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.

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 contemplating the colorful 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 through sea caves, hidden coves and breathtaking cliffs, with the opportunity to stop for a swim and relax in areas that are difficult to access by land. In addition, you will have an expert guide who will accompany you on the journey and will tell you interesting facts about the geology and biodiversity of the area.

Details of interest

• Price: from 45 € per person.
• Duration: 2 - 3 hours.
• Schedule: 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 contemplate the coastline from above and discover a different side of Cinque Terre, quieter and more authentic. In addition, local guides will explain curiosities about the flora, fauna and history of the region. Ideal for nature and adventure lovers.

Details of interest

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

If you want to admire the beauty of Cinque Terre from the water effortlessly, a boat tour is the perfect choice. You will sail along the coast and enjoy a unique panorama of the five picturesque villages, with the possibility 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 tour 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.
• Schedule: departures during the day and at sunset.
• What can be included in the excursion: boat with crew, swimming stops, snacks and drinks.
• Type of boat: tourist boat or sailboat, 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 landscapes. With its iconic trails connecting the five villages, this experience will allow you to hike along ancient paths among vineyards, olive groves and cliffs with spectacular views of the sea.

Popular routes include the Sentiero Azzurro, which links Riomaggiore to Monterosso, and the Vineyard Trail, which traverses cultivated terraces 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.

Details of interest

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

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 tour markets and small family-run restaurants where you can sample the most authentic flavors 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.
• Schedule: morning or afternoon.
• What the tour may include: tastings of local products, visit to a winery, gastronomic guide.
• Ideal for: food lovers and curious travelers.

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 reach up to 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 the off-season when many stores and restaurants close.

The destination defines what you will see on each excursion. If you visit La Spezia or Portovenere, you will 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 stands out for its long beach and more modern buildings compared to the five towns in the park.

On the other hand, excursions to Pisa, Florence or Genoa 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 center, 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 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 are staying longer, a full-day excursion can be an excellent choice.

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

The cost of an excursion from Cinque Terre varies according to the destination, the number of participants and the type of transportation. A shared tour with a guide specialized in the history of Portovenere costs around 170 euros per person, excluding meals and drinks.

Excursions to Florence or Pisa are usually similarly priced and may even include light tastings. In addition, prices can be affected by factors such as the language of the guide, as a guide in Spanish is usually more expensive than one in English. If you are 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 an excursion from Cinque Terre, as each destination has its own charm. However, if you travel by train, you will most likely pass through La Spezia, the main connecting station to cities such as Bologna, Pisa or Florence. On many excursions, you will have to take a train there and then board a bus reserved for participants.

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

• Riomaggiore - Narrow streets, colorful houses and a quaint little port.
• Manarola - Famous for its terraced vineyards and spectacular sea views.
• Corniglia - The only town without direct access to the sea, but with incredible panoramic views.
• Vernazza - Considered the most beautiful, with its natural harbor and pastel 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 towns, 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 much of your time.