The Italian Riviera is on the bucket list of almost every person out there. All of us want to sip on cocktails, soak in the sun, and take in the beautiful Italian coast. The beaches in Cinque Terre will guarantee your Italian Riviera dreams come to life.
- QUICK OVERVIEW
- Most Popular Beach in Cinque Terre: Vernazza Beach
- Top-Rated Hostel: Mar Mar
- Well-Rated Hotel: Hotel Porto Roca
- Popular Thing To Do: Boat Cruise Around The Region
Cinque Terre is well-known for its colorful houses stacked on cliffs, terraced vineyards, beautiful beaches, pretty villages, and hiking trails. The entire region should be on your holiday list. So, if you are planning to hit up some Cinque Terre beaches, be sure to find out what they offer.
Here are some of the best Cinque Terre beaches you should check out on your next holiday.
Most Popular Beaches In Cinque Terre
The most popular beaches are the ones that almost all tourists visit when they go to Cinque Terre. You will find big crowds, lines of sun beds and umbrellas, and much more here. The best part about such Cinque Terre beaches is that they are also easily accessible by the general public.
Here are the top most popular beaches in Cinque Terre you should stop by.
Vernazza Harbour Beach
Vernazza Harbour Beach is one of the only sandy beaches you will find in Cinque Terre. One thing to keep in mind before coming here is that it is a small Cinque Terre beach. This means that if you visit during the peak season, you will have to wake up early if you want to find a spot.
The beach is easy to reach and accessible to all. All you have to do is walk down the main Vernazza street. It will lead you to Vernazza Harbour, where you will find the beach.
Be sure to bring a towel with you so that you can lay in the sand. This beach will lose the sun during the summer after mid or late afternoon.
Manarola Beach
While it is known as Manarola Beach, you will not find a real beach like the rest here. Instead, there is a ramp in the marina that will lead you to the waters. It is a great spot where you can lie down on the towel and relax for a little while.
This is one of the top beaches in Cinque Terre, where the water is deep. Many divers come here to jump from the rocks and take a swim. If you have an adventurous spirit, then you can also try this out for some fun in the water.
When you are done swimming on this Cinque Terre beach, there is a handy shower where you can wash off. You can come here for a few hours and enjoy everything this small beach has to offer.
Corniglia Beach
Corniglia Beach is also one of the easiest Cinque Terre beaches you can reach without much hassle. It is a rocky beach you will find at the base of a cliff underneath the train tracks that will take you to Manarola. The best part about this beach is that it stretches long and you will have lots of space because of this.
Even if you come here during a busy day, you can still find a spot where you can chill with ease. However, an important reminder to keep is that this beach is not accessible at all times. For example, when the tide is high, the water will cover the entire beach area.
We recommend that you check the tides before planning to come here. It will give you a much better idea of whether it is good to visit this Cinque Terre beach or not.
Riomaggiore Beach
A rite of passage in Cinque Terre is to come to Riomaggiore and watch the sunset from the rocks. Your trip will be incomplete if you don’t indulge in the Italian Riveria sunset; there is no better place to do this than Riomaggiore Beach.
This beach is rocky, sheltered, and secluded. It is not the ideal beach for people that love to lie down and sunbathe. There are many pebbles and rocks that will make it uncomfortable for you to relax all day.
However, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cinque Terre, where you can take a deep swim. The water here is crystal clear, and you will spot a lot of fish while you are here. Be sure to bring your swimming goggles to look in the water. You can also bring water shoes as the rocks tend to be slippery while going in and coming out of the water.
Best Cinque Terre Beaches Locals Love
Now that you are familiar with the most popular beaches in Cinque Terre, it is time to know the ones that locals love. These are hidden gems in Cinque Terre that most tourists don’t know about. When you visit such beaches, you will love the peace, tranquility, and views they have to offer.
Here are the best beaches in Cinque Terre that locals love.
Canneto Beach
Canneto Beach is only a five-minute drive away from Riomaggiore, but getting there is not so easy. You can’t access the beach from the land, which means you can’t hike, bike, or drive. Instead, the only way to access the beach is to go on a boat tour or rent a kayak or boat.
It is one of the best Cinque Terre beaches you can visit to escape the crowd. During the summer season, all the beaches might be crowded, and this can be the escape you need. You will love the majestic beauty of this beach because there is also a waterfall there.
The beach is one of the best-kept secrets by the locals, and the water is crystal clear. When you reach, the only sound you will hear is of the waves. We recommend that you rent a motor boat, as it will help you reach the beach in twenty minutes.
Guvano Beach
Guvano Beach was one of the best beaches in Cinque Terre, where all the nudists and hippies used to come in the 70s. However, few people know about its existence now, except the locals. It is still famous among the locals for being a nudist beach, so you can also visit it if you like roaming around in nature’s suit.
One thing to keep in mind is that it is challenging to reach this beach because they closed down the old train tunnel in 2016. Instead, you will have to hike Sentiero Azzuro and then follow the signs that lead to Spiaggia Libera. After that, you will find a steep path that will lead you to this Cinque Terre beach.
The most exciting part is that you will have to climb down a rope at the end to reach this beach. Of course, you can also use a boat or kayak for convenience. Adventure lovers can hike while people that want to reach it as fast as possible can take a boat.
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Best Beaches For All-Day Fun In Monterosso, Cinque Terre
Monterosso is the best beach town in Cinque Terre. It is an expansive stretch of sand where you will find many beaches to hang out with your family or friends. It is split into the old and new parts, and the beach is also segmented into four zones.
Here are the top four beaches in this town you can visit.
Spiaggia Fegina
Spiaggia Fegina is one of the best beaches in Monterosso in Cinque Terre. It is the largest beach in the entire area, and this is where most people start their journey. When you come out of the train station, you will see the beauty of Spiaggia Fegina instantly.
The free area on this Cinque Terre beach is small, but there are a few paid areas you can choose from. Regardless of the area, this entire beach is extremely busy in the warm months. Don’t expect to have a lot of room to even move around if you come in the peak tourist season.
We recommend that you arrive early or book your spot at the lido before coming. It will guarantee you a spot at the beach in the summer months.
Spiaggia Gigante
As you turn right from Spiaggia Fegina, you will find Spiaggia Gigante. There are paid and free areas that you can access on this beach. It is much larger than the main area of the beach, and it is also quieter here.
Even the swimming zone here is split into two zones with a way for small boats to come and go. The sand here has more gravel, but the water is shallow. Such shallow areas make it the ideal location for children to swim with their families.
It is one of the best beaches in Cinque Terre for you to spend the entire day. You will not get bored with plenty of natural beauty around.
Spiaggia Tragagia
The second largest beach in front of the old town of Monterosso is the Spiaggia Tragagia. It is one of the best beaches in Cinque Terre, only 5 – 10 minutes from the train station. The beach is pretty, and the bathing areas are large and free for the public.
There is a central lido you can access if you want to relax and chill for a bit. Many people that want to escape the hustle and bustle of the main beach come here to relax. You can too if you are looking for a more peaceful getaway
Spiaggia Portiglione
Finally, we have Spiaggia Portiglione, one of the top beaches in Monterosso. It is around five minutes after you pass Spiaggia Gigante. Because of the location of this Cinque Terre beach, there are fewer tourists in this area.
However, the beach is free to access, and it is pleasant to visit if you want to get away from the crowds. Bring a book here, relax on the sun beds, and spend the entire day here. You can come with family or friends here, as it is ideal for everyone.
Most Beautiful Beaches Near Cinque Terre For A Day Trip
The beaches in Cinque Terre are nothing short of beautiful and majestic. However, if you have hit them all, then you can always go to the beaches nearby. These are ideal for a day trip and not too far away from the region.
Here are the best beaches near Cinque Terre you will love.
Bay of Poets
Portovenere is one of the most gorgeous seaside towns that is only a twenty-minute drive from Cinque Terre. The town is not connected by train, which is why many people miss it. However, if you have a car and the time, then it is worth it to come to this town.
Bay of Poets is one of the top beaches in Portovenere that the locals love to come to. You can choose a sandy shore and make your spot there for the entire day. Once you are done, you can keep exploring the region and the shore for more.
Palmaria Island
Take a ferry to Palmaria Island and explore one of the beaches in Cinque Terre here. There are free and serviced beach regions that you can access and enjoy. The island itself has many beaches for you to select which one you want to pick for your day trip.
When you come here, you can beach-hop around the island. So, if you want to take a detour and enjoy more of Cinque Terre, then make your way here. You will enjoy the smaller crowds and the beautiful beaches.
Byron’s Grotto
Byron’s Grotto is one of the most magical locations you will find in Portovenere. Yes, it is inspired by one of the poems by Lord Byron, as you can guess from the name. You will find a medieval castle here on rocky cliffs with waves crashing on the entire landscape.
As you enter this beach, you will feel as if you have entered an episode of Game of Thrones. We recommend that you come here during the sunset as the entire area will start glowing. Besides that, you should only swim here if you are experienced because the waters tend to be a little rough.
Sestri Levante
Sestri Levante is only 45 minutes away from Cinque Terre, making it perfect for a day trip. You can get there by train and access the two beaches, known as Bay of Silence and Bay of Fairy Tales. Both the beaches are places that the locals have best kept to themselves.
As you enter these Cinque Terre beaches, it will feel as if you have entered a fairy tale. The shoreline has many colorful Ligurian tower houses, and the fishermen drag their boats on the sand here. The water is comparatively shallow, so you can also come here with your children and swim.
Camogli
Camogli is an Instagram-worthy town just outside of Cinque Terre. The beach here is a little pebbly but is still one of the top beaches Cinque Terre you will visit. You can choose from the beach clubs or the free areas to spend your time in.
The best part about this beach is that there are lots of bars and restaurants that you can select from. Besides that, it can get crowded here in August and July, but mostly by locals. You will find fewer tourists here, regardless of the time of the year.
Best Beaches Near Cinque Terre For Adventure Lovers
The beach is not just for relaxing but also for water sports and adventure. Fortunately, there are many Cinque Terre beaches where you can bring out your inner adventurer. Here are the top beaches perfect for all adventure lovers.
Levanto Beach
Experience one of the best beaches in Cinque Terre by camping at Levanto Beach. It is a popular camp spot, as many fall in love with all the colorful villas and grand gardens next to the beach. There are also several areas on this beach where you can go for a fantastic swim.
You can also rent paddle boats, kayaks, and boats for some water adventure. On the other hand, you can keep walking along the western edge of this beach, where you will find a little cove to swim with the locals. Be sure to put this on the top of your list for some great memories.
San Fruttuoso
San Fruttuoso is located an hour away from Cinque Terre, but it will bring out the inner adventurer in you. It is one of the most magical beaches in Cinque Terre you will lay your eyes on. Many people also consider it to be one of the top beaches in Italy.
You can indulge in boating, swimming, diving, and much more here when you visit. Scuba divers can head off to the Christ of Abyss over here for the best experience.
Gabbiano Beach
Gabbiano Beach is located on Palmaria Island, and you will find the most gorgeous views here. You can rent an umbrella and a lounger here to relax, or you can immerse yourself in the waters. There is a beach club bar here that offers some of the best drinks.
There is a seafood restaurant you can visit next door to satisfy your hunger after a day of adventures. You can take a ferry here and also visit the other beaches on the island. After all, why not make the most of your visit while you are on this Cinque Terre beach?
San Terenzo
You can’t access San Terenzo by train, which is why many people don’t visit this area. However, once you come here, you will find lush green hills, golden sands, and colorful houses all around the beaches. It is one of the top beaches in Cinque Terre where you can rekindle your inner adventurer.
You can engage in various water activities or visit endless restaurants and bars on the beach. After you are done with activities and exploration, sit under an umbrella and just relax. From adventure to peace, you will get the best of both worlds.
Fossola Beach
Last but not least, we have Fossola Beach, and this is another Cinque Terre beach that many people may not know about. You can only access it from the boat. There used to be a trail that led to the beach, but because of a massive landslide, it is now secluded.
The only option to access this beach is to rent a kayak or boat and get there by sea. Once you do, you will find one of the most pristine beaches in Cinque Terre. The adventure to get there will be worth the visit.
Where To Stay In Cinque Terre
The key to accessing all Cinque Terre beaches is to stay in the right location. Here are the top places you can stay in Cinque Terre for a fantastic and budget-friendly experience.
Hotel Porto Roca
Hotel Porto Roca is close to all the best beaches, such as Monterosso, Fegina, Vernazza, Levanto, Guvano, and many others. That is why it is one of the best locations you can stay in. All the rooms have a classic décor, and the restaurant in the hotel overlooks the beautiful sea.
Arpaiu
Arpaiu is another great hotel that will guarantee you a close access to Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Guvano, Canneto, and Vernazza. All the rooms have a TV, private bathroom, coffee machine, and more. You will also enjoy some of the best views of the sea from here.
Enjoying The Beaches In Cinque Terre
These are some of the best beaches in Cinque Terre you will get to experience. Keep these beaches in mind as you enjoy the best holidays of your life. You will create memories that will be postcard-worthy in the Italian Rivera.
Make sure to carve out enough time to hit some or all the great spots. There are some fantastic gems here that make this one of the top bucket list destinations.
