Written by Diana BoccoUpdated Jul 13, 2022, We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Duration: During the summer, travelers make the most of what the five towns have to offer: be it hiking, leisure visits to the beach and generally exploring the narrow, crooked streets without worrying about rain or biting temperatures. Whether youre going for one day or a few days, the train is the best way to get there. Frecciargento trainsrun through both the traditional andhigh-speed lineswith connections between Rome andother major citiesof the North-East and South sides of Italy. Regional trains will still offer discounted fares for children ages 4 to 11 years. Things to do in Milan Day Trips from Milan Milan to Cinque Terre, Cinque Terre (pronounced Chin-kwa Terr-e with a rolled 'r') is a string of five charming little villages neatly tucked away in Northern Italy. Board your coach and prepare to enjoy the scenery while listening to your guide describe the highlights of the day ahead. Note that weekends and holidays typically mean less frequent service and sometimes longer travel times. Always have on your mind that once you turn off the main highway, the road gets narrow, slow and winding. For the perfect photo, early mornings or late afternoons is the best time, If youre looking for a quick snack, pick up a Friggitoria (bite-sized seafood in a cone), some crepes or bruschetta at a nearby bakery or grocery store. Cinque Terre is pronounced like Chin-kwa Terr-e with a rolled 'r'. Because La Spezia is a transfer point for many lines, you'll find more frequent trains to this destination. 2hours There is a train service that runs locally between all five towns in Cinque Terre through the day, departing every few minutes from their respective train stations.Train providers like ItaliaRail and TrenItalia allow you to book a direct train from Milano Centrale railway station to Monterosso. So we can conclude that the train trip is always a better way to travel because it will save your time and energy. There is a train service that runs locally between all five towns in Cinque Terre through the day, departing every few minutes from their respective train stations. Take a direct train from the airport to Milano Centrale and then switch train lines to Monterosso rail station. You can explore this astonishing village of Manarola and then take a cruise to Monterosso. Although both are thoroughly enjoyable and informative in their own way, there are certain differences that one must consider before making this decision. Start the trip from Milan by air-conditioned coach. Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the five Cinque Terre towns, and of those towns, Monterosso has the biggest train station. Check out our comprehensive Milan Travel Guide packed with itineraries, tours, culture trips, best hotels, restaurants and a lot more. The small town of Corniglia does not have too many dining options for you, but anywhere you go, you're bound to find an excellent meal. Arrive in the marvelous village of Portovenere, than you will take a cruise by boat to enjoy the astonishing view of the five villages. Headout is building the future of how we experience our cities. The first and main attraction here is the landscape. (Tip: Montersso holds a lemon festival every year on the 3rd Sunday of May!). the best option would probably be to visit between April to May or September to October, since you can experience Cinque Terre to the fullest without having to navigate through thousands of tourists. After seeing Cinque Terre from the land and the rail, you'll then embark on a 90-min boat cruise to drink in views from the water. It is a magical view to watch the village light up in golden hour colors. One of the most famous structures of Vernazzas square is the Church of Santa Margheria d Antiochia, whose bell tower is the most distinctive sights of Vernazza. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. You can see trees and Mediterranean herbs that grow from the top of the hills down to the water level. The five villages that make up the Cinque Terre have long been popular tourist destinations on the Ligurian coast, but you cant buy tickets to the Cinque Terre train station. Cinque Terre refers to the five towns collectively. The Church of Saint John the Baptist was built between 1244 and 1307 in Gothic style and has the most beautiful facade decorated with white and green marble. What's the difference between first- and second-class seating on Italian trains. Trenitalia and a private French rail company combined forces to create Thello (pronounced tell-OH), which operates overnight long-haul trains between Paris and Venice, with six stops in between. Once in town, you'll have free time to explore at your own pace, strolling the harbor, exploring the local shops or grabbing a coffee on a terrace overlooking the bay. Stuff your face with calamari, prawns, and fish, along with anchovies, pesto sauce, focaccia, and then some. This is a place that brings you the joy of love and romance. While you won't have time to take on a long hike, the park offers great little trails and small loops that will give you a completely different outlook of the area without going too far away from the village. TKnown as the unofficial headquarters of Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore -- named after a stream that flows through -- is where most tourists flock to. A centuries-old castle in Riomaggiore, Ligurian Gothic styled Church of San Pietro, the 13th century Church of San Lorenzo, and Doria Castle in Vernazza are just some of the landmarks that represent this coastal region's history, architecture, and culture. Its near impossible to narrow down from the myriad of reasons why the five towns of Cinque Terre -- Manarola, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, Monterosso and Vernazza -- should be on every travelers bucket list. Alternatively, you can also buy a family ticket that covers two adults and two children for 42. The fare rules for each train indicate whether seat reservations are necessary. 2022 Trip Indicator LLC All rights reserved. Learn all about the history of the region with the help of your expert bilingual guide (English/Spanish). Date back to the 11-th century the first village that sprang up are Vernazza and Monterosso. The station is in the town center, and you can take a local bus or walk to where you need to go from there. Picturesque coastal village of Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre. You will be picked up from Milan bright and early and begin your journey to the Italian Riviera with an expert guide by your side. The villages' ruggedness presents accessibility challenges today, but that provides an isolated angle for tourists, making it all the more exciting! There is a walk up to the viewpoint and a hike down, so make sure you carry a few bottles of water, sunblock, and a hat. Calling all nature lovers! Enjoy an intimate outing on the waters, a great way to relax after a day exploring Cinque Terre by foot. Stop by the Piazza Marconi, grab a drink (or two) and enjoy the view of pretty pastel houses overlooking the sea. 14 hours. You will enjoy the stunning view of the landscape around the five villages of Cinque Terre. The ferry ends the trip at La Spezia, where you'll find your driver waiting to drive you back to Milan. Just sit back in your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and let your English-speaking tour guide show you the way. to travel from Milan to Monterosso. A great option if you're visiting Cinque Terre during spring and summer is to cover the first part of your journey via train and then jump on a ferry. 13.5 hours. The train is a fast solution to travel because the parking is extremely limited, but if you rent a car from Milan you can park it for the duration that you stay in the Cinque Terre villages. Once you are in this enchanting village dont forget to take your swimsuit. The 5 picturesque and lazy towns of Cinque Terre are Manarola, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, Monterosso and Vernazza. In the late afternoon get back on land to take the return drive to Milan. Once you are in Monterosso you can try the local wine and food. It is well known that in popular tourist destinations and attractions, there is an abundance of tricksters and scamsters just waiting to take you for a ride, especially if you are in a foreign country. A Pie' de Ma' serves a little piece of paradise in a simple and fresh manner. To commute between the five towns of Cinque Terre, you can use your travel card and just hop-on-hop-off according to your schedule. For a short trip like this, a guided tour makes the most sense. Situated just off the main square this is the most attractive place in Corniglia. Granted, these fishing villages aren't your typical white gleaming sand beaches, but the harbor areas offer a sense of belonging you won't find in other upscale locations. Milan's main station, Centrale, isa local transportation hub, with buses and trams stopping outside and a Metro (subway) stop in a lower level of the station itself. Planning a day trip on your own is not easy. Typically, April to October is the ideal time period to visit Cinque Terre, with July and August being the busiest. Parking is also very difficult, as the historical centers are off-limits for cars, and you'll have to park outside the city center in one of the designated paid parking areas. You'll learn about the five villages that make up Cinque Terre as you drive down the scenic route that leads to Manarola, your first stop. Are you sure you want to continue? When you return to Monterosso, you'll sail away on a 90-minute ferry tour of the bay. 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Italy, 22 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Venice, From Milan to Venice: 5 Best Ways to Get There, From Milan to Lake Como: 4 Best Ways to Get There, Where to Stay in Milan: Best Areas & Hotels, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Milan, Visiting Lake Como & Como Town: Top Attractions, Hotels & Tours, 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Lugano, Locarno & the Ticino Region, 14 Top Attractions & Things to Do at Lake Maggiore, 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Brescia & Easy Day Trips, 13 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do at Lake Garda, 12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Parma, 17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Genoa, 13 Top Attractions & Things to Do in St. Moritz, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Turin, 14 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Zermatt, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 20 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, From Milan to Cinque Terre by Train and Ferry. So, essentially youll be paying for a car and expensive paid parking without really using the vehicle through the day. One of the most common questions that crosses every tourists mind is whether to take a self-guided tour or a guided tour with a professional guide. After the vacation you've had, you're going to want to have souvenirs to remember this remarkable trip by. Cinque Terre has a host of things to take back home with you. Soak in the best of these scenic towns with this guided tour from Milan to Cinque Terre. all things travel. Once you've climbed the roof of Milan's Duomo, elbowed your way through to get a peek of Leonardo Da Vincis The Last Supper and tasted atleast 5 flavours of gelato from the umpteen street vendors around Milan, you can hop out of the city to experience a little more of the Italian country and culture. The distance between both regions is roughly 200km and the most popular way to get to Cinque Terre from Milan is by train or boat. Here are some hotel recommendations to check in for the night. Also, dont forget to validate it before use! ShouldIpurchase city-to-city traintickets or a rail pass? Tripindicator did a thorough research to provide the best Milan day trips by comparing features like easy booking, price friendliness and also carefully reading all reviews and feedback - subsequently following FAQs about Milan Day trips. Monterosso is the first of the five villages that make up Cinque Terre, and it's the closest to Milan. If you're looking to squeeze in a 12 hour round-trip day tour from Milan to Cinque Terre, what you need is an efficient organized tour. At Manarola, you head into the vineyards, stroll along bustling piers, and take a dip in the water if you like. Coronavirus Travel Restrictions, Advice and Tips. On the flipside, if you are traveling on your own, you may very well come across something that is not there in the tourist magazines and discover a new place yourself. If you only have one day to discover the cliff-side villages of Cinque Terre, an organized Cinque Terre Day Trip from Milan will help you make the most of your day - no need to worry about transportation changes, timetables, or wasting time planning your journey. Next to this church is the Oratory that is built in Baroque style. and 10 hours. The romantic atmosphere in Cinque Terre has often been captured by famed poets like D H Lawrence, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron, and most notably, Eugenio Montale, who wrote, Standing on the dramatic cliffs of Cinque Terre, I have no wants, needs, or concerns. You can have the trip just from Monterosso to Vernazza and you can make some quick stop to all of the villages. When you drive to Cinque Terre always take the best map that you can find. However, the best option would probably be to visit between April to May or September to October, since you can experience Cinque Terre to the fullest without having to navigate through thousands of tourists. It takes about 3 hours to get here by train, boat, or car. Milan Airports Private Transfers to Milan City Centre or Vice Versa, Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) Private Transfer (Economy), Bernina Express and St.Moritz Day Tour from Milan, San Siro Stadium and Casa Milan Museum and Hop On Hop Off Bus. You can explore the waters in this 5-hour kayaking trip along the Cinque Terre Riviera. In addition to the slow trains that run throughCinque Terre, Monterosso also has service from faster trains coming into the region from places like Milan or Rome. The train has one big advantage, though: you get to your destination easily and don't have to worry about dealing with a car in a place that's not exactly car-friendly. Insome parts of the country, there are even scenic train routes that are specifically designed to be tourist attractions. Enjoy a slice of Sicily at It Pirata, run by two Sicilian borthers. One idea can be taking a day trip from Milan to hike the famous trails in Cinque Terre. The official language of Cinque Terre is Italian. You will cook the most popular Italian food such as fresh pasta, Valentina cookies, and focaccia. Q:ShouldIpurchase city-to-city traintickets or a rail pass? This option is for customers that have already purchased a Eurail Pass or InterRail Pass and wish to reserve seats or sleeping berths. At the end of this marvelous day, you will visit the oldest village in the region, Manarola and spend time on your own. Dont forget to climb up to Manarolas vineyards. This is a place where the swimming is very popular and nice when the sea is not wavy. From December to the end of January you can enjoy in the worlds best Lighted nativity. Is an avid reader, writer, and dreamer. Located 227 kilometers south of Milan, Cinque Terre can be explored as a day trip if you plan things well and start your trip very early in the morning. I am simply coexisting with the land. Other lesser used travel options include car and helicopter. Picture thick Italian accents, the sea spray from the Mediterranean, and mountains of gelato- that's right, Cinque Terre is the place to be in Italy. You may buy them at the ticket counters 30 minutes before you depart. Other cities close to Cinque Terre are Pisa (80km), Genoa (80km), Florence (152km) and Rome (400km). Many independent boat tours operate in Cinque Terre, letting you enjoy Cinque Terre's gleaming waters. Save as much as 10-30% OFF rail
Although not technically one of the 5 villages of Cinque Terre, this UNESCO site is a mere stone's throw away and is dotted with beaches, caves, ancient architecture, and clifftop fortresses. Take a train to the Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages, and have a wonderful time to explore the beaches, squares, pedestrian tunnels, and restaurant. Depending on the season, you can also see a few attractions in Cinque Terre. The easiest way to do this is to take a train to La Spezia first. The ferries take just over two hours to reach their final destination at Monterosso, making stops at Portovenere, Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza along the way. Discover all the art treasures of the Uffizi with this guided in-depth tour. Under the political and military ascendancy of the Republic of Genoa other three villages grew up later. Bird lovers will have a fun time spotting exotic and native birds here. Note: An ItaliaPass does not entitle customers to use of passholder fares. Buy yourself cappellini with tomatoes, baked fish in puff pastry shells, and a wide selection of local wines. You can stop to enjoy the sunset or to taste some delicious food and quality homemade wine. When in Italy, do it right: eat gelato. After that, you can taste your homemade creations, accompanied by local wine. Copyright 2022 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Hop on an AC coach annd head towards the Italian coastline from Milan. You can discover the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine. Cinque Terre from Milan is about 230 kilometers or 143 miles. Soft and muted signs outside gelato stores invite you in, and encourage you to sample two or three flavors per serving! It is the busiest of the five towns and closest to La Spezia. Half of the day's 14 trains are a direct route, and the other half have one connection in Levanto. The rail travel distance between each town varies between 4 to 6 minutes: Traveling to Cinque Terre by boat is another option to consider if youre looking for an opportunity to admire the stunning coastline.