CINQUE TERRE: Hidden Gem’s & Must Do’s🤍
This was our last and final stop before flying home! We got here by taking a fast train from Florence.
You need a minimum of 2 nights here. I would say it was the most low key part of our stay. The towns are small and have limited amounts of restaurants to choose from. The views are stunning but I don’t think a lot of time is needed here unless you plan to hike or relax by the beach.
Be sure to get a Cinque Terre Card when you arrive at your stay so that you may have unlimited access to each town through their express train! You will want to visit all 5 towns if possible. We stayed in the heart of Vernazza and loved spending time at the beach in Monterosso which is a quick train ride away.
PREGO!
CINQUE TERRE
Must Do’s ✨:
1. Try PESTO!!
This region is where Pesto was created. I wasn’t much of a fan until trying it here and my goodness, I’m in love!!
2. Visit EACH of the 5 TOWNS
This can be done the most efficient way by their regional train (this is where the Cinque Terre Card will come in handy) or by hiking (takes several hours – we wanted to do this between two towns, but with the weather reaching 40+ degrees we couldn’t fathom doing so LOL).
3. Visit Monterosso BEACH
Monterosso has a large gorgeous beach with awesome cafes and beach bars. Keep in mind that if you want to have a lounger you will need to pay between 20-40 euros for 2 chairs and an umbrella. We did this and it was well worth it on a scorching hot day at the beach!
4. Take a DAY TRIP to GENOA
Take the regional train to Genova and discover a non-tourist city where locals hardly speak a lick of English and you don’t need to pay for water LOL. It truly is a different experience. Genoa was a highlight of our northern Italy adventure – the shopping, the cafes, the fashion – it is a hidden gem.
If you want to continue your day trip, read below…
5. Add in a Day Trip to SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE.
On your way back from Genova to Cinque Terre, stop at Santa Margherita Ligure. This is another hidden gem we discovered. It is a resort town filled with palm trees, fancy cars, yachts and some pretty great food. And if you’d like to ‘find your love in Portofino’ you can take a 20-minute bus to the village. In my honest opinion, if you skip this part, it isn’t a huge deal. It is very small, filled with high end stores and pastas going for 40 euros a plate. But hey, if that’s your cup of tea then you’ll be in heaven!
Restaurants You Need to Try in VERNAZZA✨:
Il Pirata
After discovering this little restaurant, hidden at the top of a hill and away from tourists – we returned for lunch and dinner the next day! It doesn’t have a view, which in my opinion means the food and service will be even better. Massimo made us feel at home and served the best food in Vernazza!
Luca’s
The view is beautiful! Food was also amazing.
La Bottega
Great seafood in a cone when you’re on the go or after you get hungry laying on the beach.
As always, grazie for reading.
CIAO xx.
