Tuscany’s Famous Five: The Wonderful Cinque Terre

One of the great things about Italy is that there is no shortage of amazing things to see and do, and the things to do in Tuscany are some of the most captivating of all. Unfortunately, this can make it difficult to actually make a decision! With that said, however, the five towns of the Cinque Terre are among the most charming and enchanting in the whole region, and no trip to this area is complete without a visit to this magical piece of coastline. From the gelato and the scenery to the walking and the gelato again, you’ll find yourself with a smile on your face at every turn.

The View

A great way to start any adventure is to get the lie of the land. The Cinque Terre has a great viewpoint high up on Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero. The walk up there is tough so you’ll want to stay hydrated, but once you make it to the top the views will leave you breathless. 

The Walks

One of the best things to do in Tuscany, whatever part of the region you’re in, is to walk and enjoy the beautiful surroundings on foot. This is certainly true of the Cinque Terre where there are no cars anyway. You can hike up and down through the terraces and vineyards from town to town and enjoy some of the freshest air you’ll ever experience. Donning the boots and putting your best foot forward is a great way to see parts of the towns that you would miss on the train. 

The Sunset

It may sound simple, but enjoying a sunset in this part of the world is a rare pleasure you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. The towns bathed in light as you watch the sun go down from the beach is a sight to behold; easily one of this area’s most romantic things to do. In Tuscany, nearly everything is improved by tasting the local wine and food, and a beach sunset is no exception!

The Food (and Gelato!)

It’s hard to get too specific about the food of the Cinque Terre, as it’s all utterly fantastic. One of the best things to do in Tuscany when looking for food is to walk around and try as much of everything you can. Anything that looks tasty probably is. Gelato shops abound, and their flavours are rich, natural and so moreish. 

The Water

The crystal waters of the Cinque Terre provide the perfect place to enjoy yourself. Whether it’s taking a dip in the sea to refresh yourself, or heading out on a boat to get that postcard perfect photo, the water is one of the finest ways to see and experience this terrific part of Italy.

Making the Trip

It’s all well and good reading about the wonderful things to do in Tuscany, but to experience the majesty of the Cinque Terre you need to be there, walking among the salty Mediterranean air, with the authentic Italian atmosphere surrounding you. You can’t call a trip to the Cinque Terre ‘once in a lifetime’ because you’ll want to come again and again!

Author Plate

Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering a number of exciting opportunities when it comes to things to do in Tuscany. Whether you want to ride a Vintage Vespa, try the famous Chianti wine or get cooking with fresh local ingredients, Mauro's company promises excitement, adventure and above all, fun. If you're keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for your next getaway.