For couples · Cinque Terre · Italy
Romantic things to do in Cinque Terre
Ideas for a couples' trip, from small moments to a special day out.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/150594450@N07/, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
The Cinque Terre suit couples who like to walk for their views: sunsets over Manarola, a glass of Sciacchetrà on a vineyard terrace and dinner by Vernazza's harbour once the day-trippers have gone. Couples tend to stay in Vernazza.
Key facts
- Romantic ideas
- 6
- Couple-friendly sights
- 5
- Area for couples
- Vernazza
- Best months
- October
Romantic ideas
1.Sunset at Punta Bonfiglio
Watch the light fade over Manarola's tower houses from the headland path north of the harbour.
2.Via dell'Amore
Walk the cliff-cut 'lovers' lane' between Riomaggiore and Manarola with the sea below.
3.Harbour dinner in Vernazza
Book a table on Piazza Marconi and eat anchovies and pesto as the harbour lights come on.
4.Vineyard tasting
Share a half-bottle of Sciacchetrà at a winery above Manarola with the sea far below.
5.Private boat at sunset
Hire a small boat from Monterosso or Riomaggiore to see the villages glow from the water.
6.Porto Venere at dusk
End a day trip with a walk out to the church of San Pietro on its rocky point as the sun sets.
Sights couples love
Waterfront · Vernazza
Vernazza harbour
For the postcard shot, walk a few minutes up the Sentiero Azzurro towards Corniglia and look back down on the harbour.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Photo spot
- Free
- Couples
- Views
Viewpoint · Manarola
Manarola and Punta Bonfiglio
Arrive an hour before sunset to find a spot on the path, and stay for dinner once the day-trippers have caught their trains.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Views
- Photo spot
- Couples
- Free
Landmark · Riomaggiore
Via dell'Amore
Check the national park's website for the current access arrangements before you plan your day around it.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Couples
- Views
- Iconic
- Photo spot
Experience · Levanto to Porto Venere
Ferry along the Cinque Terre coast
Heading north, sit on the right-hand side for the best views, and expect cancellations when the sea is rough.
- Time needed
- 2–5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Views
- Couples
- Outdoors
- Iconic
Experience · Manarola
Wine tasting in the vineyards
Book tastings ahead in high season, and try Sciacchetrà with a sharp aged cheese.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Food
- Couples
- Views
Where couples should stay
$$$$ · Best for couples, first-timers and luxury
Vernazza
Vernazza's small natural harbour, ringed by pastel houses, the church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia and the Doria castle tower, is the most photographed scene in the Cinque Terre. Its single main street runs from the station down to the harbour square, and rooms are few and in demand.
- Good
- Gorgeous harbour views; Lively harbour square in the evening; Trailheads in both directions
- Watch out
- Very crowded at midday; Limited rooms, often up many stairs
- Nearby
- Vernazza harbour, Castello Doria, Santa Margherita d'Antiochia, Sentiero Azzurro
Romantic day trips
- Porto Venere and Palmaria (About 30 minutes by bus from La Spezia) — At the tip of the gulf, Porto Venere's tall harbour-front houses lead to the striped Gothic church of San Pietro on a rocky point and the cliffs of Byron's Grotto, with the Doria castle above.
- Portofino (About 1.5 hours by train and bus) — Portofino's tiny harbour of pastel houses and yachts is one of Italy's most famous views.
- Lerici and Tellaro (About 30 minutes by bus from La Spezia) — On the eastern side of the Gulf of La Spezia, Lerici has a castle above a sandy bay and a seafront of cafés, while tiny Tellaro, a few kilometres further on, is a fishing village built on rocks above the sea.
- Sestri Levante (About 30–45 minutes by train) — Sestri Levante sits on a narrow isthmus between two bays: the sandy Baia delle Favole and the small Baia del Silenzio, lined with pastel houses and fishing boats, one of the prettiest beaches on the Riviera.
For dinner
Share local specialities such as Trofie al pesto, Monterosso anchovies and Stuffed mussels. Many restaurants close in the winter months; check before travelling between November and February.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Cinque Terre romantic?
The Cinque Terre suit couples who like to walk for their views: sunsets over Manarola, a glass of Sciacchetrà on a vineyard terrace and dinner by Vernazza's harbour once the day-trippers have gone.
+What is the most romantic thing to do in Cinque Terre?
Sunset at Punta Bonfiglio: Watch the light fade over Manarola's tower houses from the headland path north of the harbour.
+Where should couples stay in Cinque Terre?
Vernazza: Postcard harbour village with a castle tower and a tiny beach.