Itineraries for Your Trip to Cinque Terre
3 Days in Cinque Terre for Families
The colorful villages and easy footpaths along the Cinque Terre are fun for families to explore, but some areas of the coastline are much easier on young children than others. I found out the hard way that Monterosso and Manarola are relatively flat and stroller-friendly, but steep and stair-filled Vernazza and Corniglia are a challenge for little legs (and little wheels). Keep in mind that many of the “beaches” along the coastline are really just rocky coves with no sand to stretch out on and water that is clear but too deep for toddlers, but there are options.
The weather can be unpredictable in the Cinque Terre, where winds from the sea and the inland slopes meet.
If you only have time for one thing, make it relaxing on the sandy shores of Monterosso.
If you have older kids, hit the coastal trail connecting Cinque Terre’s five colorful fishing villages via foot or e-bike—the Riomaggiore to Manarola and Manarola to Corniglia legs are easiest. Or, hop the tiny local train that skirts the coastline between the towns, stopping to meander the village centers.
Hit the beach in the hot afternoon. Monterosso has the most toddler-friendly stretch of sand (and a great playground), while the other towns—with the exception of clifftop Corniglia—have rocky coastlines with deep water ideal for older kids and confident swimmers. Teens might go kayaking or paddle boarding from Cinque Terre beaches.
Kids of all ages love a scenic boat ride, especially when the time at sea is broken up with stops to swim or explore on land. This morning, set sail along the Cinque Terre coastline to take in views of the villages far from the crowds and heat on land.
Preparing pesto is the kind of hands-on cooking that is ideal for budding chefs. This afternoon, join a family-friendly cooking class to learn how to pound basil, pine nuts, and other local ingredients together to create this aromatic specialty. Some classes also include pasta making, a sure crowd-pleaser, before sitting down for a family-style dinner.
Take the train to the nearby port city of Genoa for a fun-filled day trip today. Begin your visit by taking in the city’s top sights on foot, by bike, or via hop-on-hop-off bus. Take in the cathedral, maze of narrow lanes of the old town called caruggi (or creuze), and sumptuous Renaissance palaces.
Then head to the revitalized historic port, now hub to some of the city’s top museums and activities. Explore the Aquarium—one of the largest in Europe—plus the Galata Maritime Museum and Biosfera tropical garden biosphere before following the waterfront promenade to the historic lighthouse. Kids love climbing to the panoramic terrace for views of the city and busy port.
