Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence: Everything You Need to Know

Italy is such a lovely country full of charming places to visit. If you are in Florence and want to know it more deeply we highly suggest you take a day trip to Cinque Terre. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it!

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Why visit Florence and Cinque Terre in One Day?

Italy has many great cities to visit, most of them with an incredibly long and important history, but none quite like Florence. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, this city has a unique charm that is hard to describe and it’s quite popular among travelers.

If you are a cultured person, you’ll likely want to visit the landmarks and museums and imagine how the city was a few centuries back, when artists of the caliber of Leonardo Da Vinci and Michaelangelo walked its streets.

You Might Also Like: 15 Facts About Florence That Will Surprise You

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A few hours away from Florence and ideal for a day trip, you’ll find the magic region of Cinque Terre. This name comes from the fact that the region encapsulates five picturesque villages on the Italian Riviera. They’re Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, and are all perched in the cliffs with a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea right in front of them.

The villages are all known for their unique aesthetic and ambiance, with colorful buildings, fresh seafood, and wonderful local wine. You can swim in the beautiful beaches, or explore the hiking trails that connect one village with another.

Although they share a lot of common characteristics, each of them is a unique experience with unique activities to do. They aren’t interchangeable in the slightest. We suggest you visit them all if you can during your trip from Florence to Cinque Terre.

 

How to Get from Florence to Cinque Terre Italy

The distance from Florence to Cinque Terre is approximately 170 kilometers, which is quite close and ideal for a day trip. There are many ways to get from Florence to Cinque Terre, and it all depends on your plans and preferences.

Train: The most popular way, being both the fastest and the most reliable. You can make the trip in about 2 to 3 hours with a cost of 18-30 euros each way. You’ll have to take a connecting train at Spezia though, since the train from Florence doesn’t go directly to Cinque Terre. This option also allows you to explore the five villages since they’re actually connected by the railroad and is the fastest way to move between them.

By car: Also a great option, giving you the flexibility to move around without having to adhere to a set schedule. The trip time is about 3 hours but the ride can be a bit hard since the roads are steep with narrow sections, and you can have trouble finding parking in the villages.

Guided Day Tour from Florence: A great option if you want to relax and just enjoy the experience without having to plan it and arrange for your own transport and stops. It’s a bit more pricey than the other options, at around 100-150 euros per person. In exchange, it includes transport for the full day and a guide that will show you the best spots to visit and take you to the best restaurants along the way. The full tour is usually about 12 to 14 hours and you’ll definitely love the experience.

 

Best Itinerary for a Day Trip

Get up early if you want to make the most of your day. Try to be on the train or on the road by 7 so you can make it from Florence to Cinque Terre at about 9 or 10 am. If you are going on your own and want to visit multiple villages, buy the Cinque Terre Train Card so you can have unlimited train rides between them during your trip.

Breakfast at Vernazza

You can start your morning in the village of Vernazza, and what better way than to enjoy your morning coffee and breakfast right in the harbor? You can visit the Ananasso Bar and try their great focaccia. After breakfast, you’ll have enough energy to walk up to the Doria Castle, from Where you’ll have a great panoramic view of the coast.

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Hike to Monterosso al Mare

Your day has just started and there’s so much to see and do. Next, you could do a bit of hiking and go visit Monterosso al Mare. You can skip this if you don’t feel like walking for two hours, but it’s a great way to fully immerse yourself in the natural atmosphere of the region. Take your time during the hike to admire the incredible wild beauty of the mountains and the coastal landscape.

Lunch at Ristorante Miky

You’ll probably be hungry after all the hiking, so we recommend you stop right there in Monterosso al Mare for some lunch. If you want to try the freshest seafood or enjoy some amazing homemade pasta take a sit at Ristorante Miky. It’s close to the beach and is known as one of the best culinary experiences in all Cinque Terra.

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Swimm in Fegina Beach

After lunch, you can relax for a while at Fegina Beach right there in Monterosso al Mare. This lovely beach is great for sunbathing as well as for swimming. Enjoy the strong sun of the Mediterranean Sea and the white sand. Even if you feel too full to move a lot, you can just float in the gentle waves and clear waters. For even more relaxation, order some drinks at Bagni Eden, a bar close to the beach.

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Watch the Sunset at Riomaggiore

To end your day go to Riomaggiore for the best sunset in the region. While you wait for the sun to set you can take a walk through the old part of the town, peruse some shops and visit the marina. Take some photos of the colorful buildings as well. For the best view of the sunset go to Via dell’Amore, where you can have a whole panoramic view of the sea as well as enjoy a cold glass of local wine.

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Return to Florencia

From there you can take the train back to La Spezia where you can take another train and go back to Florencia. Tired, but incredibly happy to have had such a wonderful day trip to Cinque Terre.

 

What to see in Manarola and Corniglia

Of course, that’s just a suggestion. Guided tours all have their own schedules and if you go on your own you can mix and match. Visiting all five is possible, but that leaves you with less time to explore each, so it’s usual to just visit 2 or 3. If you want to know what to see in the other two villages here’s a quick resume.

• Manalora: Here you’ll find the most dramatic views of the coastline of the 5 villages, alongside a great restaurant right on the cliffside, the Nessum Dorma. If you visit during December you can watch the world’s largest nativity scene.

• Corniglia: The only one of the five villages that does not have direct access to the sea. But exactly for this, it’s less touristic. Perfect for people who prefer a more authentic and quiet experience.

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Must-See Attractions in Cinque Terre Italy

• Doria Castle: Originally constructed in the 15th Century to defend the area against pirate attacks, this castle is today one of the better spots to enjoy the panoramic views of the region. Is on a hill overlooking Vernazza and you can walk to it straight from the village harbor.

• Church of San Giovanni Battista: Another historic landmark that’s worth visiting. It has the beautiful gothic architecture of the late Middle Ages and from the square, you have a perfect view over all Riomaggiore.

• Sentierro Azzurro (Blue Trail): The hiking trail that connects the five villages. You can use it to go from one to another on a very scenic and very beautiful hike. It offers wonderful views over the sea and the cliffs, and you can find the trailheads in every village.

• Boat Ride along Cinque Terre: Without a doubt, the best way to admire the integrity of the coastline of Cinque Terre and all the five villages at once. It’s especially magical during the sunset.

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How to Book a Guided Tour to Cinque Terre

Booking a guided tour to Cinque Terre means an expert will show you around the villages and scenic views. You can pick from different tours, whether you want to join a group for a lower cost or have a private tour for a more personal experience. Several tour companies offer activities like hiking or boat trips to ensure you have a great time. Here are some options to consider:

Ciaflorence Tours and Travel: This is a great option if you want to travel on a budget. You can take a guided tour in a group setting starting at around 130 euros per person. The tour includes transportation either in a coach or a minivan and offers several options that vary in the level of activities and the villages it passes through.

Viator: You can choose group tours, private tours, and even tours with hiking options. The prices start at around 130 euros for the group ones and 450 euros for the private ones, though it may vary depending on your activity choices. On this tour, you can explore both by foot and by boat the beauty of Cinque Terre.

GetYourGuide: Another great option with a variety of modalities and activities to choose from. The prices are similar to other tours, but with this company, you can even add a visit to Pisa during your day trip.

 

FAQs on Florence to Cinque Terre Day Trips

How to Stay Connected With Mobile Data in Cinque Terre?

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What to Pack for a Day Trip

Two words: Pack light. You’re only going for a day, so you don’t have to take your full suitcase with you. Get your more comfortable shoes, swimwear, and sunscreen and you’re mostly ready to go. Don’t forget your camera and maybe get a regular old map so you don’t have to depend on cell service during a hike.

What is the best time to visit Cinque Terre

The best time to visit Cinque Terre is during spring, summer, or autumn. If you want a good time with fewer tourists around crowding the main attractions, travel during the spring. If you prefer warm days ideal for swimming and boat riding, alongside more activities and festivals, plan your trip during the summer months. For the best time to enjoy the local food and wine none better than the harvest season itself, in autumn.

Are there transportation delays?

Yes, transportation delays can be common due to the narrow, winding roads in the region, and schedules may be disrupted during peak season or holidays. To avoid missing out, it’s a good idea to give yourself extra time for travel or consider booking an organized tour to minimize the impact of these delays.

What if I don’t have enough time to explore each village?

If you’re worried about not having enough time in each village, look for tours that provide ample free time between activities. This will allow you to explore at your own pace and get a better feel for each village.