Cinque Terre Italy: 5 experiences not to miss

If the Cinque Terre are on your future travel bucket list of Italy destinations, you surely know that they are not a unique place but a gorgeous stretch of coast along the Italian Riviera.

Cinque Terre are composed of 5 quaint villages and if you are wondering where to stay you can read the post we wrote about it.

If you can’t make up your mind about how much time to dedicate to this beautiful place, you can read our tips by locals and we hope you’ll be able to enjoy Cinque Terre at the right place.

But if you want to make the most of your holiday, there are 5 experiences not to miss in Cinque Terre.

JUST STROLL IN THE NARROW ALLEYS OF CINQUE TERRE VILLAGES

Yes, this is the first thing to do to start feeling the magical atmosphere of these places.

No list of museums and monuments to visit, just look around, discover secret corners, feel the scented sea wind, fill your eyes with beautiful and picturesque panoramas.

That’s the right rhythm to enjoy Cinque Terre.

HIKE THE ANCIENT CINQUE TERRE TRAILS

There’s another perspective you can’t miss to look at Cinque Terre in the right way.

That’s the incredible view of the absolute and never-ending blue of sea and sky, with steep mountains rising from the sea and the colored spots of the typical villages.

To enjoy this point of view, you have to hike.

That’s also the best way to understand the real essence of this land, the result of the struggle and at the same time the harmony between man and nature.

But Cinque Terre are a steep land and there are not plain trails.

You can choose among the very famous Path n. 2 or Blue Path that links one village to the other and is a little bit easier or other, less crowded, spectacular trails that climb up to donate you an aerial panorama.

If you are not an expert hiker and you don’t want to miss the best sceneries, just plan an escorted tour that will guarantee you the best result for your effort.

HAVE A PRIVATE BOAT TRIP ALONG THE CINQUE TERRE COAST

If you do not want to walk or if it is too hot, there is still a good alternative and that’s making a private boat tour.

One of our local friends, will bring you up and down the coast on his typical wooden “leudo”, a traditional boat now equipped with all comforts.

You’ll have the chance to admire the tiny villages in all their beauty from the sea, to discover secret coves and strangely shaped rocks.

Of course, you can also bathe in the crystalline waters and, why not, sip a glass of fresh, local wine on board.

TASTE THE CINQUE TERRE WINE ON THE TERRACED VINEYARDS

Talking about wine, one thing you can’t miss to do in Cinque Terre is tasting local wine.

There are many cellars in the villages but many of them are tourist shops.

You have to look for real producers, the “heroes” that struggle all year long against the hard nature of Cinque Terre to extract the precious nectar of this land.

The best thing, in my opinion, is to have the possibility to visit the terraced vineyards and the cellar, to understand really the story and the value of the wine you taste.

And what’s best than to accompany the wine with some local specialties? Yes, for sure there will be.

LEARN TYPICAL CINQUE TERRE RECIPES AND ENJOY YOUR MEAL

If you are a foodie and you are not content with tasting, you can take a cooking lesson to listen to the stories and learn local recipes.

Our friend will reveal to you the secrets to prepare a perfect focaccia or a pesto sauce, hand-made with mortar and pestle and accompanied by the typical pasta called “corzetti”.

These experiences will make your trip to Cinque Terre exclusive and authentic and you’ll be able to bring home something more than a picture, feeling yourself a little bit “Ligurian”.

More Tips and ideas?

Check our trips and experiences lovingly crafted by real locals. We love the territory where we live and have selected for you the best of the best.