Schedules

Cinque Terre Walking Park: July 2021

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Guided Tours & Excursions with Cinque Terre Walking Park

The Cinque Terre National Park offers free tours & excursions for those who have purchased the multi-service Cinque Terre Card (€16 per day, the card includes the hiking pass, unlimited trains between the Cinque Terre + Levanto and La Spezia, the ATC buses in the villages, and affiliated public restrooms). More info on the card can be found here.

See below for July’s schedule:

The calendar is color coded; dates in blue are walking tours, yellow dates indicate trekking (a.k.a. hiking) tours and dates in pink refer to e-bike tours.

Cin cin! Some tours offer the possibility for an optional local wine tasting (for an additional fee).

Advance reservations for tours are required and can be made either via email (visiteguidate@ati5terre.it) or by phone (+39 0187 743 500).

Buon divertimento!

Cinque Terre ferry schedule: Summer 2021

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If you’re planning to visit the Cinque Terre this summer you’re probably keen on the idea of taking the ferries between the villages. Don’t forget that the ferries stop in just four of the five villages (Corniglia is located high above the sea so there’s no docking point there). The ferries also run further down the coast to picturesque Portovenere (which I highly recommend visiting).

Here’s the ferry schedule for this summer:

La Spezia – Portovenere – Cinque Terre – Levanto ferry schedule

PRICING

The current rate for an all-day hop-on, hop-off pass within the Cinque Terre is €27 per adult / €15 per child (ages 7 to 11 years). If you’d like to include Portovenere with that pass the price increases to €35 per adult (but remains €15 per child). Children 6 years and under are free when traveling with an adult.

There’s also the possibility to buy point-to-point tickets. To give you an idea of pricing:

Riomaggiore to Manarola: €7 adult / €5 child

Riomaggiore to Vernazza: €11 adult / €5 child

Riomaggiore to Monterosso: €13 adult / €5 child

Riomaggiore to Portovenere: €14 adult / €10 child

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS

Unless you are a group of 20+ people, tickets are not sold in advance. It’s recommended to turn up 30 minutes prior to your first departure to purchase your tickets at the stand near the docking point.

INSIDER TIP: While the website mentions they accept credit cards it has been my experience that oftentimes they do not. Rather than scramble to look for an ATM at the last moment, bring enough cash to cover your tickets — just in case.

The ferries are run by Consorzio Marittimo Turistico 5 Terre Golfo dei Poeti. You can check out their official website and full offerings here.

Heads up: Don’t confuse the ferry service (which is essentially like a water taxi taking you rather quickly from point A to point B) with the small boat private or semi-private tours. While typically more expensive than the ferries, these boat tours offer a relaxed pace and intimate ambience with optional swim stops and aperitivi. If you are interested in a private or semi-private boat tour please support local. If you’re interested drop me a message and I’ll forward you a list of tried and true local boat tour companies.

Enjoy!

August 2020 events in the Cinque Terre

/ Amy Inman / 2 Comments

In a year that has been anything but ordinary, the Cinque Terre villages are seeking to return to some semblance of normal (albeit very, very tentatively).

Expect to find low-key entertainment events with social distancing measures in effect this August. While everything listed takes place outdoors, be sure to bring a face mask (and please wear it when necessary). Italy’s Covid-19 situation is currently under control with its R0 less than 1 — we’d like to keep it that way.

I will continue to update this post as events are announced and details are released.

Stay tuned!

xo

Monterosso’s Corone Point
(reservations required)
Monterosso
Monterosso (reservation required)
Manarola (reservation required)
Monterosso
Monterosso (reservation required)
Monterosso
Riomaggiore
Events taking place in Manarola
Events at Monterosso’s Soviore Sanctuary

Experience Monterosso’s live nativity scene on December 7th

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The nativity scene is a quintessential holiday tradition in Italy (the Christmas tree, although now just as popular, is considered imported). Most of us are familiar with static versions of the nativity scene but if you are lucky enough to happen upon a dynamic, live version the experience is magical.

Monterosso will host its very own live nativity scene on Saturday, December 7th, from 12 noon to 7pm. Visitors will wind their way through the historical center on medieval lanes where they can witness vignettes portrayed by locals and sample traditional cuisine. If you are in the area that day you won’t want to miss it!

October 25, 2011: A day we will never forget

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October 25th is a bittersweet day for me. On one hand, I think back to being at the hospital and the excitement surrounding the soon-to-be birth of my first child. On the other hand, the date marks the anniversary of the terrible flood and mudslides that devastated Vernazza and Monterosso (as well as the Val di Vara on the opposite side of the ridge). I remember feeling so relieved that my son was born the following day, sparing him from forever sharing his birthday with the anniversary of a tragedy.

Eight years have passed since that terrible day, a day which claimed the lives of four people in the Cinque Terre and nine others in the Val di Vara. The images and memories from that day haunt those that lived through it.

May we learn from our mistakes, may we respect (and fear) the power of Mother Nature, and may we never forget that day.

A special mass will take place today in Monterosso followed by the placing of flowers at sea in remembrance of the lives lost.

Cinque Terre ferry schedule: October 14 to 26, 2019

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For those of you planning to visit the Cinque Terre this October, here’s the ferry schedule for the villages + Levanto, Portovenere & La Spezia.

Ticket prices vary depending on where you plan to catch the ferry and what you’d like to do. Below you will find the fares (although the price list doesn’t specify it, the rates are in local currency which is €). Unfortunately the price lists are currently only in Italian so be sure to check out my key (and answers to FAQs) at the bottom of this post.

2019 Ferry prices within the Cinque Terre

2019 Ferry prices to/from Levanto

2019 Ferry prices to/from Portovenere

2019 Ferry prices to/from La Spezia

KEY:

  • A: abbreviation for andata, which means “to” (in this case it also implies a one-way ticket)
  • A/R: abbreviation for andata e ritorno, a round-trip ticket
  • Giornaliero: unlimited day pass
  • Pomeridiano: unlimited afternoon pass
  • Andata con soste: a one-way, unidirectional ticket with the possibility to hop off and on the ferry (the number of stops permitted is specified)
  • o: or
  • e: and
  • Residenti: a special tariff reserved for residents
  • Bambini 6-11 anni: child fare (ages 6-11 years)
  • Adulti: adult fare (which also applies to children 12 years and older)
  • Giro isole: Ferry tour around Portovenere’s islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
  • Giro golfo: Ferry tour of the Gulf of La Spezia (also known as the Gulf of Poets)

    • FAQs

    Q. Will the Cinque Terre ferries run after October 26th?

    A. Each year the ferries typically run up until All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 1st and 2nd) with a limited schedule. As soon as the timetable is released I will post it here on the blog. Usually the ferries will stop running on November 3rd and recommence the following spring.

    Q. What’s the rate for children 5 and under?

    A. Kids 5 years of age and younger ride for free, so long as they are accompanied by a paying adult.

    Q. Do the ferries always run?

    A. The ferries run contingent on sea and weather conditions. If the seas are rough the ferries are cancelled.

    Q. Can I buy ferry tickets online?

    A. No, ferry tickets cannot be purchased online. You can purchase tickets in person at the ticket counters (strategically located near the docking points). Heads up: Payment is oftentimes only accepted in cash so be sure to hit up an ATM first.

    Q. Is it worth it?

    A. Absolutely! Seeing the Cinque Terre by water is beautiful and offers a glimpse of our area from a different perspective. If you’re traveling solo or with just another person or two, the ferries are usually the most cost effective option. If you’re wanting to have a more personalized experience you can book either a shared or private boat tour with one of the local boat companies. In Riomaggiore I recommend Cinque Terre Boat Tour and Cinque Terre dal Mare. Let them know that Cinque Terre Insider sent you!

    Q. Are the ferries handicap-accessible?

    A. Unfortunately, they are not. If a disabled person is steady on their feet, some stops are easier to board than others (like La Spezia and Portovenere, where passengers typically board from the side of the ferry). All five of the Cinque Terre villages, however, require passengers to embark and disembark via a gangplank (which is less than ideal for those with walking or balance impairments).

    Do you have a question regarding the ferries that I didn’t answer here? Let me know about it in the comments section below!

    Enjoy the Cinque Terre by sea!

    Cinque Terre guided tours & excursions: October 2019

    / Amy Inman / Leave a comment

    Oh, October! How I love thee. Fall is one of my favorite times of the year in the Cinque Terre and hiking with cooler temps make it a pleasure again. See below for Cinque Terre Walking Park’s calendar of tours and excursions for this month.

    This key will help you decipher the calendar (take note of the color of the date you’re interested in):

    YELLOW = trekking (hiking) tour, appropriate footwear is required (either hiking shoes/boots or athletic trainers with decent tread)

    GREEN = trekking tour (so the same footwear as mentioned above) along the famous coastal trail, all participants are required to have the Cinque Terre Card

    BLUE = walking tour of one of the villages (comfortable walking shoes are recommended)

    PINK = E-bike tour

    Not sure what an e-bike is?  It’s a bicycle with an integrated electric motor which can be used for “pedal assist” (which makes climbing those steep Cinque Terre hills a breeze!).  These tours require a minimum age of 14 years and they are very limited in size (max. 8 participants).  Each participant will be provided with a helmet and a bottle of water.  And of course, proper footwear and attire are required.

    If you’d like to join, here are all the important details:

    COST: €6.50 per person or FREE if you’ve purchased the Cinque Terre Card for the day (which is €16 per person and includes unlimited Cinque Terre trains and buses + the hiking pass, read more about it here).

    *If it’s a date with an asterisk in the description (which means there’s the possibility for an optional wine tasting), you’ll need to enquire about the extra cost as it varies depending on the winemaker.

    HOW TO RESERVE: Advance bookings are a must as there are a limited number of spots available. If you’d like to reserve, the easiest way is to email: visiteguidate@ati5terre.it Otherwise, you can ring +39 0187 743 500 (just don’t forget that you’ll need to call during business hours here in Italy).

    If you book one of the dates for a trek and/or wine tasting you just might be lucky enough to have local riomaggiorese Chiara Gasparini as your guide. Not only does Chiara have a deep-rooted love for her territory but she’s also passionate about its wine (she’s a certified sommelier).

    Enjoy!

    P.S. You can “like” and follow Cinque Terre Walking Park on Facebook (Chiara posts daily pics and updates there). And you can do the same for Cinque Terre Insider! I post upcoming events and other details of interest on both Facebook and Instagram. See you there!

    Cinque Terre guided tours and excursions: September 2019

    / Amy Inman / Leave a comment

    September is nearly here! It’s a lovely month in the Cinque Terre and a special time to visit our area due to the grape harvest (which typically takes place in early September). See below for Cinque Terre Walking Park’s calendar of tours and excursions.

    This key will help you decipher the calendar (take note of the color of the date you’re interested in):

    YELLOW = trekking (hiking) tour, appropriate footwear is required (either hiking shoes/boots or athletic trainers with decent tread)

    GREEN = trekking tour (so the same footwear as mentioned above) along the famous coastal trail, all participants are required to have the Cinque Terre Card

    BLUE = walking tour of one of the villages (comfortable walking shoes are recommended)

    PINK = E-bike tour

    Not sure what an e-bike is?  It’s a bicycle with an integrated electric motor which can be used for “pedal assist” (which makes climbing those steep Cinque Terre hills a breeze!).  These tours require a minimum age of 14 years and they are very limited in size (max. 8 participants).  Each participant will be provided with a helmet and a bottle of water.  And of course, proper footwear and attire are required.

    If you’d like to join, here are all the important details:

    COST: €6.50 per person or FREE if you’ve purchased the Cinque Terre Card for the day (which is €16 per person and includes unlimited Cinque Terre trains and buses + the hiking pass, read more about it here).

    *If it’s a date with an asterisk in the description (which means there’s the possibility for an optional wine tasting), you’ll need to enquire about the extra cost as it varies depending on the winemaker.

    HOW TO RESERVE: Advance bookings are a must as there are a limited number of spots available. If you’d like to reserve, the easiest way is to email: visiteguidate@ati5terre.it Otherwise, you can ring +39 0187 743 500 (just don’t forget that you’ll need to call during business hours here in Italy).

    If you book one of the dates for a trek and/or wine tasting you just might be lucky enough to have local riomaggiorese Chiara Gasparini as your guide. Not only does Chiara have a deep-rooted love for her territory but she’s also passionate about its wine (she’s a certified sommelier).

    Enjoy!

    Amy

    P.S. You can “like” and follow Cinque Terre Walking Park on Facebook (Chiara posts daily pics and updates there). And you can do the same for Cinque Terre Insider! I post upcoming events and other details of interest on both Facebook and Instagram. See you there!

    Cinque Terre guided tours & excursions: July 2019

    / Amy Inman / Leave a comment

    Summer and high temps have arrived to the Cinque Terre! If you’re wanting to take advantage of these guided tours and excursions be sure to bring lots of water (preferably in a reusable, eco-friendly bottle as you can top up at a fountain along the way), sunscreen and a hat.

    Here’s the schedule for July:

    As you look at the schedule, be sure to keep in mind the color coding for each date:

    YELLOW = trekking (hiking) tour, appropriate footwear is required (either hiking shoes/boots or athletic trainers with decent tread)

    GREEN = trekking tour (so the same footwear as mentioned above) along the famous coastal trail, all participants are required to have the Cinque Terre Card

    BLUE = walking tour of one of the villages (comfortable walking shoes are recommended)

    PINK = E-bike tour

    Not sure what an e-bike is?  It’s a bicycle with an integrated electric motor which can be used for “pedal assist” (which makes climbing those steep Cinque Terre hills a breeze!).  These tours require a minimum age of 14 years and they are very limited in size (max. 8 participants).  Each participant will be provided with a helmet and a bottle of water.  And of course, proper footwear and attire are required.

    If you’d like to join, here are all the important details:

    COST: €6.50 per person or FREE if you’ve purchased the Cinque Terre Card for the day (which is €16 per person and includes unlimited Cinque Terre trains and buses + the hiking pass, read more about it here).

    *If it’s a date with an asterisk in the description (which means there’s the possibility for an optional wine tasting), you’ll need to enquire about the extra cost as it varies depending on the winemaker.

    HOW TO RESERVE: Advance bookings are a must as there are a limited number of spots available. If you’d like to reserve, the easiest way is to email: visiteguidate@ati5terre.it Otherwise, you can ring +39 0187 743 500 (just don’t forget that you’ll need to call during business hours here in Italy).

    If you book one of the dates for a trek and/or wine tasting you just might be lucky enough to have local riomaggiorese Chiara Gasparini as your guide. Not only does Chiara have a deep-rooted love for her territory and she’s also passionate about its wine (she’s a certified sommelier).

    Enjoy!

    Amy

    P.S. You can “like” and follow Cinque Terre Walking Park on Facebook (Chiara posts daily pics and updates there).

    Featured

    Upcoming events in the Cinque Terre

    / Amy Inman / 6 Comments

    Keep an eye on this post as I will be publishing flyers for upcoming events in the Cinque Terre (and I will continue to update throughout the summer). The events are posted in chronological order.

    Enjoy! Buon divertimento!

    Amy

    Anchovy fest, Monterosso (September 21st)

    This event was canceled due to the weather alert and will be rescheduled in the near future.