Cinque Terre in 2-3 Days — Five Villages & the High Trail

Practical Tips

Buy the Cinque Terre Trekking Card at La Spezia Centrale: the machines are on the platform level, or at the station information desk. Daily card gives unlimited trains + trail access.
Il Pescato Cucinato (Via Colombo 199): the most authentic Riomaggiore food — a window in the wall where the family fries whatever was caught that morning (fried anchovies, stuffed mussels, fried calamari). €4–8 per portion. Eat on the street. Cash only.
Harbour swimming: from the small concrete dock area at the harbour base. The water is clear, 20–24°C in summer. Local children jump from the rocks. Wear water shoes.
Via dell'Amore (to Manarola): check current status at parconazionale5terre.it before attempting. If open: €5 additional ticket + Cinque Terre Card, 1km coastal walk above the sea. If closed: take the train one stop (3 min) to Manarola.
Castello di Riomaggiore (hilltop): free exterior walk, 10 min uphill from the station. The view encompasses the entire visible coastline to the south and the cliff-stacked village below.