Last Updated on January 16, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: November 23, 2022
Easily accessible from Florence, Cinque Terre is an idyllic area that’s located in one of the most famous national parks in Italy. You’ll love seeing the picturesque landscapes, crystal-clear water, winding streets, and stunning buildings in each charming town in Cinque Terre. Here’s our ultimate guide to visiting Cinque Terre from Florence so you can discover the best things to see, do, and eat in this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visiting Florence soon? Grab our do’s and don’ts for the perfect trip to Florence!
What Is Cinque Terre?
- Cinque Terre (Italian for “five lands”) is a unique region of Riviera coastline along the Ligurian Sea in northwestern Italy. It’s part of a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site.
- It’s best known for the five famous fishing villages that dot the coastline: Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Corniglia, and Manarola. Each village is connected by boat, train, or path; the narrow and precarious roads to these areas make it difficult to reach them by car.
How to Get from Florence to Cinque Terre
We recommend getting from Florence to Cinque Terre by train. Start the trip from the Santa Maria Novella train station, where you can buy a train ticket to La Spezia centrale. The travel time is approximately 2 hours if you take the frecciabianca, frecciarossa, or frecciargento fast trains (or two hours and a half if you opt for a regional/intercity line). While most routes require a transfer at Pisa Centrale, there are some direct trains during the day, so make sure to check beforehand to save time.
Once in La Spezia, there are several ways to reach Cinque Terre’s charming villages:
- By Train: Buy a single ticket called the “5 Terre Express”, which allows you to travel the five towns for the price of €18.20 for one day. You can also buy individual tickets if you don’t plan on visiting all of the villages.
- By Boat: The second way to get to the Cinque Terre is the most authentic: Book a boat excursion from La Spezia and arrive by sea for a cost of €37.
- By Foot: Those who like hiking can reach one of the towns by train from La Spezia and then walk through each on foot along paths that link them. The cost is €7.50 per crossing.
What to Do in Cinque Terre
Once you have arrived, there are many things worth experiencing in Cinque Terre. Here are our top recommendations for what to do in each of the five towns in this beautiful area.
Riomaggiore
- Stroll down Riomaggiore’s ancient winding streets, where merchants and sailors would stop to rest on their long voyages.
- Check out the Nostra Signora di Montenero sanctuary, which dates back to the 1300s.
- Visit Riomaggiore’s shops, many of which have been in business for various generations.
- Sit on the pebble-stone beach and soak in the sunset.
Manarola
- Walk down Via dell’Amore, a pedestrian path overlooking the sea, which connects the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarol.
- Visit the impressive Chiesa di San Lorenzo, a Ligurian Gothic-Style church constructed in 1338.
- Take a dip in the Ligurian sea.
- Have a delicious aperitif at Nessun Dorma bar, which features stunning views of the rugged coastline.
Insider Tip: To experience more of the region’s culinary heritage, sign up for Nessun Dorma’s Genovese pesto-making class.
Corniglia
- Visit San Pietro church and check out it’s Baroque-style basilica.
- Walk along Via Fieschi until you reach the terrace of Santa Maria, another very impressive seaside lookout.
- Sit in one of the cafés in Largo Taragio while you relax and recharge.
Vernazza
- Visit Il Santuario di Nostra Signora di Reggio, which dates to the mid-1300s.
- Explore the Doria Castle. Its tower, the Belforte, offers stunning views of Vernazza.
- Visit Santa Margherita Church, located in the town’s old port.
- Hike the Sentiero Azzurro, one of Cinque Terre’s most scenic routes.
- Stroll down the port and indulge in some delicious gelato or fried seafood.
Monterosso al Mare
- Enjoy the sun or a swim on one of the town’s many beaches. Our favorites are Fegina, Il Gigante, Portiglione, and Tragagia.
- Explore Monterroso’s picturesque old town.
- Visit Il Santuario di Soviore, Liguria’s oldest sanctuary.
- Check out Il Giante, a 14 meter high statue which pays homage to Neptune.
- Try anchovies from Monterosso, a local speciality which has Protected Destination of Origin (PDO) status.
Where to Hike in Cinque Terre
Once in the national park, there are many beautiful hiking trails in Cinque Terre for those who want to enjoy the impressive landscape that it offers from above. If you choose to access the park via foot, you’ll have plenty more routes available!
Cinque Terre offers four main trails: Monterosso to Vernazza, Vernazza to Corniglia, Corniglia to Manarola (via Volastra), and Manarola to Riomaggiore (via Beccara). Each provides visitors the opportunity to take in the areas lush olive groves, vineyards, orchards, monuments, churches, and overall impressive landscapes.
Our personal favorite is the route from Corniglia to Manarola, where you will find the stunning Santuario della Madonna della Salute – housed in a building that dates back to 1116.
What Are the Best Places to Eat in Each Town?
Thanks to its location on the Ligurian sea, Cinque Terre’s local specialties tend to incorporate products from the sea, making it a great destination for any frutti di mare fanatic. Nonetheless, the cuisine is varied and offers traditional dishes for every palate.
Here are a few of our favorite spots:
- Batti Batti Friggitoria (Via Visconti, 28, 19018 Vernazza SP): Perfect for a quick snack stop; the fried fish is particularly tasty.
- Gelateria Il Porticciolo (Via Visconti, 12, 19018 Vernazza SP): Featuring a wide variety of natural, fresh flavors, it’s among the best spots in Cinque Terre to try gelato.
- Nessun Dorma (Manarola): An ideal place for an aperitif where you can also admire the beautiful town of Manarola.
- La Cantina del Macellaio (Via Colombo, 103, 19017 Riomaggiore SP): Perfect for a more upscale lunch or dinner in Riomaggiore; be sure to order the cheese-stuffed onion as an appetizer.
- San Martino Gastronomia (Via San Martino, 3, 19106 Monterosso al Mare SP): A favorite amongst locals, San Martino serves fresh pastas and a daily rotating menu. Try the spaghetti allo scoglio, which features a medley of freshly caught local seafood.
- A Cantina da Mananan (Via Fieschi, 117, 19018 Corniglia SP): Offering a tasty selection of traditional Ligurian dishes with reasonable prices, it’s a great spot to discover local flavors without breaking the bank.
Back in Florence? Taste the Best of the City!
When you’re back in Florence, taste the best of the city with us on our Florence Food and Wine Tour! One of our expert local guides will take you to where locals gather at tiny bars, historic trattorias, and neighborhood enotecas. You’ll sip prosecco through a centuries-old wine window, learn the secrets of the best negroni, and graze from aperitivo to dessert with 8+ dishes and 6 drinks—including a sizzling bistecca alla Fiorentina!
Featured Review: Florence Food & Wine Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Such a great foodie tour! We visited a lot of places we wouldn’t have even seen if we didn’t do this tour. Our guide was so friendly and she went above and beyond. Lots of food included and all delicious!”
– JadeKennedy on Tripadvisor
Visiting Cinque Terre from Florence FAQs
Is Cinque Terre worth visiting for a day?
Yes, Cinque Terre is absolutely worth visiting as a day trip from Florence, especially if you’re short on time. While you won’t be able to see every village in depth, a well-planned itinerary allows you to experience the colorful coastal towns, dramatic sea views, and local food that make the area so special. Many travelers focus on two or three villages to keep the pace relaxed.
What is the most beautiful town near Florence, Italy?
Beauty is subjective, but Cinque Terre’s villages, particularly Vernazza and Manarola, are often considered among the most beautiful places near Florence. Their pastel houses perched above the sea offer a striking contrast to Florence’s Renaissance architecture. Other popular contenders include Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa, each with its own distinct charm.
How long is the train trip from Florence to Cinque Terre?
The train journey from Florence to Cinque Terre typically takes between 2 and 2.5 hours, depending on connections. Most routes involve a transfer in La Spezia, where you’ll switch to a regional train that serves the five villages. Trains are the easiest and most efficient way to reach Cinque Terre.
What is the easiest way to get from Florence to Cinque Terre?
Taking the train is the easiest and most convenient option. Trains run frequently and allow you to move easily between villages once you arrive. Driving is possible, but not recommended due to the area’s limited parking and narrow roads.
Which Cinque Terre village should you visit if you only have one day?
If you only have time for one village, Vernazza is often the top choice. It offers a picturesque harbor, excellent viewpoints, and plenty of places to eat and relax. Manarola is another great option, especially for photography and scenic coastal walks.
