Cinque Terre is a stunning, family-friendly destination on Italy’s rugged Ligurian coast, featuring five colorful seaside villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—each with its own unique charm and breathtaking views. The area inspired the setting of the Disney movie Luca, which we watched with the kids before our visit. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park, both the land and sea are protected here. Be sure to explore the charming towns, taste the local specialties (like pesto and fresh seafood), and enjoy boat rides to make unforgettable family memories.
Overview of Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre’s history dates back to the medieval era, with Monterosso and Vernazza settled by the 11th century. Over time, residents constructed steep terraces and dry-stone walls for farming vineyards and olive groves on the rugged terrain. The region endured pirate raids between the 13th and 16th centuries, prompting defensive towers to be built. The arrival of the railway in the late 19th century increased accessibility but also led to depopulation and a decline in traditional trades, until tourism revived the area in the mid-20th century. Cinque Terre gained UNESCO status in 1997 and became a national park in 1999, striking a balance between active tourism and preserving its unique landscape.
Getting Around Cinque Terre
Traveling around Cinque Terre is possible by train, boat, or car, but we found the train to be by far the most convenient, especially with kids. Trains run frequently, stop in the center of most towns, and are easy to use. We bought tickets via the My Pass app, which let us hop on any train to any destination for ultimate flexibility—an expensive choice, but well worth it. Boat travel, while scenic, is less frequent, lacks shade at the docks, and boarding can be tricky on rough seas. Driving is possible, but not ideal due to steep, narrow roads, extremely limited parking, and vehicle restrictions in the villages. Monterosso was the only town with substantial parking, located in a beachside lot. For a family, the train was hands-down the easiest and most reliable way to explore the region.
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
For our family trip, we chose to stay just outside the Cinque Terre in La Spezia at Mira Mare Apartments and Suites. The relaxed apartment hotel featured beautiful sea views, an infinity pool the kids loved, and—most importantly—on-site parking, allowing us to unload right at our door. We were a short ten-minute drive from the La Spezia train station, where we parked before hopping onto a train each day. Parking at the station occasionally required a brief wait but was well worth the ease. Although staying within Cinque Terre’s villages was tempting for their quiet, local charm, Monterosso stood out for its larger parking area and level terrain, making it suitable for families unafraid of pushing luggage. Ultimately, staying in La Spezia provided the ideal blend of comfort, amenities, and accessibility for stress-free family travel.
A Family Day in Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso, the northernmost Cinque Terre village, stands apart for its relatively flat terrain and spacious beaches—making it especially family-friendly. The beach, a mix of pebbles and sand, is best enjoyed in the sandier northern section near the parking lot. We considered renting sunbeds at Beach Bar Stella Marina Monterosso Al Mare using their online reservation tool. However, due to the variable weather, we just rented beach beds when we arrived. There were ample sunbeds available—even outside Stella Marina—right next to the public beach and train station. While prices were steep (€40 for two sunbeds and an umbrella in the second row, cash only), the included facilities such as changing rooms and restrooms made the cost worthwhile with kids. Note: Always check what’s included before renting.
Though navigating the rocky areas barefoot was awkward, our children loved playing in the surf and collecting stones. Public beach space is limited and fills quickly; the main free beach, conveniently next to the train station, also provides access to public toilets and showers (for a small fee).
For lunch, we visited La Bottega Del Fritto, near the station, choosing fried calamari, chicken nuggets, fries, and some soft, fresh focaccia from Il Massimo della Focaccia. Eating lunch back under our sunbeds’ shade was the perfect beachside meal.
Monterosso is ideal for families: swimming, play, and easy strolling combine for a fun, relaxing day. The flat layout and organized amenities make family logistics a breeze compared to the region’s other more vertical towns.
Vernazza: The Most Scenic Village
Vernazza is frequently hailed as the most picturesque of Cinque Terre. Its vibrant homes, narrow cobblestone streets, and scenic harbor draw crowds. The bustling main street leads straight to the harbor—perfect for relaxing and soaking in the views. Our family enjoyed following Rick Steves’ self-guided walking tour of Vernazza, which worked well for both adults and kids. From the dock, we took in the ruins of the 12th-century watchtower and the remains of Genoa’s shipbuilding past. Vernazza is also surrounded by terraced vineyards—a striking feature of the landscape.
For lunch, we escaped the harbor’s crowds by heading uphill to Pirasca Ittiturismo, where fresh seafood and pesto gnocchi delighted everyone. We followed with gelato at Gelateria Vernazza (the melon and chocolate flavors were family favorites) before exploring local artisan shops for keepsakes. Whether you’re admiring views, sampling local cuisine, or wandering the terraces, Vernazza is unmissable.
Corniglia: The Village We Missed
Corniglia, dramatically perched on a cliff, was the only Cinque Terre village we didn’t visit. Reaching it involves climbing roughly 380 steps from the train station (with a shuttle available for those less inclined). Its relative inaccessibility means fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere. With tired kids and a boat tour planned, we skipped the climb, opting instead to view Corniglia’s scenic profile from the water. In hindsight, it may have been a lovely respite from the busier villages, and we hope to return one day to explore its streets
Manarola: Colorful Streets and Family Fun
Manarola quickly became a family favorite for its vibrant streets and festive atmosphere. We enjoyed gelato at Gelateria Sorbetteria 5 Terre, watching both locals and visitors swimming and cliff-jumping in the harbor. A short, scenic walk brought us to the Manarola Overlook Viewpoint for panoramic vistas before letting the kids unwind at Parco giochi Punta Bonfiglio—a well-kept playground right by the viewpoint.
If you’re visiting Cinque Terre with family, take the time to savor Manarola’s views, treats, and welcoming playgrounds. The bustling yet warm ambiance, paired with accessible strolls and delicious food, make this a must-stop for travelers with children.
Riomaggiore: Relaxation and Adventure
Riomaggiore, the southernmost village of the Cinque Terre, quickly became one of our favorite stops on our family adventure. We visited on a quiet Sunday, and the slower pace was a welcome contrast to the busier nearby towns. We also enjoyed spending time at the picturesque little harbor and strolling the main street in town. Overall, Riomaggiore is a wonderfully charming place where we enjoyed a delicious meal, unique shopping, and an adventurous boat tour.
We strolled up the scenic main street and stumbled upon Bottega Alimentare, a cozy refreshment stop where we cooled down with a tall glass of fresh lemonade. It was incredibly refreshing on a warm afternoon; they also offered colorful smoothies that looked equally tempting. Later, we enjoyed one of our most memorable meals of the trip at Il Grottino, just a short walk from the train station. Their fresh pasta and seafood were outstanding, and we appreciated the warm, friendly service. Before heading back, we popped into Brothers Riomaggiore, a fun and stylish clothing boutique. It gave off major beachside California vibes, with playful t-shirts, swimsuits, and hats — perfect for souvenirs. My son proudly walked out with an octopus tee.
A highlight of our visit was a private three-hour boat tour, booked in advance through Stella Boat Tours. While rough weather shifted our original plans, the tour operator was flexible and helpful. Our captain provided local insights and entertained the kids by attracting fish with tossed focaccia. Snorkeling, swimming, and even a shaded boat nap made for a memorable adventure. Despite the rough seas, seeing the coastline from the water was magical — a truly unforgettable experience we’d recommend to anyone visiting the area (hopefully in calmer conditions!).
We left Riomaggiore full of good food and great memories, feeling its blend of natural beauty and traditional charm. Whether feeding fish, shopping, dining, or boating, Riomaggiore offers a quintessential slice of coastal Italy.
Conclusion: Our Cinque Terre Family Adventure in Review
Cinque Terre proved to be a truly unforgettable family destination. Its five villages—each with their own character and highlights—offered something special for everyone, from easy beach days in Monterosso to vibrant cliffside adventures in Manarola, to tranquil moments and delicious meals in Riomaggiore. While the region requires some planning, particularly around train schedules, beach reservations, and parking, the beauty and family-friendly amenities made every effort worthwhile. Whether you’re savoring pesto, exploring medieval streets, making memories on scenic boat rides, or simply relaxing on the shore, Cinque Terre is a destination your family will cherish long after the trip is over.