Visitors go to the Cinque Terre to live la dolce vita, catch up on rest and relaxation and of course to eat! Unlike other cities in Italy like Florence and Rome where you feel like you have to rush from major museums to famous church sites to other landmarks, that is just not the case in Cinque Terre. I really enjoyed travelling at a much slower pace which allowed me to absorb the surroundings and have a really memorable visit.
Best Things to See and Eat in Cinque Terre
1. The Hike from Vernazza to Monterosso
This section of trails is the most gruelling but has the best views. Hiking this trail either way will offer the same views but it may be slightly easier to start from Monterosso so that you’re traveling at more of a decline. Begin your hike early in the morning when there are fewer hikers on the footpaths, though the natural light is best in late afternoon if you want well lit photos of Vernazza. Click here to read my post on Hiking in Cinque Terre.
2. Dinner at Trattoria Dal Billy in Manarola
This dinner was so memorable because part of the fun was getting there. A friend recommended this place and described it this way to me, which was how I was able to find it: head up to the only church near the top of Manarola, hang a right towards a brick wall where there is a sign and directions to the restaurant. Trattoria Del Billy is located within the quiet residential lanes of the village. Reservations are highly recommended.
We ordered baked sea bass with potatoes, olives, tomatoes (30€), which was deboned before us; lobster pasta tossed with olive oil, tomatoes, garlic and lobster goo; squid ink pasta with razor clams. Of course, we had this with red wine and grappa was on the house. We were so pleased with the service, we left a fat tip but the owner came after us to return it saying we paid too much!
3. Dinner at Ristorante Al Castello in Vernazza
There are only a handful of restaurants in Vernazza, many in Piazza Marconi. Al Castello is listed in my Lonely Planet guidebooks and sits cliff-side high above Vernazza for front row views of the sea. I still remember sitting in the open air dining space having dinner over seafood pasta, spaghetti with pesto, grilled seafood, glasses of wine, limoncello and grappa. You must try the traditional Ligurian Pesto prepared with simple ingredients – it’s a specialty dish of this region.
4. Fried Anchovy Snack in Riomaggiore
Anchovies are a specialty to this region so it would be remiss not to try them! Monterosso even has an anchovy salting plant. There are several shops along Via Columbo in Riomaggiore that sell deep fried seafood snacks in paper cones that’s perfect for sharing or to have all to yourself!
5. Beach Day in Monterosso
No trip to Cinque Terre is complete without a visit to one of its beaches whether it’s one with sand, like the one in Monterosso, or a rocky harbour in the other villages.
During the summer months, the public beach is free but gets super crowded. What I love about beaches in Europe are the super tanned bodies and openly amorous display between couples full on making out next to you! The sand here is more like teeny tiny pebbles. If you want to feel more exclusive, private sections on the beach offer full service umbrella and chair rentals with private change rooms and showers.
6. Pesto Making Course in Manarola
You can find different Ligurian cooking classes in Cinque Terre, like this one. The pesto making course is short and sweet and gives you a unique experience while meeting other travellers. After working hard at the mortar and pestle, enjoy the sweet basil and good olive oil prepared the traditional way.
7. Focaccia snack in Monterosso
There’s a huge variety of focaccia at Focacceria Antonio Enoteca. We ordered 4 different types to share including sun dried tomato and green olive.
Have you been to Cinque Terre? What were your favourite things to see and eat? Comment below!
Safe Travels!
xx Deb
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