The Cinque Terre is so accessible from most parts of Italy, this often means its spent as a short break before hopping off to your next destination (which is what I did last September) I want to share some tips to help you have the most authentic experience possible.....

1. Food! Food! Food!

Work up an appetite in the Cinque Terre.

Forget your 'diet' after all you are walking everyday, at least that was my excuse. If you are a foodie plan in advance and have at least 1 ‘special’ night'. One of my favorites was Ristorante Miky, it’s a charming family run restaurant, the kind of place where you order food but stare at everyone else’s plate thinking ‘I wish I ordered that’ - everything looks and smells incredible! Of course I had to try the lingurian speciality pesto trofie pasta- it didn’t disappoint. It's true Pesto tastes better from its hometown (tasted nothing like the jar I have at home) If you book early enough you can ask for a seat outside, a perfect end to the evening.

2. Embrace an early rise (it’s worth it)

Sunrise in the Cinque Terre

I highly recommend starting the day early, the temperatures are perfect for walking in, and by finishing your walk early afternoon you have the rest of the day to use your rail card and explore all 5 fishing villages. Even if you have had a glass or 2 of wine the night before, (I promise) the views will take away any fuzzy head..

3. Pack a swimming costume!

There are plenty of opportunities for a quick dip in the Cinque Terre

If you love to dip in the sea this trip is perfect. There are plenty opportunities since most of the walks follow Coastal Paths. What better way to finish a day of hiking?

4. Portovenere – it’s worth a visit!

Portovenere

Although this little town is not one of the Cinque Terre fishing villages it was the most beautiful for me, very picturesque and there was a lot less tourists we passed plenty locals by the sea catching fish. You can wander through the ancient cobbled streets, have a glass of wine by the sea or hop over on the ferry to Palmaria Island, known as the "Regional Natural Park of Portovenere" it has the most beautiful clear waters.

Go fishing with the locals in Portovenere

5. Make use of your Cinque Terre rail card (it’s basically a HALL PASS – for exploring Cinque Terre)

Depending on which trip you have chosen the duration of your Cinque Terre rail card will vary slightly. Its very simply and easy to use once you collect it from Monterosso train station you are free to hop on and hop off the train as much as you like. You can have breakfast in Monterosso, lunch in Manarola and Dinner in Portofino, if your purse strings allow.

At Macs Adventure we have a couple of Cinque Terre trips available, whether you have 7 nights to explore or it’s a flying visit before heading elsewhere in Italy you can find all of our trips on our website. Alternatively if you call us at the office. We would be delighted to help organise the right itinerary for you!