CINQUE SENSI JOURNAL · WINTER IN CINQUE TERRE

The Perfect Winter Trip to Cinque Terre — According to Us

Four days of ancient paths, local wine, art, sea views and villages that belong to their residents again.

We love the Cinque Terre in winter. The pace slows, the light changes and the landscape reveals its quieter character. Our advice? Stay in Vernazza: it makes a wonderful base for walking and exploring, and several local businesses remain open outside the busiest season. Always check individual winter opening days before you travel.

This is our ideal four-day journey for active travellers, not a race against the clock. Some hikes are demanding, and in winter weather and trail conditions always come first.

Day 1 — Vernazza, the sanctuaries and a warm kitchen

Begin in Vernazza, with its colourful harbour, the Doria Castle and the church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia overlooking the water. Take time to wander through the village before climbing towards the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Reggio.

Continue along the hillside sanctuary route towards the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Soviore and descend to Monterosso. This is a substantial hike with connecting trails and elevation changes: check the official map and choose a route appropriate to your experience. Return to Vernazza by train, enjoy a hot shower and join us for a hands-on cooking class at Cinque Sensi. Nothing tastes quite like Ligurian food after a day on the trails.

Day 2 — Corniglia, Volastra, wine and the Christmas lights

Start early, walking from Vernazza to Corniglia on the coastal trail when open. Continue uphill towards Volastra, where the terraced vineyards tell the story of centuries of hard work. Arrange a visit in advance with Capellini, a local wine producer, and discover the landscape through its wines.

From Volastra, follow the higher Strada dei Santuari route towards the Riomaggiore area, with a detour via the Sanctuary of Madonna di Montenero if the chosen trail connections are open. Important: this is not a short direct walk from Volastra to Riomaggiore; it is a long, strenuous itinerary, and the exact junctions and hiking time must be checked against the Park’s current trail map. For a more relaxed day, shorten one of the hiking sections using public transport.

Stop in Riomaggiore for lunch, explore its narrow streets and visit the castle if open. Later, take the famous Via dell’Amore towards Manarola. Tourist access is timed and requires a booking; in winter 2026–27 the published last admission is 5:30 pm. In Manarola, stay for the illuminated Christmas nativity scene when it is on display, then catch the train back to Vernazza. The nativity is seasonal, so check its dates and lighting times before planning the day.

Day 3 — Art, architecture and an aperitivo

Take the train to La Spezia for a different side of Liguria. Choose a museum to match your curiosity: CAMeC for modern and contemporary art, the Naval Technical Museum for maritime history, or the Amedeo Lia Museum for historic paintings and collections. Check each museum’s opening days and exhibitions.

Then lose yourself in the historic centre, looking up at the elegant Liberty and Art Deco details, browse independent shops and linger over coffee. Take the train back to Vernazza for a wine tasting at the Gianni Franzi Deck — a delicious way to end a day devoted to culture.

Day 4 — Punta Mesco, Levanto and the coastal cycle path

Follow the Sentiero Azzurro from Vernazza to Monterosso, if open. From there, take the higher route across the Punta Mesco promontory towards Levanto: a beautiful stretch of Mediterranean vegetation and sea views, with steep sections that require proper footwear and good conditions.

In Levanto, rent a bicycle and follow the spectacular coastal cycle path through old railway tunnels to Bonassola and Framura. Pause for the beaches, the small harbours and the changing views, then return by bike or train according to the rental arrangements.

Make it your own

Our favourite part of travelling here in winter is meeting the people who keep these places alive all year. At Cinque Sensi, we share the flavours of our home through cooking; in the vineyards, local producers share the stories behind their bottles; at the Gianni Franzi Deck, the day’s discoveries continue over a glass of wine.

Before you set off

Winter daylight is short, and rain or wind can make even familiar paths unsafe. Never hike a closed trail or during weather alerts. Check the Cinque Terre National Park live trail map, train schedules, museum opening hours, winery availability and Via dell’Amore booking. The four days are suggestions for experienced walkers; adjust the distances and activities to the season and your energy.

Four days, one home base, and a thousand reasons to return.