Visit the Cinque Terre region in 1 week

You only have one week of vacation and want to get to know the Cinque Terre region in Italy? You like hiking? Then this is the perfect itinerary for you!

From Genoa to Pisa, explore the Cinque Terre, from small colorful villages to flowery trails, get in touch with the authentic Italy.

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in 1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region:

• Admire the must-see leaning Pisa Tower and the other beautiful monuments surrounding her
• Enjoy Cinque Terre National Park by hiking on the various trails linking the villages, getting lost in between colourful houses, tasting the local wine or admiring beautiful lookouts
• Bike on Maremonti in Levanto
• Eat delicious ice creams in Genoa

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance!

1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region

Pisa > Riomaggiore > Cinque Terre National Park > Vernazza > Monterosso al Mare > Levanto > Genoa

Some practical information before your trip to Cinque Terre

If you prefer renting a car for this itinerary, instead of traveling by train and by foot, we recommend renting a car from Hertz.It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

You want to buy a paper travel guide? We recommend this one! In our opinion, it is the most complete and the most visual!

Need a road map to prepare your itinerary? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read!

The best period for this 1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region is from April to June and September. This region is beautiful year-round, however these are the best months to visit, especially if you want to hike in between villages. Temperatures are mild, sun is shining and water is starting to be perfect to have a swim. On top of that, you will avoid heavy heat and crowds of July and August.  See more details here.

Italian food is known to be one of the best in the world, and you surely approve! This cuisine has spread all over the world, and most people have already tried it, pasta, ice cream, pizza, risotto… it keeps getting better! Instead, we would recommend for you to try out arancini, fontina, which is a great cheese, speck ham, focaccia, and taste a traditional and authentic tiramisu!

Contents: 1-week itinerary in Cinque Terre region

1- Pisa – Stop 1 of the 1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region
2- Riomaggiore – Stop 2 of the 1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region
3- Cinque Terre National Park – Stop 3 of the 1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region
4- Vernazza – Stop 4 of the 1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region
5- Monterosso al Mare – Stop 5 of the 1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region
6- Levanto – Stop 6 of the 1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region
7- Genoa – Stop 7 of the 1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region

1-week itinerary in Cinque Terre region: step by step

What to do in Pisa?

What would Pisa be without its famous leaning tower? But there are also many other beautiful architectural masterpieces to see in this first stop for the 1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region! 

• Admire the 58m/190ft Pisa Leaning Tower and if you’re feeling like it, go up its 297 steps and enjoy the view from the top.
• Step in the Pisa Baptistery and learn about 250 years of Italian history.
• Architecture lovers, go to Pisa Cathedral, it is UNESCO-listed!
• After these three tours, relax on the most famous square in Pisa, Piazza dei Miracoli.
• Take a walk along the shore of the Arno river.
• Eat at L’Ostellino, near Piazza dei Miracoli.
• Stroll through Pisa University’s Botanical Garden.
• Drink some coffee at Caffe dei Cavalieri, a few steps away from the Leaning Tower.
• A few km/miles away head to the Migliarino-San Rossore Natural Park Massaciuccoli and go on a hike with wild boars and deers, admire the wild life and flora.

Where to sleep in Pisa?

• Mid-range: stay at Casa San Tommaso, a traditional guesthouse, located in the heart of Pisa, yet well isolated from the noise, where you will be warmly welcomed.
• High-end: decorated in typical Italian style, stay at Hotel Alessandro Della Spina. Spacious and clean rooms, attentive staff, central location and a great breakfast!

What to do in Riomaggiore?

The colourful Riomaggiore used to be a fishermen’s village.

• Go for a hike on the famous trail of Via dell’Amore (romantic huh?) to get to the village of Manarola.
• Climb up to Castellazzo di Cerricò for a superb view of the surrounding area.
• Walk, run … just enjoy the Cinque Terre National Park where flowers and wild animals will make your heart melt.
• Go for an adventure in the narrow streets of the village and discover its hidden gems. It’s what we prefer doing in this stop of this 1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region.
• Enjoy the calm beach.
• By day or by night, take a walk around the small port to enjoy the different views and the friendly atmosphere.

Where to sleep in Riomaggiore?

• Mid-range: Discover the Ca’ D’Andrean in the heart of Manarola, “the place to be” to discover the Cinque Terre National Park in comfort. The Italian breakfast served with love is top notch!
• High-end: For more luxury, stay at the Grand Hotel Portovenere with its superb sea view terrace. The location is ideal, the food is good, nothing better. In short, 8.9 rating on Booking… PS : little piece of advice, choose a room with sea view!

What to do in Cinque Terre National Park?

Hikers, runners, athletes… This stop in Cinque Terre National Park is made for you. Others, you will also enjoy the beauty of this park. It is accessible to any hiker, beginner or experienced. And here’s an interesting fact, the Cinque Terre is made of 5 villages : Monterosso, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Riomaggiore.

• Stroll through these villages.
• Admire the incredible Italian vineyards. For that, stop in Manarola for a little wine tasting!
• Explore the region by foot and feel the heat of this authentic place.
• Discover panoramic views over creeks and cliffs and explore caves!
• Hike on the many different trails. In our opinion, it’s the best way to make the most of this stop of the 1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region.

What to do in Vernazza?

Known as the “pearl of the Cinque Terre”, this village is usually a favourite with visitors. You can tell us if that was the case for you during this 1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region. 

• Soak in the sun on the patio of a bar while siping on a Spritz.
• Go for a day-trip on a boat and get to know the surrounding villages.
• Don’t miss the harbour, which is the only natural harbour in the entire national park. It is very photogenic with its small colourful boats.
• Stroll through the village’s streets and get to experience the authentic Italian atmosphere. During your walk, don’t miss the unique church of Santa Margherita d’Antioch with its 40 metre high tower.
• Visit the Castello Doria and enjoy its 360 view over the shore and village.

What to do in Monterosso al Mare?

Monterosso al Mare is the largest village in the Cinque Terre.

• Take the time to enjoy the beach and its translucent water. Indeed, it is the only village of this 1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region to offer a real sandy beach.
• Take a walk in the medieval city center.
• Walk to the Aurora Tower, the last remaining defensive tower in the village, for a great view of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Step in the Church of San Giovanni Battista.
• Get off the beaten track by climbing to the Capuchin monastery, perched on the San Cristoforo hill.
• Discover Monterosso from a different angle by taking a canoe tour.

What to do in Levanto?

Levanto is the perfect blend of sea and mountain. 

• Hike on the various trails to get to the over villages of the Cinque Terre.
• Spend a moment in Levanto’s busy city center. Walk along Via Garibaldi, visit the Loggia Medievale and the atypical striped church of Sant Andrea, the Castello di Giorgio and Piazza Cavour.
• Make a final stop at the beach before continuing your 1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region.
• Bike lovers, rent a bike and cycle along the Maremonti, an old railway line that has been converted into a cycle path along the coast.

Where to sleep in Levanto?

• Mid-range: sleep at the B&B Alda, with its pretty rooms and good reception. Take advantage of the proximity of the beach (300m) and the bicycle rental service.
• High-end: treat yourself to a stay at the Bellevue Rooms & Suites. Modern decor, spacious rooms, charming establishment, close to the beach (800m), breakfast served, this place has everything to please!

What to do in Genoa?

An underrated Italian city. Tourists often forget about Genoa and that’s a shame! Genoa is built like an amphitheatre and it is fascinating. 

• Roam through the old city’s streets and get a feel of the authentic Italian atmosphere.
• Admire the Piazza de Ferrari, famous square where the Palazzio Ducale stands.
• Walk on the docks of the Old Port.
• Discover San Lorenzo Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece, a must-see during this 1-week road trip in Cinque Terre region. It’s located right next to the Via Garibaldi, famous for being the city’s most beautiful street.
• To know the city and all its history, we strongly recommend you to take a guided tour.
• Eat an ice cream at La Cremeria celle Erbe, one of the best ice cream shops in the old part of Genoa.
• Go to the top of Genoa‘s symbol : the Lanterna.

Where to sleep in Genoa?

• Mid-range: For this stop, we propose a modern and welcoming flat at the Casa di Ravecca, with a superb view of the city centre. The advantage: you can make your own food (we advise you to go and get some “fresh homemade pasta” from a caterer in your neighbourhood, a few slices of cured ham and a mozzarella di buffala on top… Delicious!)
• High-end: Put your bags down at the Meliá Genova, located 10 minutes from the city’s main shopping street, to enjoy maximum comfort. The indoor swimming pool, gym, Turkish bath and Jacuzzi will offer you a well-deserved moment of self-care.

Learn more about your road trip in Cinque Terre…

• You want to know all the information about the country ? It’s here.
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we recommend this website.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance for your 1-week itinerary in Cinque Terre? We recommend this one!

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

If you have any information, good tips, or simply a comment about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! The whole team will be happy to hear from you!