Ultimate Family Guide to Cinque Terre: Five Villages, Endless Views, and Instafamous spots

After a beautiful wedding at Lake Maggiore, we hopped back into our trusty Alfa Romeo Stelvio and headed for our next adventure: Cinque Terre! The drive wasn’t too bad—about 4 hours—and luckily, we stumbled upon a fun Italian pop radio station that played a mix of classic Italian oldies and today’s hits. It had us all singing along, even if we didn’t quite know the words. (Our youngest daughter may have invented her own Italian language, but hey, it’s the effort that counts!)

Fun Fact: Cinque Terre is so stunning that it inspired Disney’s movie Luca. And we can confirm—it’s just as magical in real life!

Checking In: The Poet Hotel in La Spezia

We arrived in La Spezia and checked into The Poet Hotel located at Via Roma, 139, 19122. This cute, stylish boutique hotel had us feeling like we’d walked into an Italian movie set.

The girls were especially thrilled with the bright red Vespa parked in the lobby—cue an impromptu photo shoot! Even though we booked the biggest room available, it was a bit tight for all five of us, especially sharing one bathroom. But it had a balcony overlooking those charming cobblestone streets, so we embraced the cozy, authentic Italian experience. BTW breakfast was provided on the house so it was very convenient not to think where we would feed entire entourage to start our adventures every morning.

One of the main reasons we picked this hotel was its convenient location within walking distance of the train station, which made exploring the five villages of Cinque Terre a breeze.

Exploring Cinque Terre: The Famous Five Villages

Cinque Terre, which inspired the Disney movie Luca, is made up of five incredibly picturesque fishing villages, each with its own charm and character. Here’s how our family tackled these stunning spots:

Riomaggiore: Starting Off with Style

Our first stop was Riomaggiore, the southernmost village, known for its colorful houses stacked along the cliffs and narrow streets full of character.

We explored Castello di Riomaggiore, a clifftop castle with breathtaking views of the sea.

Pro Tip: Make sure to grab a pastry or focaccia from Panificio Rosi for a quick snack while you explore.

For lunch, we headed to A Pié de Ma, a fantastic wine bar and restaurant perched on the cliffs, offering unbeatable views and delicious local wines. We were feeling adventurous and tried the fresh seafood options – our girls weren’t entirely sure about octopus, but hey, when in Italy!

Manarola: Picture-Perfect Paradise

Next, we arrived at Manarola, arguably the prettiest of all five villages. The houses are stacked on the cliffs like a giant game of Tetris, and the main street spirals down to the water’s edge.

We took the footpath from the north side of the village and found ourselves walking through cliffside vineyards with spectacular sea views.

Nessun Dorma is the spot you have to visit for an aperitivo with a view. The sunset was out of this world, and we couldn’t resist ordering another round of local wine. Our girls even tried the delicious bruschetta, proving that Italian food can make them adventurous eaters!

Corniglia: The Hike Worth the Views

Corniglia is the only village that’s perched high up on the cliff, and getting there means conquering 383 steps from the train station. Yes, we counted. We took turns carrying our youngest daughter on our shoulders, and let’s just say, she enjoyed the ride more than we did! But the views from the top? Absolutely worth it. From here, you can see all of Cinque Terre.

We stopped at Terra Rossa for a relaxing break and indulged in some local dishes and wine. If you’re looking for an authentic Italian osteria experience, try A Cantina de Mananan – they serve up the best Cinque Terre ingredients.

Vernazza: The Busy Beauty

Vernazza was bustling with people, but it’s easy to see why—it’s one of the most picturesque villages with its small harbor and medieval alleyways. We took a stroll through the narrow, twisty streets, feeling like we were transported back in time.

We started our day at Il Pirata delle Cinque Terre with Sicilian granita and pastries. And for lunch, we made the trek to Ristorante La Torre. Yes, it was a hike to get there, but the views from the top were worth every step!

Plus, we could sip wine while overlooking the sea, which made the hike feel a lot less strenuous.

Monterosso al Mare: Beachy Bliss

Our final stop was Monterosso al Mare, the largest village with the only real beach. After all the walking and hiking, the kids were thrilled to dip their toes in the water. We wandered through the old town and headed up to the Convento dei Cappuccini to see a Crucifixion painting by Van Dyck.

The girls were impressed, but they were more excited about the beach and gelato.

For lunch, we went all out at Miky Ristorante, which has been serving delicious food since 1980. We ordered way too much, but it was our last meal in Cinque Terre, so we had to go big or go home, right?

Tips for Family Travelers:

1. Take Your Time: Don’t try to rush through all five villages in a single day. Spread it out, soak up the views, and enjoy the experience.

2. Train or Trek: The train is an easy way to get between the villages, but if you’re up for it, the hiking trails offer some of the most stunning views.

3. Bring Snacks and Water: The kids will appreciate it, trust us.

When Should You Go to Cinque Terre? Cinque Terre is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit really depends on what kind of experience you're after. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Spring (April to June)

The best time for fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and blooming landscapes. Perfect for hiking and exploring the villages. Summer (July to August) Peak season with hot weather and lots of tourists. Great for beach lovers, but expect crowds. Go early or late in the day to avoid the busiest times. Fall (September to October)

A quieter time with cooler weather and harvest season for local wines. Fewer crowds, making it ideal for exploring and enjoying the scenery.

Winter (November to March)

The off-season is peaceful with few tourists, but some places may close, and hiking can be tricky. Great for a quiet, cozy experience.

Whenever you choose to go, just remember—Cinque Terre is always magical. Whether you're hiking the trails, eating seafood with a view, or simply soaking in the colorful, cliffside villages, this destination is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

After a few days exploring the breathtaking scenery, eating all the pasta we could handle, and sipping wine while overlooking the cliffs, it was time to move on to our next destination. We packed up, took one last photo with the Vespa at The Poet Hotel,

and hopped back into our Alfa Romeo. This time, we were heading deeper into our European adventure, ready to see what the next leg of our trip had in store. Next stop: more family fun, laughter, and memories! 🚗🍷🍝 (Monaco, Nice and Cannes)