I will be spending 3 nights in Cinque Terre in early September 2025 and ask for your expert advise!
1) What activities should be top priority?
2) With whom should we book a boat ride? What time of day? Sunset?
Thank you,
Chrissy
Posted by
5974 posts
1) Why did you choose to go there--knowing that helps guide suggestions. The primary attraction is the trail network:
https://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Esentieri-outdoor.php
2) I would just use the ferry for boat trips, but I am sure there are private boat trips available.
https://www.navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it/en/timetables
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
17353 posts
Just backing up valadelphia's post here, Chrissy. The CT villages are quite small and don't take a lot of time to see. There's not a lot TO see in the way of, say, ancient ruins or museums. The main attraction is the trail system and, of course, shutterbugging the scenery. Maybe some beach action if into sunning, although beaches are few and can be small and rocky.
A couple of helpful websites to help you get going.
https://www.parconazionale5terre.it/page.php?id=93
https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
1999 posts
We used the ferry to see the CT villages from the sea. We did see some groups board private boats, and I do remember seeing signs for private boat trips. Just don't remember the names.
We had great weather while in the CT this past May. We stayed in Manarola, and we found plenty to do. We walked the Via Dell'Amore trail. Explored the villages; they all have nice churches to visit. Took a lot of photos. Had lunches. Took the train to each village. We spent some time in Monterosso walking along the beach and visiting the Old Town; had dinner here; gelato, shopped for gifts for our grandchildren.
Saw some amazing sunsets in Manarola.
We are in our 70's so we didn't do any of the strenuous hikes. We were never bored.
We visited a lot of museums and cathedrals on our 5-week trip to Italy so it was nice to take a breather from those kinds of activities and focus on the beautiful scenery. The small churches are a nice break from the mega cathedrals.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1649 posts
The Rick Steves guidebooks that cover the CT include contact info for local boat operators in several of the villages. A sunset cruise appears to be a popular choice. The best beach is in Monterosso - most of it is private, where you rent an umbrella and chairs.