Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence - Everything You Need to Know

Planning a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre? Well, honestly, that string of five charming villages clinging to the rugged Italian Riviera deserves more than just a day. Yet, if a single day is all you have, a day trip from Florence is absolutely possible.

You catch a train to La Spezia and take a regional train, drive yourself, or book a guided tour to get there. And if you plan ahead and time it well, you can then get into the mix of sightseeing, hiking, and even swimming all in a day.

So, let me share everything you need to know for a perfect Cinque Terre day trip from Florence, including the itinerary, transportation tips, tour options, and more.

How to Get to Cinque Terre from Florence

Now, when planning a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre, we first need to figure out how you’ll actually get there. You basically have two options:

Join a guided tour.
Go it alone (the independent route).

Let’s break these down a bit. And you’ll want to stick with me here, as how you get to Cinque Terre is half the excitement and fulfillment of your day trip.

Guided Tours from Florence to Cinque Terre

Guided tours are undoubtedly the easiest way to see Cinque Terre, especially if you’re short on time. But you’ve got to prepare for a long day, like 13 hours from start to finish.

But the upside? You don’t have to worry about a thing. The tour company handles all the logistics and hard work. For example, you won’t be stressing over train schedules or how to fit everything in. They’ve got you covered with roundtrip transportation and all that.

Plus, you get a guide who speaks English and Italian. They’ll fill you in on all the cool history, culture, and architecture. And they’ll even give you tips on the best photo spots and places to grab lunch. That’s why I often use them myself when I’m traveling somewhere new.

Now, you do need to pick a good tour company, keeping your budget in mind. Some tours are way pricier than others. I’ve had a good experience with Ciao Florence and their fantastic day tour from Florence to Cinque Terre.

But there are lots of other options, too. And these tours also differ in terms of what they include. I mean the activities, and even the specific villages you’ll visit.

I’ve picked out a few tours you can easily book through GetYourGuide or Viator. They’re both super reliable, with a flexible cancellation policy and 24/7 customer service. I use them all the time.

Private Day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre and Pisa – This one’s a bit pricy. But you get to see a lot, including a stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Plus, they pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance, too.
Cinque Terre National Park Guided Hike – If you love hiking, this is your tour. It includes a hike from Manarola to Corniglia and Vernazza. Then you’ll take the train to Monterosso and a ferry back to Manarola. And you can always head to Riomaggiore on your own if you want to.
Cinque Terre Hiking Trip – Another good one for hikers. It’s on Viator. But hiking is optional, so no pressure.
Cinque Terre day trip with Transport from Florence – This is your budget-friendly pick. There’s no guide once you are in the villages, so it’s perfect if you prefer to wander on your own.

By the way, Hellotickets is also reliable for finding similar guided tours.

Train from Florence to Cinque Terre

Taking the train is definitely the most budget-friendly way to go, as it costs less than €20 most of the time.

But – and it’s a big but – there’s no direct train from Florence to Cinque Terre. That means the journey can be pretty long.

How long? Well, it depends. If you make all the right connections, you’re looking at around 2 hours and 45 minutes. But it often takes 3 hours or more. Sometimes, even 4.

Now, if you’re set on traveling by train, here are your two best options:

Regional and Intercity

From Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station, take a Regionale Veloce train to Pisa Centrale. They run every 30 minutes. The ride is about an hour.
In Pisa, hop on an Intercity train to La Spezia Centrale. These are the ones going to Milan. That’s another hour.
From La Spezia, take a regional train to the villages. Riomaggiore is the closest (10 minutes). Monterosso is the furthest (25 minutes).

There are also some trains that go directly from Pisa to Monterosso. This means you don’t need to switch trains in La Spezia. But you don’t really save that much time.

You can check the schedules and prices on the Trenitalia website or the Omio app.

Frecciargento and Regional

Here’s another option, maybe even easier:

Take a direct Frecciargento train from Firenze Campo di Marte Station to La Spezia. Depending on when you leave, this takes around one hour and 49 minutes.
Then, same as before, take the regional train to Riomaggiore.

Check Trenitalia or Omio for times and prices.

I’d recommend buying your ticket to the Cinque Terre villages at the station in La Spezia. And that’s because if your train to La Spezia is late, you won’t be stuck with a useless reserved ticket.

Driving from Florence to Cinque Terre

Now, if you’re thinking about driving, you’ve probably got two questions in mind. First, how far to drive? It’s about 198 km (123 miles) to Monterosso, the only village you can reach by car.

Second, how long does it take? Well, the drive to Monterosso roughly takes 2.5 hours. But that depends on traffic. And there are tolls, by the way.Now, if you ask me, I’d say driving to Cinque Terre is not a great idea.

Don’t get me wrong – the villages are definitely beautiful. But they’ve got these super narrow streets sure enough to make parking a nightmare for you.Still, if you’ve got no other option but to settle with driving, here’s how you’ll want to do it:

Take highway A11 from Florence to Viareggio.
Switch to A12 northbound to La Spezia and Genova. This part takes about two hours in favorable conditions.
Then, once in La Spezia, you have a few options:
- Park in La Spezia and take the train. The train station has a parking lot. You’ll have to pay, but then you can simply hop on the train.
- Drive to Levanto and take the train. It’s a small town right outside Cinque Terre. You can take a direct train to Monterosso from there (it’s just 5 minutes away).
- Drive to Monterosso. Like I said, this is the only village you can drive to, but it’s an extra 30-minute drive from La Spezia. And finding parking can be tough.

If you are set on driving, use Discover Cars to check car rental prices. I always use them to compare prices, and I’ve never had a problem.

Travel to Cinque Terre by Train and Ferry from Florence

Now, here’s a fun option you can try from late March to early October. You can take a boat to Cinque Terre from the coast of Tuscany (Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, Massa, and Carrara) or La Spezia, Lerici, or Levanto.

If that sounds good, I’d suggest taking the train or driving to La Spezia and catching a ferry from there.

The ferries are run by the Consorzio Marittimo Turistico 5 Terre – Golfo Dei Poeti. It’s a hop-on, hop-off service with several departures each day.

The boats stop in Portovenere, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso and then continue to Levanto. And let me assure you – the views from the sea are simply stunning.

Boats leave regularly from La Spezia. Check the Consorzio Marittimo Turistico 5 Terre – Golfo Dei Poeti website for times and prices.

Just a heads up – the website is usually updated right before the season starts. So, you might not find info if you check in the winter.

The Cinque Terre Card

Let’s talk about the Cinque Terre Card, which is yet another way to get to Cinque Terre. Think of it as your all-access pass to the trains and hiking trails in the area.

There are two types:

The Cinque Terre Train Card: This one gives you unlimited train travel for the day, plus access to the hiking trails. It’s €18.20 per day for adults.

The Cinque Terre Trekking Card: This card is just for the hiking trails. It costs €7.50 per day for adults.

Honestly, I’d recommend the first one – the Cinque Terre Train Card. That way, you’re covered for both trains and trails all day long. Besides, you can still hop on a train if you get tired of walking.

Now, you can buy the card online in advance or at the La Spezia train station.

But if you ask me, buying it online is your best bet. Trust me, the lines at the station can get crazy long. I learned this the hard way by waiting for almost an hour once.

Also, note that Cinque Terre is packed during the summer, so you’ll be so glad you skipped the line.

The trains leave from La Spezia a few times an hour. So you’ve got plenty of options throughout the day. And it’s a short ride between villages – only about 4-6 minutes.

You can find the Cinque Terre Express train timetable here.

High Season in Cinque Terre

May to September is the high season in Cinque Terre when the trains can get seriously crowded. I went at the end of September, and I could barely squeeze on.

So, if you’re visiting during those months, plan for an extra 30 minutes of waiting time between each village. It’s also why I say that having the train option is a must.

What To Do On A Day Trip To Cinque Terre From Florence

There are so many fun things to do in Cinque Terre. I mean, way so many.

That’s why I said earlier that it’s ideal to spend a few days here. You can really savor the area that way. One bit at a time.

But don’t worry if you only have a day. You can still get a taste of what Cinque Terre has to offer. You may think of it as an appetizer, and then come back later for the main course.

I’ll be sharing a few things you can do on your day trip shortly. But before that, take a look at the sample itinerary below. It’ll help you visualize how your day trip could look like:

Time	Activity	Details
9:00 AM	Depart Florence	Take a Frecciargento train from Firenze Campo di Marte station to La Spezia (1 hour 49 minutes).
10:49 AM	Arrive at La Spezia	Purchase a Cinque Terre Train Card for unlimited train travel and access to hiking trails.
11:00 AM	Train to Riomaggiore	A short 10-minute ride to the first village.
11:15 AM	Explore Riomaggiore	Wander the narrow alleys, enjoy the colorful views, and grab a coffee or snack.
12:15 PM	Train to Manarola	2 minutes by train.
12:30 PM	Lunch in Manarola	Try local specialties like seafood at Trattoria Dal Billy.
1:30 PM	Walk or train to Corniglia	Take the train or hike if you’re feeling adventurous (30-60 minutes).
2:30 PM	Explore Corniglia	Visit the scenic terrace and enjoy the quieter atmosphere.
3:30 PM	Train to Vernazza	A 10-minute train ride.
3:45 PM	Stroll through Vernazza	Visit Doria Castle and take photos of the picturesque harbor.
4:45 PM	Train to Monterosso al Mare	A 5-minute train ride.
5:00 PM	Relax at Monterosso	Enjoy Fegina Beach or explore the old town.
6:00 PM	Train back to La Spezia	Depart for La Spezia (30 minutes).
6:30 PM	Train back to Florence	Take the return Frecciargento train to Florence (1 hour 49 minutes).
8:30 PM	Arrive back in Florence	End your day filled with unforgettable memories.

Explore the Cinque Terre Villages

Now, please don’t ask me to pick a favorite village. Each one has its own unique charm, and I love them all.

Here’s a quick overview, starting with the one closest to Florence:

Riomaggiore

First up, we have Riomaggiore. This village dates all the way back to the early 13th century. The name comes from the Latin word “Rivus Major.” That refers to the stream that once flowed under the main street. You won’t see it now, sadly, but you can picture it flowing to the sea.

Riomaggiore thrived under the Republic of Genoa. It became known for its wine production. It remained isolated until the late 19th century (That’s when the railway connecting Genoa to La Spezia was built).

This place is a maze of narrow alleys and stairs. You’ll also find beautiful coastal views and colorful buildings. It’s one of the best sunset spots. You’ll see people grabbing a drink and enjoying the view from the rocks.

Manarola

Next, we have Manarola. It’s known for its Sciacchetrà wine. Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio even celebrated it in his poems. You’ll see brightly painted houses, medieval relics, and Punta Bonfiglio. That last one offers breathtaking views.

Manarola might be the oldest of the villages (possibly from Roman times). The current settlement dates back to the 12th century.

The main square houses the Oratorio dei Disciplinati. It’s also home to the Church of San Lorenzo and its tower. You’ll see those if you hike to Manarola from Corniglia.

The harbor area is small. But you can walk to the Nessun Dorma café on the hill. It’s a great spot for a meal, and the bruschetta is delicious. It’s a popular sunset and aperitivo spot, too.

Corniglia

Corniglia is a bit less visited than the other villages. It’s also the only one without a harbor. The name comes from Cornelia, the daughter of the Roman farmer who founded it.

This village sits atop a 100-meter-high promontory. You can reach it from the train station via the Lardarina. That’s a brick stairway of 382 steps! But there’s a shuttle bus, too, if you prefer not to climb.

Corniglia is quaint, with narrow, interesting alleys. You’ll find some good eateries here. It’s also a popular lunch stop on the Cinque Terre hike. There’s a gorgeous terrace with views of the other villages as well.

Vernazza

The view of Vernazza as you hike from Monterosso is breathtaking. You’ll quickly see why many call it the prettiest village.

Vernazza has a natural harbor, colorful houses, and a charming piazzetta. It was first recorded in 1080 as Castrum Vernation, a naval base. You can still see some of the old fortifications.

One famous place to visit is the Doria Castle. It was built to protect the village from pirates. It’s an easy walk from the main square. The view is stunning.

You should also visit the 1318 Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia. The village is a maze of tiny alleys called “caruggi.” They’re lined with cafés, craft shops, and wine bars. The surroundings are terraced and used for olive and grape cultivation.

The best views of Vernazza are along the coastal trail to Monterosso. The trail starts outside the village center. It’s about a 1.5-hour walk to Monterosso. You can also just reach the viewpoint for photos, then head back down.

Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare is known as the “Pearl of Cinque Terre.” It’s famous for its Fegina Beach. It’s also the largest of the villages. It was even temporarily excluded from the Cinque Terre Trail in 1948. That’s because it was considered “too large”.

But the village is still small. There are no more than 1,500 registered residents. Only half of them live there year-round. In the past, it was only accessible via a mule track.

Monterosso al Mare has two parts. The new village is where Fegina Beach and the train station are. The old village is connected to it via a tunnel. It has the ferry port and another nice beach.

The old village has remains of medieval fortifications. You can also see the 13th-century Church of St. John the Baptist. The 17th-century Capuchin Monastery is here, too.

The coastal trail to the other villages starts outside the old village. If you stay more than a day, Monterosso is a convenient base. It has more accommodation and dining options. And it’s also easier to move around here.

Hike in Cinque Terre National Park

Let me just say, hiking in Cinque Terre is one of my favorite things to do in Italy. I can bet on the stunning views that you’ll be stopping every few steps for photos.

The most popular trail is the Blue Trail. It’s 7.5 miles (12 km) long and takes you through all five villages. You can start in Riomaggiore and end in Monterosso or the other way around.

Sadly, there were mudslides a few years back. So, the Italian government has closed a couple of sections (Riomaggiore – Manarola and Manarola – Corniglia).

Now, there are alternative trails for these routes. But they will take a lot longer. Here’s a site where you can check for updates on trail conditions.

Two sections of the trail are still open from spring to fall:

Monterosso al Mare – Vernazza (3.5km, takes 1.5 hours to hike)
Vernazza – Corniglia (4km, takes 1.5 -2 hours to hike)

I hiked from Vernazza to Corniglia on my family day trip last year. And we absolutely loved it. If you only have time for one hike, I’d recommend this one.

Go to the Cinque Terre Beaches

Cinque Terre is full of lovely, small beaches. They have tiny coves with clear water, too. So, if you’re visiting in the summer, pack your swimsuit and a towel. You’ll definitely want to take a dip to cool down.

Riomaggiore has a small, pebbly beach. While it’s quite charming, for deep-water swimming, you’ve got to go to Manarola.

Then, Monterosso al Mare has Fegina, which is the best beach in the area. You’ll also find Spiaggia del Portiglione near the old village in Monterosso. And there’s Spiaggia del Gigante, just past Fegina in the new village.

Vernazza harbor is another good spot for sunbathing and swimming. There’s also a pebble beach to the east of the village.

The Guvano beach, near Corniglia, is the least crowded. But it’s a bit harder to reach. So maybe skip it if you’re only there for a day.

Eat and Drink

Even if you’re just in Cinque Terre for one day, there’s no way to not try the local food and wine. After all, you’ll need to refuel after all the exploring (and maybe hiking).

Here are some specialties you should look for :

Monterosso anchovies: You’ve got to try these.
Aa turta de risu: This is a delicious salted rice cake.
Aa menestra de cian: A soup made with potatoes and herbs. It’s very comforting.
Musculi cin: Mussels stuffed with bread, eggs, and parmesan. So good!
Torta dei Fieschi: A cake made with rice, eggs, and cheese.
Gelato al basilico: Basil ice cream. Trust me, it’s better than it sounds!
Sciacchetrà wine: A sweet white passito wine that’s only found in this region.
Vernaccia di Corniglia: A white wine made with Vernaccia grapes.

There are tons of excellent restaurants and eateries in the villages. I highly recommend Trattoria Dal Billy in Manarola – the seafood and the view are simply unforgettable. But there are plenty of other great options. You won’t regret it.