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Everyone’s Talking About Cinque Terre and Genoa. And after visiting for myself, I can certainly see what the hype is all about. We stumbled on this gem while looking for destinations for a short weekend trip in Italy. My criteria was simple, I wanted a city where I could spend a couple days eating and drinking in Italy. This region of Italy did not disappoint in satisfying my criteria and taste buds but I also learned way more than I expected. Introducing “10 Cinque Terre & Genoa Things Travelers Need To Know,” your practical yet comprehensive guide for exploring this area along the Ligurian Sea. From culinary delights to have, where to see the most stunning vistas and how to easily plan your journey of exploration and adventure.
10 Cinque Terre & Genoa Things Travelers Need To Know Table Of Contents
Plan Your Cinque Terre & Genoa Visit
 Flight |  Stay |  Do |  Drive |
| Skyscanner | Agoda | GetYourGuide | Rentalcars.com |
10 Cinque Terre & Genoa Things You Need To Know
Explore “10 Must-Knows for Cinque Terre & Genoa,” your key to unlocking this stunning Ligurian Sea region.
1. Disney Film
| The Disney film, “Luca” is based here. Give it a watch for some whimsical inspiration. |
2. Pesto Mecca
| You come to Genoa and Cinque Terre to indulge in Pesto, white wine & focaccia. Fun Facts: – Genova is the birthplace of pesto – Cinque Terre is known for their white wine – The Ligurian Sea region has their own variation of focaccia. It is flatter, slightly saltier but still so tasty. Tour Suggestion: If you are looking at eating your way through the city of Genoa, I highly recommend this foodie Genoa Old Town walking tour. |
3. Seaside Villages
| Cinque Terre is a string of 5 seaside villages on the Italian Riviera coastline. – Monterosso – Vernazza – Corniglia – Manarola – Riomaggiore |
4. Sentiero Azzurro Hike
| You can hike the “Sentiero Azzurro” cliffside that links the villages. This takes about 5 hours to walk. No permit is needed for the hill path between Corniglia and Riomaggiore. But, to hike the Blue Path from Monterosso to Corniglia, a Cinque Terre Card is required. It’s available in villages and at path entrances but I strongly suggest grabbing one online in case the huts near the path are closed, etc. Grab your Cinque Terre Card beforehand online. |
5. Add Genoa
| When visiting Cinque Terre, I’d recommend adding 1-1.5 days in Genoa before or after Cinque Terre. This Genoa Italy During Spring travel guide will give you a taste of what to do/see while in Genoa. |
6. Make Monterosso Your Hub
| Monterosso is the largest seaside village. It offers a beach along the promenade, more accommodation options and amenities than the other 4 towns that form Cinque Terre. (1 hour 25min train from Genoa) (Book your Monterosso accommodation using Booking.com in advance for the most selection and availability as things book fast.) Tour Suggestion: Why settle for ordinary when you can sip, swirl, and savor the flavors of Italy… in Italy!!! Monterosso al Mare is thee place to do a wine tasting as some of the best white wines grow in this region. This means you can indulge in ‘La Dolce Vita’ with the most local selection grown directly from Monterosso. Book this Cinque Terre: Wine Tasting in Monterosso |
7. Vernazza Is Pretty
| Vernazza is known as the most picturesque of the seaside towns. This means that it is quite touristy. But don’t let this deter you from visiting. I really enjoyed eating in the harbour as I watched people and getting lost in the multiple alleyways. We found our perfect view of the coast and town while doing this. Lunch Suggestion: Just on the edge of the town is this no frills pasta and bar called, “Pippo a Vernazza” which offers tasty spritz, espresso and hearty fresh pasta boxes. The best part is that it’s away from the busy crowds which gives you a taste of a more sleepy Italian town. |
8. Best Meal Is In Corniglia
| For the best meal in Cinque Terre head to the village of Corniglia and dine at Ittiturismo Corniglia SP4488. The mouth watering menu is based on what the owner fishes each morning. If that’s not enough, the restaurant sits on the most gorgeous cliff side and offers spectacular views of the coast. You will not be disappointed doing the 20 min walk from the center of Corniglia or alternatively, they do offer parking if you are driving and may leave your car there when you go and explore the town. Book your car rental here. |
9. Focaccia For Breakfast
| This may sound like a strange one but don’t judge it without trying it. For breakfast, dip your focaccia into your cappuccino. It’s a local Genoese thing but I personally enjoyed the contrast flavors of the bitter espresso and salty focaccia. (In Genoa, the city’s best focaccia is said to be found at “Antico Forno della Casana“.) |
10. Portofino Is Not Part Of Cinque Terre
| Portofino is not part of Cinque Terre but rather another coastal town between Genoa & Cinque Terre. (1 hr 40min ferry or 1 hour 15min train from Genoa) Seen as one of the chosen vacation destinations for celebrities visiting Italy, it’s worth adding this chic town during your visit. The town is clustered around its small harbour. Expect to find, colourfully painted buildings that line the shore. Daily day trips via ferry are available from Genova. Book your Roundtrip Boat Tour to Portofino |
Cinque Terre & Genoa Things To Do
Are you like me that enjoys distinctive, “only in X country/city” experiences? This guide offers 4 tours in Genoa and Cinque Terre that have been personally vetted and endorsed by me?
I can guarantee that these activities will elevate your exploration of these enchanting destinations along the Ligurian Sea.
Book these 4 Unmissable Genoa and Cinque Terre Adventures.
Want even more inspiration! Check out more activities by Viator below.
Italy Tourist Google Map – Save Me
You will totally thank me for this handy Italy Google map. It’s filled with all the spots you’ll need in the cities I’ve visited with restaurants, hotels and attractions. Save this for easy access during your visit!
More Italy-Related Articles
These additional Italy-related articles offer even more useful insights to enhance your visit to Italy from food, itineraries and Italian destination guides.
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Explore my Travel Guides Section for city guides to other bordering cities near Italy like Montenegro & Switzerland.
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