The colorful cliffside villages of Cinque Terre make for a fabulous day trip escape from the metropolitan pace of Milan. Located just 130 km away in northwest Italy, Cinque Terre’s string of five quaint medieval fishing towns have lured travelers for decades with charming harbors, dramatic coastlines, delicious seafood cuisine, and a slower way of life. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan an enjoyable and efficient visit to see the highlights of Cinque Terre within a full day when based in Milan.
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Day Trip to Cinque Terre from Milan
Several transportation options make getting to and around Cinque Terre feasible to accomplish within one day from Milan. The journey takes between 2 to 3 hours one-way. Here are the best methods:
Train
Regionale Veloce trains offer the fastest rail connection from Milan Central Station to La Spezia Centrale station for the Cinque Terre region. The duration is 2.5 hours and fares start around €22 per person each way when purchased in advance online. Trains run very frequently starting early morning.
Car
Driving yourself allows flexibility but involves an expensive highway toll sticker. The route is largely traffic-free until the end near Cinque Terre. Total drive time is approximately 3 hours but allow extra time finding parking once there.
Organized Day Tour
Taking a group day trip tour handles all logistics leaving you to simply enjoy sightseeing. Prices average €80-100 per person including return coach bus transport. Tours last 10-12 hours.
Boat
In peak summer, ferry boats directly connect Milan’s Porta Ticinese dock to Cinque Terre making for very scenic albeit longer travel. The full voyage takes 4.5 hours one-way but allows stops along the way.
Getting Around Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre’s five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso are spread along a 7.5 mile stretch of coastline. With very limited vehicle traffic, the best ways to navigate between them are:
Train
Local trains are the easiest and most popular way to quickly hop between villages. The daily Cinque Terre Treno Card provides unlimited train rides plus coastal hiking paths for €16.
Ferry Boat
From May to September, ferry boats run frequently between all five villages. The Cinque Terre Boat Card gives unlimited rides for €23 and lets you see the villages from the sea.
Hiking Trails
Well-marked scenic hiking trails connect each town, though some routes are strenuous with hundreds of stairs. Comfortable footwear is a must. Check trail statuses as parts may be seasonally inaccessible.
Taxi Boat
For seamless transfers by sea with your small group, pre-book a private taxi boat to customize stops between whichever towns you want at your own pace.
Top Things to See and Do in Cinque Terre in a Day
Trying to cram everything into one day in Cinque Terre requires very early arrival and smart planning to make the most of your limited time. Here are absolute must-see attractions and activities:
Morning: Riomaggiore
Start off in Riomaggiore, the southernmost Cinque Terre village and one of the largest. Its pastel buildings rising steeply up the cliffside over the sparkling Mediterranean sea are classic Cinque Terre scenery. Have breakfast at Bar Centrale right at the tiny harbor before wandering through Riomaggiore’s narrow lanes lined with murals. Climb up to the romantic stone lovers’ lane of Via Dell’Amore for the perfect photo backdrop.
Morning: Manarola
Next head north to Manarola, just a 20 minute walk or a few minutes by train. Meander through another warren of pretty multi-colored houses stacked on top of each other climbing the hills wrapping around a rocky port. Seek out spots with the best views back towards Riomaggiore too. Then tour the Educational Museum of the Landscape in the national park building to learn about local winemaking and fishing heritage.
Mid-day: Corniglia
Afterwards, carry onto Corniglia, the only town not directly adjacent to sea level. Instead this quaint village sits high on a 100 meter tall cliff. Take the steep Lardarina staircase up (or shuttle bus) to explore flower-draped stone alleys and tiny squares before having a tasty seafood lunch at one of the cliff edge trattorias overlooking the ocean below.
Afternoon: Vernazza
Vernazza is arguably the most beautiful of the five villages. Walk, train or ferry your way there next to discover its postcard-worthy natural harbor lined by a rocky beach on one side and rows of medieval houses interspersed by small piazzas on the other. The ornate Gothic church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia and 13th century hilltop castle Doria overlooking town add extra charm. Stop for gelato and relax people watching in the main square, Piazza Marconi.
Late Afternoon: Monterosso al Mare
Conclude your jam-packed day of sightseeing in Monterosso, the largest and most resort-like Cinque Terre town with expansive sandy beaches that attract summertime sunbathers. Between swimming in crystal clear waters or lounging at a beachfront cafe, duck into the historic center to see remnants of an old castle and convent. Wander the markets through the pedestrian tunnel that bisects the village. Stay towards dusk to dine on fresh seafood al fresco along the riva promenade at a restaurant like Ristorante Belvedere.
| Town | Key Attractions |
|---|---|
| Riomaggiore | Via Dell’Amore, Castle Ruins, Harbor Beach |
| Manarola | Educational Museum, Marina Piccola Boat Ramp, Train Station Views |
| Corniglia | Santa Maria Church, Oratory of San Pietro , Guvano Beach |
| Vernazza | Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church, Doria Castle, Pier Beach |
| Monterosso | Aurora Tower, Monastery of San Francesco, Fegina Beach |
Where to Eat and Drink
Enjoying the fruits of the Mediterranean Sea is a must during any Cinque Terre visit. Seafood rules menus across the region, from fine dining restaurants to casual trattorias and focacceria bakeries selling triangular flatbread snacks. Pesto, anchovies and Limoncino liqueur also represent local specialties. Recommended spots include:
- Riomaggiore – Ca’ D’Andrean foccacceria and Bar Centrale for aperitivo drinks with a view
- Manarola – Nessun Dorma wine bar on the water and La Scogliera trattoria by the marina
- Corniglia – La Posada cafe for pesto focaccia and elegant Miky seafood restaurant on cliff’s edge
- Vernazza – Gambero Rosso for fine harbor dining and Ananasso Bar paninis
- Monterosso – Ristorante Belvedere dinner on the beach and Enoteca da Eliseo wine bar in old town
Wherever you go, don’t leave Cinque Terre without trying the white Sciacchetrà wine made from grapes that grow only on these rocky cliffs!
What Souvenirs to Shop For
Cinque Terre offers plenty of opportunities for shopping between villages. Look for these popular local souvenirs:
- Pesto jars and dried pastas
- Olive tapenades and Limoncino liqueur
- Corkscrews and ceramic plates hand-painted with town scenes
- Fishermen’s hats and accessories
- Striped boat jerseys
- Colorful painted tiles and face masks
- Local white and red wines like Cinque Terre DOC and Sciacchetrà
Getting Back to Milan
Double check your return train timing to ensure you make it back to Milan. The last train departs La Spezia Centrale around 10 pm. Build in cushion since delays can occur. If driving, anticipate heavier traffic towards Milan so allot at least 3.5 hours travel time plus any stops. Here are transit durations back to Milan:
Train
Trains cover the roughly 140 km distance in just over 2.5 hours direct back to Milan Central Station. Trenitalia runs frequent evening Regionale Veloce train service. Purchase tickets beforehand online.
Ferry/Boat
The direct summer ferry boat from Cinque Terre to Milan’s Porta Ticinese takes 4-5 hours. Or connect by public transit combining train and bus. This is more time consuming.
Organized Bus Tour
Guided day tour buses handle returning everyone to Milan by early evening, usually by 7 or 8 pm. Times are strict so don’t get left behind!
If driving, prepare for heavier traffic towards Milan from late afternoon onwards. Leave by 4 pm to ensure ample time to arrive back safely.
20 Tips for Day Trip to Cinque Terre from Milan
1. Leave Milan by 6 AM
Catch the earliest direct fast train possible around 6 or 7 AM to spend as much daylight hours wandering Cinque Terre’s five cliffside villages before having to head back.
2. Travel light
Pack just essentials for the day in a small backpack to move around freely between walking, ferries and trains. Keep important stuff like passports safely concealed.
3. Buy train tickets in advance online for discounts
Save money booking passage in advance two months out from Milan to La Spezia Centrale or Levanto station for Cinque Terre access on Trenitalia or Italo.
4. Have cash to buy boat, trail and village entry tickets
Some Cinque Terre activity passes are only sold via cash at booths. Carry enough Euros in small bills. ATMs are available sporadically.
5. Download offline maps
Navigating winding alleys requires mobile data offline. Download Google Maps of each village and regional hiking trail maps beforehand. Reception is spotty.
6. Purchase a Cinque Terre daily activity pass
For unlimited access, invest in value packages like the Treno Card for transport and trails or Boat Card for sea transfers between towns.
7. Wear very comfortable shoes
Trails involve lots of steep stairs. Pack sturdy sneakers or water shoes. Break them in before arrival to prevent blisters. You’ll be walking 5+ miles up and down slopes.
8. Arrange luggage storage if overnighting
Most day tours end with returning to Milan. But if staying, luggage storage options are available in Monterosso near train station.
9. Sling a small backpack
Keep your hands free for photos and holding snacks. Use backpacks with anti-theft features to safely carry gear, sunblock and water especially while hiking.
10. Start in Riomaggiore
It’s southernmost and usually less crowded early. Admire colorful stacked houses then walk Via Dell’Amore over sea to Manarola. The views and ‘lover’s lane’ corridor are stunning.
11. Schedule restaurants mid-day
Aim for sit down restaurants at less crowded hours like late lunch (2 pm onward). Make reservations if possible for better tables too!
12. Swim!
Don’t miss taking refreshing dips off rocky beaches and harbors between villages. Pack your swimsuit and a quick dry towel to cool down midday when temperatures peak.
13. Try local wines
Sample regional vintages rarely exported abroad. Miscellaneous local grapes produce luscious bottles of DOC whites and reds plus sweet Sciacchetrà dessert wine.
14. Purchase pesto and focaccia sandwich ingredients
For iconic picnic provisions, grab pesto sauce jars, breads baked with olives or tomatoes, plus some fresh Mozzarella balls from specialty shops.
15. End day in Monterosso al Mare
Its long flat beach dotted with bohemian bars and trattorias creates a resort atmosphere to unwind after a day of exertion before heading back.
16. Shop for ceramics and art prints
Tiles hand painted with Cinque Terre scenes, custom maps or bright ceramic bowls glazed with Ligurian designs make wonderful souvenirs.
17. Try limoncello liqueurs as gifts
The popular lemon liqueur makes for a portable gift to bring a taste of the Italian coast back home to share. Sample some yourself too!
18. Carry sufficient snacks
Hungry from hiking and train hopping? Carb up with trail mix, protein bars, cookies, fruit and sandwiches to refuel between cafes and restaurants.
19. Reserve ferry or guided tour return transport
Lock in precisely timed trains, ferries or coach bus group tours handling the transit back to Milan rather than risk getting stranded missing the last connection.
20. End with dinner near Milan’s castle
After the Cinque Terre day out, find an al fresco restaurant around Sforza Castle for dining beside Milan’s own historic walls and towers to complete your Italian sightseeing adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many villages can you see in Cinque Terre in a day?
It’s possible to visit all 5 villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso in one full day if you arrive very early and coordinate transportation smartly between each one. Prioritize just 2 or 3 if you prefer a more relaxed visit.
Is it necessary to hike between Cinque Terre towns?
No, hiking is optional! Trains and boats easily connect each village within minutes if you don’t wish to walk. But the trails offer gorgeous coastal scenery between towns if you have proper footwear and reasonable fitness. Some routes have many stairs though.
Is Cinque Terre safe?
Yes, Cinque Terre is extremely safe, even when traveling solo. The region sees tourists from all over the world and locals are welcoming. However do take normal safety precautions for travel, like being aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
What is the best Cinque Terre town to stay in?
Vernazza is likely the most all-around ideal home base thanks to its beautiful natural harbor, lively main street, great lodging and dining options and central location. But any village makes a wonderful place to stay as you can easily access the others via trail or transit.
Is Cinque Terre cheaper than Milan?
Yes! Accommodation, food, attractions and shopping are less expensive compared to metropolitan Milan. For example basic rooms average around €120 versus €160+ in Milan. You’ll get better value eating seafood meals in Cinque Terre restaurants too. Transportation remains similarly priced.
Conclusion
Despite over 2 hours travel time each way, voyageing to the scenic Cinque Terre region from Milan for a busy day trip is completely feasible and highly rewarding. By starting early, moving efficiently between villages by trail and transit while following this optimized one day itinerary, you will come away with wonderful snapshots of all five towns and great memories strolling, swimming, photographing and dining your way through colorful cliffside scenery you simply can’t find anywhere else. The magic of Cinque Terre crammed into a single day makes for an unforgettable whirlwind trip from fast-paced Milan.