A Perfect Family Day in Cinque Terre
Riomaggiore from the ferry
Cinque Terre is a stunning coastal region in Italy that offers a perfect day for a family excursion. Its colorful villages are a dream destination, perched on cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea with no shortage of breathtaking views and charming streets to explore. A day trip to Monterosso and Riomaggiore offers families - even those with very small people - a wonderful mix of relaxation, exploration and cultural immersion. Whether it’s savoring fresh seafood, indulging in gelato, or discovering hidden beaches, a day in Cinque Terre allows families to bond while enjoying the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of your day with kids in these iconic villages.
Since we were staying in Levanto, one town above the northern-most stop in Cinque Terre, we decided the ferry would be a perfect way to start our excursion. Stopping at 4 of the 5 towns, the hour-long boar ride offers breathtaking coastal views all the way to the southern most village, Riomaggiore. Along the journey, as you pull into each marina, you can throw a few crackers or pretzels over board and your toddler’s snack will immediately be greeted by a school of fish, something our 3-year-old adventurer thoroughly enjoyed. The relatively calm turquoise water, combined with the aquatic life, unmatched views, and slight breeze in your hair really is a fantastic combination.
Riomaggiore was our first destination, as we knew the southern most town, along with Monterrosso all the way to the north, would be the most family-friendly options. Known for its steep, narrow streets and vibrant houses that seem to cascade down the hillside, you catch a perfect view of this breathtaking village from the ferry (pictured above). The town has a wonderfully intimate feel, making it great for a family stroll.
If you came to Riomaggiore by ferry, then your first stop is the Marina. You can watch boats bobbing in the water and see the colorful houses from a different perspective. Samuel loved watching the local fisherman along with the seagulls flying by, and even spotted some sea creatures near the rocks (fish and crabs!).
For those looking to adventure a bit more, and not managing a fresh baby (3-months-old), the beach just near the marina offers an easy entry point for a swim or at least a chance to dip your toes in the stunning water. While rocky and not the idealistic sand you’ll find in Moterroso or the towns north of Cinuqe Terre, the surrounding cliff walls that encompass it are a beautiful sight.
The streets of Riomaggiore are a charming labyrinth of colorful buildings and narrow pathways that wind their way down to the sea. Each step reveals picturesque views of the Mediterranean, with vibrant storefronts and cafés inviting visitors to pause and soak in the atmosphere. The facades of the buildings, often adorned with blooming flowers, contrast beautifully with the cliffs that surround this coastal village.
For those with a stroller (or double stroller in our case), reaching the heart of the town requires a short hike up a series of concrete steps. While my husband developed a significant sweat as he lugged our child carrier, he was greeted by a quaint little candy shop on the other side of the train station when he reached the summit. Samuel, of course, was happy to be greeted with a treat alongside of his dad, although it’s questionable whether he contributed any help at all to the task.
Once you’re fully in town, here are some keys to note as you explore this vibrant village.
Via Colombo: Via Colombo, the main street, is lined with shops, cafes and gelaterias. It’s a great a spot to pick up some souvenirs, enjoy a treat or grab a quick lunch. There are a few quick spots that have cones of fried foods, mainly fish and vegetables (and french fries!). We opted for one of these as a grab and go lunch (and Samuel loved working his way through a cone of fried potatoes).
Castle of Riomaggiore: If your family is up for a short climb, visit the Castle of Riomaggiore. The castle itself is modest, but the views from the top are spectacular, offering panoramic look at the village and sea.
After spending the morning in Riomaaggiore, we took the train to Monterosso al Mare, the northern-most town of the five, closest to Levanto, our home base. The trains are frequent, incredibly quick, and ultra clean. In a little over 20-minutes, we found ourselves at our destination.
Monterosso al Mare is the largest and most family-friendly of the Cinque Terre villages. It’s the perfect ending point for your day, especially if you are traveling with young children. Known for its beautiful beaches and historic charm, it offers a relaxed vibe that is ideal for some afternoon/evening exploration (and, it has a fantastic park in the main square that’s awesome for little ones, especially those under 5-years-old).
The town is divided into two parts- the Old Town (Centro Storico) and the New Town (Fegina) - connected by a tunnel. We began by exploring Old Town, wandering through the narrow, cobbled streets and immediately indulging in some refreshing gelato (how could we not?).
For those venturing to Monterosso, whether your with your littles or flying solo, here are a few pointers.
Church of San Giovanni Battista: Visit the 14th century church with its black and white striped facade, a perfect introduction to the regions unique architecture.
Beaches: There are a number of beach options including those with umbrella and chair services (you may have seen famous pictures of the green and orange umbrellas). Fegina beach is backed by a shady walkway, souvenir shops and terrace bars and is free to the public. Fegina is the most famous and well known with its soft sand alongside of stunning water. There is a chiq vibe surrounding the area and the rock formations jetting up from the Ligurian Sea only add to the appeal, which is undeniable when you’re sipping on a Aperol Spritz and gazing out to the water.
To capture our experience, and hold on to this magical moment in such a perfect setting, we hired a photographer through Flytographer (there may not be a better backdrop for your next Christmukkah card). This is our second time taking photos through Flytographer and I truly can’t recommend them enough. They are easy to work with and have some amazing photographers that work with them. If you have any questions about the booking process or would like any tips I would be happy to answer any questions to help you get the perfect family photos!
Cinque Terre is a beautiful destination that offers something special for every member of your young family. From its colorful villages and serene coastal views to its kid-friendly beaches and easygoing vibe, this Italian gem creates the perfect setting for a meaningful family adventure. Whether you’re enjoying gelato by the sea, wandering the charming streets or marveling at the natural beauty together, Cinque Terre is a place where unforgettable memories are made. It’s the kind of trip that you will reminisce on over and over again and leave both you and your little ones hoping to return one day.
