Two Days in Cinque Terre: Bikes, Boats, Trains & Trails
We just spent two full days exploring the beautiful Cinque Terre region — and honestly, it was the perfect mix of relaxed and adventurous. From cycling along the coast to ferry rides between colorful cliffside villages, here’s how we made the most of it.
Day One: Coastal Rides & Sea Views
We started off with a slow, scenic bike ride along a disused railway track from Levanto. The path runs Roth right along the coast, passing through old railway tunnels with amazing views popping out every so often. It’s only about 5 miles round-trip, so super manageable — more about soaking in the scenery than getting a workout.
After a drink by the sea back in Levanto, we hopped on the train just one stop to Monterosso. From there, after another quick drink, we we picked up the Cinque Terre ferry service. Pro tip: after 2pm, tickets are €28 per person for a return trip, and Jazz the dog got to ride for free. The boat cruise gave us a stunning view of all five villages from the water, and we got off at Riomaggiore to explore for an hour before sailing all the way back to Levanto.
Seeing the villages from the sea really gives you a unique perspective — it was such a great introduction to the area. We enjoyed a relax in Gandalf on site during the evening and a delicious chilli con carne.
Day Two: Trains, Trails & Pasta
We took things slower the next morning, starting with a coffee and a bit of a lie-in before heading out.
This time we grabbed the Cinque Terre Card, which gives you unlimited train travel between the villages and access to most of the hiking trails (except the famous Lovers’ Lane, which was is an additional €10pp- We declined).
We spent some time exploring Monterosso – with its atmospheric back streets and wide beach area it really is lovely.
We made our way on to Corniglia- higher in the cliff but with some great vistas. We enjoyed lunch in Corniglia’s main square — a simple but delicious pesto pasta (basil grows everywhere here), paired with a crisp local white wine that honestly might be one of the best we’ve ever had.
We broke up the train rides with a walk from Corniglia to Vernazza — just under two miles, with a few steep parts but nothing too intense if you take your time. The views were worth every step. Halfway through, we stopped at a little farm shop known for its lemons — everything they sell is lemon-based, from marmalade to limoncello. That limoncello definitely gave us the boost to finish the hike.
Vernazza was absolutely stunning — probably our favorite, along with Riomaggiore.
We spent some time wandering the final two villages just to soak in the atmosphere before heading back to Levanto on the train.
By the end of the day, we were completely wiped — but in the best way. Cinque Terre lived up to every bit of the hype, and seeing it from so many angles — on foot, by boat, bike, and train — made it even more special.
Campsite details:
A lovely small campsite with a relaxed, welcoming vibe in a great location — just a 10-minute walk to the train station. The staff were super friendly, and the facilities were spotless and modern. It was quiet at night and felt very secure thanks to 24-hour security.
Cost was €50 per night (a bit steep), plus €1 per person per night tourist tax. For comparison, the nearby aire/sosta is €36 per 24 hours.
