This is an easy and quick hike taking you around the coast. You can easily do it in sandals and takes about 15 minutes to reach the top. A perfect spot to enjoy a picnic, watch the sunset, or just hang out and take in the views. There is even a spot located right next to the viewpoint called Picnic Place. A designated spot to lay out a blanket and munch on those treats purchased at the Mamma Mia shop. The Manarola Scenic Viewpoint is one of Cinque Terre’s top tourist attractions so be prepared for the crowds.
8. Eat at La Scogliera in Manarola
After checking out the magnificent views of Manarola, the next thing to do is enjoy an authentic Italian dinner at La Scogliera. The interior is charming and warm with stone walls, white table cloths, and arches. There is a table charge per person. The small fee covers water, tip, and bread. Dishes range from $7- $15, a great price for authentic Italian dishes right by the sea. This was a great experience with fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and great service.
What We Ordered
Raviolo Al Fileito Di Branzino – Homemade Fish Ravioli with fresh Seabass in White Wine Sauce
Spagheiti Al Ragu – Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Tonno e Cipolla – Pizza with a Red Sauce Base, Mozzarella, Tuna, and Onions
9. Enjoy the Gorgeous Flowers and Views of the Sea
All through the five towns of Cinque Terre, you will find gorgeous exotic flowers. The flowers grow along pathways, up buildings, and everywhere in between. I am such a flower gal that this was one of the top highlights of the trip. With so many vibrant colors, they make for a great frame to capture the sea views.
10. Shop at the Outdoor Market in Old Town Monterosso
On Thursday mornings, the streets in Old Town Monterosso open for an outdoor market. Vendors are lined side by side with jewelry, art pieces, souvenirs, and my favorite, hand-painted dishware. This is a great place to find those Italian handbags for a cheaper price, along with gifts for friends and family. If you do not agree with a price, just offer the vendor your price, they may meet you halfway or all the way. I found handmade leather bracelets and bought five of them for a total of 10 euros. The more you buy the more you save! You can also find tons of restaurants and unique buildings in Old Town Monterosso.
11. Eat Fritti
Fritti is an Italian dish that means fried, it is similar to fried calamari. The hot fritti crunches in your mouth with a chewy fresh seafood interior. Squeeze a splash of lemon juice on them to add the perfect acidity. Fun Fact: The hot sun keeps your fritti warm for the perfect bite every time. Tutti Fritti is located in Riomaggiore and one of my favorite places for this fried snack food. You can choose from all types of seafood; calamari, clams, anchovies, shrimp, and mussels. This is a great cheap treat to enjoy while walking the steep streets in Cinque Terre.
12. Watch the Sunset
Watching the sun go down is an absolute must in Cinque Terre. There is something so magical when watching the sun cross over the horizon. The colorful buildings shine bright and the ocean reflects the breathtaking shades of orange, yellow, and red. Make sure to research the time of sunset and arrive early so you do not miss it. You can watch the sunset from anywhere in the five villages but my favorite spot is the Vista Panoramica in Riomaggiore. Grab a bottle of vino and your favorite sweet treat and enjoy the show!
[…] After Rome, travel to Cinque Terre, Italy! […]