Pisa to Cinque Terre Day Trip: How to Plan a Perfect Day
Are you planning a day trip from Pisa to Cinque Terre? In this post, I share our itinerary, tips on planning a trip, and how to make the best of your day in one of the most picturesque parts of Italy.
On our family trip to Italy, we drove to Pisa from Florence for a day to visit my cousin. While we only had a day to spare in this area, we decided to take advantage of being close to Cinque Terre and take a day trip there to make the most of our day.
It was one of the hottest days in September, and as we traveled with kids, we prioritized exploring Riomaggiore and Manarola. However, I also share details and tips for visiting other villages if you decide to see them all.
Please note that this post may contain affiliate links, and I will earn a small commission for any sales made through such links – at no extra cost to you.
Is One Day in Cinque Terre Enough?
Like any other new destination, it is not the best way to see Cinque Terre in just one day. Every village is unique and charming, and with hiking trails and local cuisine to try, it will feel rushed.
I am also here to say that not everyone has the time or budget to visit Cinque Terre for a few days. While it won’t be one of the slow travels, it is still possible to make the best of your day whether you see just a few villages or all of them.
Getting to Cinque Terre from Pisa
By Train
The train from Pisa to La Spezia is the most convenient way to reach Cinque Terre. Head to Pisa Centrale station, which can easily be accessed from the city center or the airport.
There are automated ticket machines and counters where you can easily select tickets, saving time and ensuring your tickets are on the spot. Additionally, you can buy tickets online through the Trenitalia website or app before your trip, saving you time and ensuring you have your tickets ready before you arrive at the station.
From the station, board a train to La Spezia Centrale. The journey from Pisa to La Spezia typically takes about one hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Trains run regularly throughout the day, approximately every 30-60 minutes.
Once you arrive at La Spezia Centrale, follow the signs to the connecting trains for Cinque Terre. The train from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre villages runs frequently every few minutes.
By Car
Driving to Cinque Terre is another option if you need more flexibility with your schedule or if you, like us, are traveling with kids. We drove about an hour and a half from Pisa to La Spezia Centrale.
While driving can be convenient, parking in Cinque Terre can be challenging and expensive. Consider leaving your car in La Spezia and taking the train to the villages.
Tip: Start your journey early to secure parking quickly. I recommend getting in La Spezia around 7:30 or 8:00 a.m. This way you will also avoid crowded trains.
We chose to park directly underneath La Spezia Centrale train station. This is the most convenient option, as it allows easy access to the train for traveling to Cinque Terre. However, we had to stay in Queve for about 15 minutes as the ParkiParking was already full at around 10:00 AM.
Tip: Do not leave valuables, such as wallets, camera gear, etc., in the car.
By Guided Tour
If you would like to maximize your day trip to Cinque Terre without worrying about transportation, itinerary planning, or parkiParkingsider booking a Guided tour from Pisa to Cinque Terre.
The tour handles all logistics, including transportation, ferry, or train tickets, and will guide you through the best of Cinque Terre’s spots.
This is an excellent option for a hustle-free experience to maximize your day trip.
Book a Guided Small Group Tour From Pisa to Cinque Terre
Pisa to Cinque Terre Itinerary
La Spezia to Riomaggiore
We traveled with two small kids, and despite it being mid-September, it was a super hot day. While seeing all five villages in one day was possible, we realized it was not a realistic option for us.
We prioritized seeing Riomaggiore and Manarola to ensure we had enough time for exploring, lunch, and commuting back to Pisa.
After parking our car at La Spezia train station, we got on the train and arrived at our first stop, Riomaggiore.
We spent about one hour enjoying the beautiful sight of the colorful landscape and the harbor. It was still early morning, so the crowd was not as heavy as later that day, which made a big difference.
We wandered through the charming streets of Riomaggiore for an hour. As a little snack, we grabbed some fried seafood cones as we got slightly hungry. These are very popular in Riomaggiore, and you will notice many storefronts having those on display.
After our snack, we returned to the train station for our next stop.
If you have more time, consider taking the scenic, roughly 20-minute hiking trail to Manarola, known as the “Path of Love.”
Riomaggiore to Manarola
Initially, we planned to hike from Riomaggiore to Manarose, as these two villages are the closest to each other, but it was such a hot day that we decided to take a train instead.
Alternatively, you can book ferry rides (weather-dependent) in Cinque Terre that will connect you to every village. I have heard it is an even more scenic experience.
Manarola was one of my bucket places to visit. It has the perfect views to picture and is a great place to grab something to eat.
Here, you get perfect views of colorful houses lined up on a cliff atop the water. A photographer’s dream
As the day passed, we were ready for lunch, so we went to try getting a table at Nessum Dorma, which has fantastic reviews for its pasta-making class and bruschettas. Unfortunately, they were still closed, and the kids started to act restless, so we went to the nearest best option to grab food.
We still ended up being in a queue for 15 minutes, which was manageable. The menu has many seafood options, and I had my first (yes) seafood pasta here. I cannot compare it to other places, but it tasted great. I also tried Aperol Spritz here, which was terrific.
After lunch, we Stopped by the “5 Terre Gelateria” for delicious refreshments on a hot day. I did not know what to expect from the place, but this gelato undoubtedly exceeded my expectations.
Cinque Terre Villages Overview
Whether you visit all five villages or just a few like us, below are some highlights for each town with famous attractions and places to eat.
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso a Make is the largest of the five villages known for its beautiful sandy beaches. If we had more time, I would also visit Montessori. This is a place to set aside 1-2 hours for relaxation under the iconic teal and orange umbrellas.
The village features a charming old town with colorful buildings, the historic Church of San Giovanni Battista, and the impressive statue of Neptune.
Where to eat:
II Frantoio for the famous Foccacia. Perfect Beach snack and early afternoon lunch.
Vernazza
Many visitors consider Vernazza the most picturesque village in Cinque Terre, with its beautiful harbor and charming, narrow streets.
The village is famous for its colorful houses, the medieval Doria Castle, and the Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia, which offers beautiful sea views.
One of the popular hiking trails in Vernazza is the Blue Trail, which connects Vernazza to Monterosso. This trail is about two miles long and takes around one hour and 50 minutes to hike.
Where to eat:
Trattoria da Sandro is a charming eatery that focuses on seafood and local specialties and is known for its friendly service.
Il Pirata delle Cinque Terre: Offers a variety of seafood dishes and is well-loved for its vibrant atmosphere.
Ristorante Belforte: Located on the cliffs, this restaurant offers stunning views and a menu of fresh seafood.
Corniglia
Corniglia is unique as it is the only village not directly on the sea; it is perched on a cliff surrounded by vineyards and offers breathtaking panoramic views.
The village features narrow streets, the Church of San Pietro, and the scenic Lardarina staircase, with 382 steps leading down to the trainIt’stion. It’s known for its local wine, Sciacchetrà.
You’ll be surrounded by vineyards in Cornigliayou’llonly village, not directly on the sea. Savor the local wine and enjoy the panoramic vistas from the village center.
Where to eat:
Ristorante Il Gabbiano: Offers a mix of traditional Ligurian cuisine and fresh seafood, with beautiful sea views.
Alberto Gelateria: This gelato shop is perfect for a sweet treat. It offers a variety of flavors and is an excellent stop after a meal.
Trattoria da Billy: This place is known for its homemade pasta and seafood. It has a cozy atmosphere and outdoor seating.
Manarola
Manarola is the oldest village of Cinque Terre. It has stunning sunsets and picturesque scenery, characterized by colorful houses on the cliffs.
The village is famous for its scenic walking trails, including the (Lover’s Lane), which connects it to Riomaggiore. Manarola is also known for its fishing heritage and delicious seafood.
Where to eat:
Nessun Dorma: Famous for its stunning views and excellent seafood, this spot is perfect for a casual meal or a glass of wine.
Trattoria dal Billy: This restaurant offers a range of local dishes, including fresh seafood and pasta, and has a lovely terrace.
Pizzeria da Antonio: An excellent spot for pizza lovers, serving a variety of delicious pizzas in a casual setting.
Gelateria 5 Terre: Grab a Gelatto
Riomaggiore
The southernmost village is known for its steep vineyards and vibrant buildings.
Riomaggiore is the southernmost village known for its steep, terraced vineyards and vibrant buildings cascading down to the sea.
The village features a charming harbor, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and scenic trails leading to the otherIt’slages. It’s an excellent spot for hiking and enjoying the local cuisine.
Riomaggiore, the southernmost village, is known for its vibrant nightlife and the dell’Amore dLovers (Lovers’ Lane) hiking trail.
Where to Eat:
A’Pie’ de Ma’: A charming restaurant with a rustic vibe known for its fresh seafood and local wines.
Il Pescato Cucinato: Specializes in fresh seafood dishes, offering various options from the local catch.
La Lampara: A cozy eatery known for its traditional Ligurian dishes and seafood, with a lovely harbor view.
Tips for visiting Cinque Terre for a Day
Start your day early: Start as early as possible to maximize your time exploring Cinque Terre in a day. You will avoid long parking queues (if you are driving) and crowded trains.
Use the Train: The most efficient way to travel between the villages is by train. Purchase a Cinque Terre Card, which allows unlimited train rides between the towns for the day. This can be bought at the train station in La Spezia or the villages themselves.
Choose the villages you will visit: While there are five villages (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore), focus on two or three that interest you the most. If the timing allows, you can also visit the rest.
Plan Youryou’re: If you’re up for it, hiking between the villages is a great way to see the stunning landscapes. The hike from Monterosso to Vernazza takes about two hours, and from Vernazza to Corniglia takes about 1.5 hours. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water to hydrate.
Explore LocaLocaDon’tsineoid, trying local specialties such as pesto, fresh seafood, and focaccia. Each village has its charm and culinary offerings, so enjoy a meal or snacks in one of the towns.
Check Train Schedules and be mindful of time: Check train schedules to avoid long waits. Trains run frequently, but you must know the timetable to optimize your time. Since you have limited time, schedule your time in each village. This helps you not miss out on your must-see spots.
Pisa to Cinque Terre Day Trip: Summary
If you are staying in Pisa or just passing by and visiting Cinque Terre but do not have enough time or budget to wait longer than a day, a day trip is possible, and Pisa is a very convenient base.
You will need to Start your journey early by taking a train (or drive) from Pisa Centrale to La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre.
From La Spezia, you can easily hop on regional trains that connect the five picturesque villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Prioritize which Villages you want to see if not all. Spend your day exploring the colorful streets, indulging in local cuisine, and enjoying scenic hikes between the villages.
Keep track of your train schedule. With its stunning landscapes and rich culture, a day trip from Pisa to Cinque Terre is a perfect way to experience this beautiful coastal part of Italy.
If you are looking for more Italy Inspo, check out the below articles:
