5 Best tours and Day Trips from Cinque Terre

If you visit Cinque Terre, the best activities can be completed in 48 to 72 hours. If you plan to stay longer, Cinque Terre tours and excursions are ideal for exploring more of northern Italy. Here I tell you all about prices, duration and destinations so you can choose the best option for you.

If you want to live a different experience in Cinque Terre, a kayak tour will allow you to discover the coast from a unique perspective. Gliding along the crystal-clear waters while gazing at the colourful villages perched on the cliffs is one of the best ways to connect with the nature of the Italian Riviera.

During the tour, you'll paddle past sea caves, hidden coves and breathtaking cliffs, with the opportunity to stop for a swim and relax in areas that are difficult to reach by land. In addition, you will have an expert guide who will accompany you on the crossing and tell you interesting facts about the geology and biodiversity of the area.

Details of interest

• Price: from 45 € per person.
• Duration: 2 - 3 hours.
• Timetable: morning and afternoon.
• What the tour may include: kayak, paddle, life jacket, professional guide, swimming stops.

Exploring Cinque Terre on horseback is a unique way to explore its rural landscapes and enjoy unforgettable panoramic views. This horseback excursion will take you along trails surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and forests, far from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas.

During the ride, you will have the opportunity to see the coastline from above and discover a different, quieter and more authentic side of Cinque Terre. In addition, the local guides will explain interesting facts about the flora, fauna and history of the region. Ideal for nature and adventure lovers.

Interesting details

• Price: from 65 € per person.
• Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours.
• Timetable: departures in the morning and at sunset.
• What can be included: horse, safety equipment, expert guide.

If you want to admire the beauty of Cinque Terre effortlessly from the water, a boat tour is the perfect option. You'll cruise along the coast and enjoy a unique panorama of the five picturesque villages, with the chance to stop for a swim in turquoise coves.

Depending on the tour you choose, you can embark on a sunset cruise to watch the sun set over the sea or a full day trip with time to explore hidden beaches. Some tours include snacks and drinks on board to make the experience even more special.

Details of interest

• Price: from 70 € per person.
• Duration: 2 - 4 hours.
• Time: departures during the day and at sunset.
• What the excursion may include: boat with crew, swimming stops, snacks and drinks.
• Type of boat: tourist boat or sailing boat, depending on the option chosen.

If you love adventure and nature, a hiking tour of Cinque Terre is the best way to explore its breathtaking scenery. With its iconic trails connecting the five villages, this experience will allow you to walk along ancient paths through vineyards, olive groves and along cliffs with spectacular views of the sea.

Popular routes include the Sentiero Azzurro, which links Riomaggiore to Monterosso, and the Vineyard Trail, which passes through terraced vineyards with panoramic views. Along the way, a local guide will explain the history of the region and take you to unique viewpoints where you can take unforgettable photographs.

Interesting details

• Price: from €40 per person.
• Duration: 3 - 5 hours, depending on the route.
• Timetable: departures in the morning.
• What the excursion may include: professional guide, stops at viewpoints, information on local flora and fauna.
• Level of difficulty: easy or moderate, depending on the route chosen.

For those who enjoy discovering a region through its food, a gastronomic tour of Cinque Terre is a must-do experience. Accompanied by a local guide, you will visit markets and small family-run restaurants where you can sample the most authentic flavours of the area.

The tour usually includes tastings of Ligurian focaccia, Monterosso anchovies, Genoese pesto and local wines, with explanations of the region's culinary traditions. You can also visit a nearby winery to learn about the production process of the famous Sciacchetrà wine.

Interesting details

• Price: from 55 € per person.
• Duration: 2 - 3 hours.
• Timetable: morning or afternoon.
• What the tour may include: tastings of local products, visit to a wine cellar, gastronomic guide.
• Ideal for: food lovers and curious travellers.

Excursions from Cinque Terre can last from a couple of hours to half a day, depending on the destination and the activity. In general, the most common tours tend to last about 5 hours, especially those departing from La Spezia. However, if the excursion includes visits to cities such as Genoa, Pisa or Florence and a stop for lunch, the experience can be as long as 7 hours in total.

If you are planning a multi-day trip, these excursions can be part of the best things to do in Cinque Terre, as they allow you to explore other areas between morning and afternoon, leaving the evening free to enjoy the local cuisine and entertainment. For shorter stays, a half-day excursion to La Spezia or Portovenere is also a great option, especially in low season when many shops and restaurants are closed.

The destination defines what you will see on each tour. If you visit La Spezia or Portovenere, you'll find an atmosphere similar to that of Cinque Terre, with distinctive architecture and spectacular sea views. While La Spezia is a modern town with a major cruise terminal, Portovenere is notable for its long beach and more modern buildings compared to the five towns in the park.

Excursions to Pisa, Florence or Genoa, on the other hand, offer a completely different experience, going from small seaside towns to large cities with centuries of history and thousands of inhabitants. Genoa is an important commercial centre, Pisa is an icon of the Renaissance and Florence is one of the most influential cities in Western history. These excursions usually end before sunset, leaving time to enjoy the best evening activities in Cinque Terre.

Planning your excursion well will make the experience much more enjoyable. The first thing to consider is the amount of time you have available in Cinque Terre. If your stay is short, choose a half-day excursion to spend the rest of the time exploring the area. If you're staying longer, a full-day excursion can be an excellent option.

Another useful tip is not to spend too much on lunch during the tour. Instead, set aside that budget for a better dining experience at one of Cinque Terre's restaurants. And above all, enjoy without regrets: seeing other nearby towns is also part of the best things to do in Cinque Terre in December, especially in the low season.

The cost of an excursion from Cinque Terre varies according to the destination, the number of participants and the type of transport. A shared walking tour with a guide specialising in the history of Portovenere costs around 170 euros per person, excluding food and drink.

Excursions to Florence or Pisa are usually similarly priced and may even include light tastings. Prices can also be affected by factors such as the language of the guide, as an English-speaking guide is usually more expensive than an English-speaking one. If you're looking for cheaper options, tours in October can be a good alternative, as prices tend to drop with the end of the high season.

There is no single must-see village on a trip from Cinque Terre, as each destination has its own charm. However, if you're travelling by train, you'll probably pass through La Spezia, the main station connecting to cities such as Bologna, Pisa or Florence. For many excursions, you'll have to take a train there and then board a bus reserved for participants.

If you want to explore the most beautiful villages in Cinque Terre, don't miss these:

• Riomaggiore - Narrow streets, colourful houses and a picturesque little harbour.
• Manarola - Famous for its terraced vineyards and spectacular sea views.
• Corniglia - The only village without direct access to the sea, but with incredible panoramic views.
• Vernazza - Considered the most beautiful, with its natural harbour and pastel-coloured houses.
• Monterosso al Mare - The only one with a long beach, ideal for relaxing and swimming.

If your visit is short, it is advisable to focus on one or two villages, as each has a lot to offer. Also, if you only have one day in the area, a long excursion is not the best option as transfers will take up a lot of time.