5 Best Places to Go in Italy in 2022: The Cinque Terre

If you’re looking for the best places to go in Italy, a visit to the Cinque Terre should definitely be at the top of your bucket list. Magnificent scenery is just the beginning of what this Italian attraction offers, so come along on our hike and experience Ligurian beauty like never before.

For nature lovers in particular, a guided trek along the Cinque Terre is highly recommended – not only is this area often referred to as one of the best places to go in Italy, it also makes for a great opportunity to explore the country’s intriguing history and culture as well as its natural beauty. If you’re looking for an exciting day out featuring amazing panoramas, book a place on our Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence. It’s sure to be an adventure you’ll never forget.

The Cinque Terre Awaits

Ever wanted to explore the coastal towns around Italy’s famous Cinque Terre? We believe the best way to experience the true rural beauty of the area is by foot – which is exactly why we created our hiking day trip. Led by friendly, knowledgeable guides, our trek is not to be missed if you’re a nature or culture enthusiast. It is without a doubt one of the best places to go in Italy!

Be Prepared

Although this Italian paradise promises a fun and exciting day out, that’s not to say you won’t face a few challenges along the way. Cliffs can be slippery, pathways narrow and inclines steep, so flip flops are not the ideal shoe choice for this excursion! Bring sturdy walking shoes, plenty of water and sun protection – you can never be too careful if you’re going to be exposed to the wonderful Italian sunshine all day.

A Rich History

While travelling along the Cinque Terre, you can keep your eyes peeled for the fragments of history that still remain. Throughout the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, the area suffered from numerous pirate attacks, but the strong defence systems built within each village meant that damage was minimal. Some historic buildings from this era can still be found today, such as Doria Castle in Vernazza and the famous lookout tower.

It was between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries that the area began to thrive in the wine industry, and although harsh storms occasionally ruined the crop, the villagers always worked hard to recover the vineyards, and to this day they produce huge quantities of grapes – and delicious wines of course!

Walk through the area’s intriguing past on our trek and discover one of the best places to visit in Italy.

Discover Ancient Villages

Manarola

Your trek will begin and end in Manarola, a village dating back to the twelfth century, now known locally for its sweet Sciacchetrà wine. Boasting numerous verdant vineyards and colourful buildings scattered across the mountainside, it comes as no surprise that this is one of the best places to visit in Italy if you’re a keen photographer.

While you’re there, look out for the local bars and restaurants dotted around, perhaps stopping for a refreshment while watching the locals go about the day. Admire the views of the stunning coastline from one of the elevated streets or stay on lower ground and look above at the array of colourful buildings framed by rugged mountains – a postcard-perfect image!

Fun Fact: Manarola is also well known for its oil, so this is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir for your foodie friends back home.

Corniglia

Set amidst the rolling hills, the quaint old village of Corniglia is an area known for its rich farmland. On the trek, you’ll enjoy views over farmlands, vineyards and occasionally some old-style buildings situated amongst the greenery. If you can manage the climb, head further up the hills to be rewarded with magnificent panoramas featuring the sparkling waters below – nothing beats this!

Top Tip: Take in a little culture while you’re away and head to the Church of St. Peter in the main square.

'Had the Best Tour with Alessandro'

'Highlight of our Italy trip, Alessandro was great at keeping everyone together and recommending things to do when we had free time. A must in my opinion, the views you see while hiking are amazing. Do wear sneakers as the hike can be rocky at times. Book via walk about tours (the company website) as they’re prices are much less!!!!'

5 stars on TripAdvisor, adrianny126

Vernazza

When newcomers to the country ask which destinations are the best places to visit in Italy, Vernazza is frequently mentioned. Reckoned to be the most beautiful village you will visit on the Cinque Terre Tour, Vernazza is definitely a must-see if you’re a fan of old-style architecture or just love a great view. With a number of impressive churches and the famous Doria Castle to be explored, you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied in this little paradise.

Once you’ve had your fill of culture, get your fill of food at some of the local cafes and restaurants. You’ll be able to rest your feet, enjoy a delicious Italian meal and admire your gorgeous surroundings all at once. What better way to spend an afternoon on your Italy getaway?

Monterosso

Next it’ll be time for our guests’ favourite stop: Monterosso. Spread over two bays and featuring a fascinating historic centre, this spot is the perfect place for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Visit the Church of San Francesco, keep your eyes peeled for the famous Gigante statue and step back in time when wandering the streets of the Old Town.

If you’re in need of a break after conquering the town’s steep hills, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to sit back and relax thanks to the golden sands of Monterosso’s beach. Cool down with a refreshing dip in the sea or simply enjoy the sound of the waves as you let nature truly relax you. Our tour guests don’t lie – Monterosso really is one of the best places to visit in Italy!

'Amazing tour, worth it!'

'Best tour we’ve taken so far. Hiking was mild to moderately strenuous (1.5hr), but amazing views and short exploration of all 5 villages. Chris and Alessandro are extremely knowledgeable, attentive, helpful and fun guides. Highly recommend a tour with them!'

5 stars on TripAdvisor, Helen Y

The National Park

The national park area of the Cinque Terre was founded in 1999 and was the first of its kind in Italy. While visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site, prepare to be truly enthralled by your surroundings every step of the way – see the ancient towns framed by the gorgeous coastline and enjoy the various walking trails offering breath-taking views.

Make a splash

If you fancy cooling off while exploring the Cinque Terre, there are plenty of opportunities to do so! Kayaking, snorkelling and swimming are all popular activities, particularly in Vernazza where there are calm, shallow waters. You might even come across some small coves and caves as you explore on the water – nature’s real hidden gems await your discovery!

Something for Everyone

Wherever you decide to visit along the Cinque Terre, be it all the fascinating villages or just a small selection, you’ll have no trouble pleasing the whole crowd – which is exactly why it’s known as one of the best places to visit in Italy. Bursting with history and abundant with amazing photo opportunities, this spot is not to be missed.

Our experienced guides are always willing to help and answer any queries you may have – even if you just want a local restaurant recommendation. If you’d like to find out more about the various villages available to explore along the Cinque Terre, don’t be afraid to ask.

'An Excellent Day'

'We had a fantastic time on this tour! Our guide, Chris, was very friendly, knowledgeable and very passionate about his work. He made our overall experience much better. The tour itself is a lot of fun - the hike lasted around 1.5 hours and then we had lunch. Then we took the local train to see the other towns. The boat ride at the end was wonderful. The views are breath-taking, the food was amazing, great group of people with a fantastic guide. I highly recommend!'

5 stars on TripAdvisor, Damini D

Adventure With Us

One of the best places to visit in Italy is waiting for you on our Florence to Cinque Terre Day Trip. See the raw natural beauty of the Cinque Terre while immersing yourself in history – there’s no experience quite like this. Don’t believe us? Just head to TripAdvisor and read a selection of our tour reviews. If that doesn’t convince you, nothing will!

If you’re interested in trekking around the beautiful Cinque Terre, all you’ll need to do is get in touch with our team. Our handcrafted group tour is the perfect opportunity for nature lovers to admire Italy’s real rural beauty while exploring some of Tuscany’s most famous historical and cultural wonders. Book your tour today and prepare for a holiday you’ll never forget.

We Are Walkabout Florence

Here at Walkabout Florence, we provide our guests with memorable tour experiences that aim to show the true beauties of Italy, be it on a hike, Vespa tour or wine tasting session. Our small selection of handcrafted group tours each promise to be just as unforgettable as they are magical, and we can guarantee that some of the best places to go in Italy will be on your itinerary no matter which tour you choose!

With us, your holiday is sure to feel that extra bit special, and we can assure you that you’ll be heading home with amazing memories (and photographs). Book online today and support our independent business.