Cinque Terre Daytrip with Kids
A Perfect Day in Cinque Terre with Kids
Cinque Terre is a picturesque and charming destination located on the Italian Riviera. It’s comprised of five colorful fishing villages, each unique and beautiful in its own way, perched on rocky cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Cinque Terre is an excellent destination for families, with plenty of activities to keep both parents and children entertained. Visiting Cinque Terre is an easy weekend trip from Florence by train.
We visited over Easter weekend, based in Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the 5 towns. We chose this spot since it was an easy 1-connection train ride from our home base with Boundless Life in Pistoia, the largest of the 5 towns, and had an epic playground near the beach for our kids! We had a great time exploring the coast and have listed a few tips to help you have a memorable day with your little ones and enjoy some of the quintessential experiences that make Cinque Terre a bucket-list-worthy destination.
Getting to the Cinque Terre by train will work best for visitors to Northern Italy, but there are a few other options as well.
By Train: The region is served by the Cinque Terre Express, a train line that connects the five villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) with nearby cities like La Spezia and Levanto. You can easily reach La Spezia or Levanto by train from major Italian cities like Florence, Pisa, or Genoa, and then transfer to the Cinque Terre Express.
By Car: While the Cinque Terre is accessible by car, it's important to note that the villages themselves are car-free or have limited access for vehicles. There are parking areas available in each village, but they can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season. It's recommended to park in nearby towns like La Spezia or Levanto and then use public transportation or walk to explore the Cinque Terre.
By Ferry: During the summer months, there are ferry services available that connect the Cinque Terre villages, as well as other nearby coastal towns. This option allows you to enjoy scenic views of the coastline and offers a unique perspective of the region. However, ferry schedules may be limited outside of the peak season.
By Bus: Some bus companies provide services to the Cinque Terre, particularly from nearby towns and cities. This option can be useful if you prefer bus travel or if you're staying in a location not directly serviced by the train.
Once you arrive in the Cinque Terre, you can explore the villages on foot, as they are all connected by hiking trails. The Cinque Terre National Park offers beautiful coastal paths that allow you to discover the unique charm of each village.
If you’re planning to visit Cinque Terre, it’s important to note that Italy is part of the European Schengen zone and US visitors are limited to a 90-day stay. For more information about the Schengen, check out our Instagram reel here!
Take the ferry
Start your day by taking the ferry over from Monterosso to Riomaggiore. You can book your tickets in advance online and choose your preferred departure time or purchase tickets in the moment at the ferry stands located next to each of the ferry docks. This website was super helpful in navigating all our questions on the ferry, rates, and times. The ferry ride is an excellent way to see the stunning coastline of the Cinque Terre and is sure to be a highlight of your day. Be sure to bring some snacks and water bottles for the kids (and you!), as there are no snacks or beverages available for purchase on the boat.
Make sure you pop your heads outside the boat for a bit to enjoy the view! But before you do, you’ll want to slather your faces and arms in sunscreen, as the sun can be really strong here! We’re always big fans of reef-friendly sunscreen that’s gentle enough for the whole family, so ThinkBaby is our go-to.
Explore Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the southernmost town in the 5T, so you’ll get the longest boat ride and best views of all 5 towns. Once you arrive, stop for lunch at Condì Italian Food & Store. This pizza spot is a local favorite and is known for its delicious, affordable pizza. Take your pizza outside to a bench or the boat ramp to enjoy the stunning view of the harbor. After lunch, take the opportunity to explore Riomaggiore's charming streets and alleys before embarking on the hike to Manarola.
The hike to Manarola is a highlight of any trip to the Cinque Terre. Note that the "easy" path is currently closed for construction, so the hike is pretty steep up and down but not too long, which makes it doable for the whole family. Bring a baby carrier; your stroller will be worthless here. Liesel (age 6) hiked the whole way, and Mason (age 3) happily rode in the baby carrier. I have used this baby carrier for the past 6 years, and Liesel only stopped hitching rides in it because Mason took it over. They both loved it for years, and I love that it’s supportive, lightweight, and machine washable!
Liesel was tired by the top of the hike but the promise of gelato at the bottom kept her going. She ended up hiking the trail faster and with more energy than either of us parents! The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and this hike is a great way to burn off some energy and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the region.
After your hike
Once you arrive in Manarola, Gelateria Manarola will be able to help you with all your gelato needs! This shop (as with most shops in the area) will give you two flavors in your gelato piccolo (small gelato), so be sure to try as many flavors as you can! Afterward, take the ferry back to Monterosso. The 30-minute ride is an excellent way to relax and enjoy the scenery, and your kids will hopefully be exhausted by this time and may even nap on the boat.
Once back in Monterosso al Mare, stop off at Ely’s café for an Aperol Spritz and aperitivo. This café has an excellent aperitivo spread that satisfied everyone; kids included! You can also burn off any remaining energy with a stop at the big playground in town. It’s so helpful staying in a spot that has a good playground for kids to get their wiggles out before heading back to small hotels or apartments!
And finally, if you have energy, finish your day at one of Monterosso’s many restaurants with a fresh bowl of trofie al pesto. This is a local Ligurian dish that we can’t get enough of. You can even pick up a fresh jar of pesto Genovese to take home with you at my favorite shop, Pesto Lab.
Wrapping it up
Spending time in Cinque Terre is a great experience for the whole family. And if you want something special to do while there, a ferry ride and hike is a great way to explore the area and make some amazing family memories! To see more of our experience in Cinque Terre, be sure to check our our Instagram Reel and Story Highlights!
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Just north of Cinque Terre along the Ligurian coast, you will find TONS of beach towns that all have similar characteristics: long beaches, umbrellas, charming restaurants featuring seafood, focaccia and pesto, and beach-front playgrounds. In my opinion, there isn’t a BAD choice you can make when choosing a beach town to explore, however, Laigueglia’s peaceful ambiance makes it an ideal destination for a relaxing weekend getaway with your family. It’s a delightful seaside town nestled on the northern coast, just about 2 hours east of the French / Italian border. The town's picturesque streets are lined with colorful buildings adorned with flower-filled balconies, exuding a charm that instantly captivates visitors. If you are looking for the perfect holiday along the Ligurian coast and choose Laigueglia, you won’t be disappointed.