Enjoy a walking tour through the picturesque towns of Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Vernazza, and Manarola, four of the famous Cinque Terre villages. This moderate walking tour is the perfect compromise for those who want to hike in Cinque Terre but don’t have time for the lengthy trails between the towns.

Start with a train ride to Riomaggiore. The trail here starts from the station and stretches through the town toward its historic core. Along the way, admire the views of Via dell’Amore and the scenic coastline. Then, make a stop to visit the old church of St. John the Baptist and stroll down the main road to the port.

Next, you’ll take the train to the village of Manarola. Then, walk up the main street to St. Lawrence Church, from where the trail extends through vineyards to the coast. Enjoy the views of the vineyards, perhaps catching glimpses of farmers as they harvest the grapes and produce the wines. If you’d like, you can stop at one of the wineries and sample some of the refreshing white wines known in the region, along with some delicious snacks.

Continue to Monterosso via train and take the path that follows the seaside. You’ll make your way into the old part of the town, passing by olive groves, lemon trees, and churches. Visit the nearby Oratorio dei Neri to view its 1,600 puzzling figures and enjoy some free time to eat lunch and relax on the coast.

In the afternoon, you’ll take the train to Vernazza, where you can enjoy an incredible view from above the town. You might recognize the scenery here, as it’s a famous spot to take photos of colorful Vernazza. Then, descend into the village and stop for a well-deserved gelato break and free time.

Read more about unique and interesting experiences in Cinque Terre.