The Cinque Terre, a string of five picture-perfect seaside villages hugging Italy’s rugged northwest coastline, looks like something out of a dream. Colorful houses perched on cliffs, terraced vineyards tumbling down hillsides, fishing boats bobbing in turquoise harbors, and pasta with pesto so fresh it practically sings. Best of all? It’s all part of a national park.
Even the summer tourist crowds couldn’t put a damper on our time here. With teens in tow and a healthy appetite for both gelato and adventure, we soaked up everything this stunning region had to offer. Here’s our ultimate list of 9 things to do in the Cinque Terre, especially if you’re traveling with teens (or the young at heart).
1. Eat Gelato. Frequently.
Gelato became its own food group during our stay. We made it our mission to try gelato in all five towns: morning, afternoon, and evening. Every single day. No regrets.
Some of us approached this delicately, others (looking at you, Quinn) ended up wearing more than they ate. Still, it’s hard to go wrong, especially with a cone in hand after conquering the 382 steps up to Corniglia from the train station. A standout stop: Gelateria Vernazza, highly recommended by friends and now by us, too.
2. Cliff Jump. Or At Least Watch.
Cliff jumping isn’t for everyone, but even if the idea of flinging yourself into the sea makes your stomach do somersaults, it’s just as fun to sit with a glass of wine and watch the brave ones launch themselves from rocky outcroppings into the sparkling water.
Our favorite cliff-jumping spots:
- Riomaggiore harbor – easy access and solid teen appeal
- Manarola harbor – various heights for all comfort levels
- Beyond Vernazza (by boat only) – the real adrenaline fix!
Even the most cautious among us were tempted. And yes, we had to drag the teens away.
3. Beat the Crowds: Swim at Dawn or Dusk
By midday, the towns swell with tourists arriving by train or tour bus, but before 10am and after 5pm, they empty out, leaving behind peaceful beaches and quiet streets.
Our early evening swims became a daily ritual, especially in Monterosso, which has the most spacious beach. The light was soft, the crowds were gone, and the water was perfection.
4. Take a Boat Trip
While exploring by foot is iconic, seeing the villages from the sea is something else entirely. We organized a boat trip from one of the vendors at the Vernazza harbor, and it was easily a highlight of the trip.
Swimming in secluded coves, getting a different perspective on the colorful towns, and (of course) cliff jumping from hidden spots made this an epic afternoon. For our group of 9, we snagged a private tour for about €300. Well worth it for the flexibility and memories.
5. Watch the Sunset Over Dinner
The Cinque Terre delivers when it comes to sunsets, especially in Manarola (Nessun Dorma and Punta Bonfiglio are the most popular viewing spots). But our favorite sunset dinners were in Vernazza, where the sun dips behind the hills across the harbor.
Pro tip: Make a dinner reservation or show up early. And definitely try the local seafood or pasta with Ligurian pesto, both simple, fresh, and unforgettable.
6. Hike (At Least One Trail!)
If you’re even mildly outdoorsy, you have to hike between the towns. The famous Blue Trail hugs the coastline and offers jaw-dropping views. Some sections require a trekking permit, so check conditions in advance and buy a Trekking Card (or Treno Card if using the trains).
Most hikes are between 30 minutes and 2.5 hours, and while we tackled ours in the summer heat (early mornings only!), spring and fall are ideal for cooler temps. Worth every step.
7. Taste the Local Specialties
You can’t go wrong with the food here, but don’t miss these regional must-tries:
- Fried seafood cones – shrimp, anchovies, and calamari served hot and crispy and eaten on the street
- Focaccia – olive oil-rich flatbread, topped with herbs or cheese
- Pasta alla Genovese – with the region’s signature basil pesto
- Marinated anchovies – surprisingly delicious
- Seafood everything – mussels, octopus, and the daily catch
Snack your way through the towns and thank us later.
8. Explore the Villages by Train or Boat
Travel between the five towns: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, is super easy by train or boat. Spend time wandering the cobbled streets, discovering hidden churches, scenic viewpoints, and charming cafés tucked into every corner.
Each village has its own personality:
- Monterosso has the best and biggest sandy beach
- Corniglia sits perched above it all with views for days
- Vernazza boasts a tiny harbor and postcard views
- Riomaggiore is full of steep lanes and dramatic cliffs
- Manarola descends toward a harbor perfect for cliff diving
We recommend at least a half-day in each.
9. Slow Down and Take It All In
With so much to see and do, it’s easy to get caught up in checking off boxes. But some of our best memories came from doing… nothing. Find a shady spot, order a spritz or a scoop, and watch the world go by.
Let the colors soak in. Let the conversations drift over the cobblestones. Let your kids run ahead while you pause to take that extra photo.
Final Thoughts
The Cinque Terre is one of our all-time favorite places, not because it’s packed with must-see landmarks or bucket-list attractions, but because it invites you to slow down, explore deeply, and savor life. Whether you’re jumping off cliffs or nibbling focaccia, there’s something here for everyone (especially teens who think they’ve seen it all).
Let us know what we missed, and tag us in your own gelato-fueled adventures!
Go Together Life 
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