5 Terre, Italy with Kids: Unforgettable Things to Do, Must-See Attractions, and Exciting Activities
(This article contains affiliate links which means if you buy something following a link on this page, we'll get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our blog!)
5 Terre is located on the picturesque Italian Riviera. With its colorful houses perched on cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and scenic hiking trails, 5 Terre is an ideal place to create lasting memories with your children. In this blog post, we will explore the top things to do, must-see attractions, and exciting activities that will make your family trip to Cinque Terre an unforgettable experience.
Family Fun in 5 Terre: Exciting Things to Do with Kids
01
Discover the Five Villages
The five villages that make up 5 Terre - Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore - are a sight to behold. Take your kids on a village-hopping adventure, exploring the narrow streets, colorful houses, and charming squares. Each village has its own unique character and offers opportunities to indulge in local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Don't forget to capture those precious family moments against the backdrop of the stunning coastal scenery
Milan to 5 Terre day trip
-
Explore the Cinque Terre, one of Italy's most scenic landscapes, on this day trip from Milan.
02
Coastal Boat Tour
Embark on a coastal boat tour to fully appreciate the beauty of Cinque Terre from the sea. Kids will love the thrill of cruising along the coastline, passing by the picturesque villages and witnessing the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. It's a fantastic way to bond as a family while enjoying the breathtaking views of 5 Terre.
5 TERRE TOP RATED boat tours
-
Discover the beauty of Cinque Terre on this guided boat tour from La Spezia. Marvel at the view of Portovenere, swim in the crystal clear waters with unique scenery, explore ashore Monterosso al Mare, and more.
-
Sail along the picturesque Cinque Terre coast, and choose your favorite tour. Visit Riomaggiore or Portovenere as the first stop, then Monterosso and Vernazza, and swim in the clear Mediterranean Sea.
03
Scenic Hiking Trails in 5 Terre
5 Terre is famous for its scenic hiking trails. While some trails may be more challenging for young children, there are options suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The most popular trail is the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail). Make sure to pack comfortable shoes, snacks, and plenty of water for a memorable family hike amidst the natural beauty of Cinque Terre.
Ready to visit 5 TERRE ITALY? Plan your trip with these tips.
-
Book your flight: Find the best rates on airline tickets using WayAway. Become WayAway Plus member and get cashback on flights, accommodation, car rentals, tours, and more.
-
Stay Connected: Get Europe eSim Mobile Roaming Data Plan.
-
Want to travel on your own schedule?: Book your car with DiscoverCars.com. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 111 000+ reviews. You can't get it wrong ))
04
Beach Time at Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare is a haven for families seeking the perfect beach experience in Cinque Terre. The gentle slope into the sea allows children to safely enjoy the water without any sudden drops or steep depths. This charming village offers a combination of stunning natural beauty and a variety of family-friendly amenities and services catering to all age groups.
3 Ways to Get to Monterosso al Mare
1) Monterosso is the only village with a large parking lot in the center of the village. There are 300 spaces in the car park near Fegina beach and 100 spaces in the car park in Loreto. Parking costs at both locations: €2.50/hour or €25/24 hours. This makes it convenient for families traveling with their own vehicles to access the beach without any hassle. Manarola and Riomaggiore do have parking above the town, but from there you have to walk to the city center. Driving to Corniglia and Vernazza is more difficult due to narrow streets and limited parking spaces.
​
2) However, the most convenient way to get to Monterosso is by train. The five villages of Cinque Terre are located on the Genoa-La Spezia-Pisa line.
3) Or you can take a boat. Ferries run regularly from the ports of Levanto, La Spezia and Portovenere to the villages of Cinque Terre, with stops in Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
05
Visit the Cinque Terre National Park
The Cinque Terre National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take your family on a visit to the park and explore its lush forests, terraced vineyards, and breathtaking cliffs. The park offers guided tours and educational programs specifically designed for children, allowing them to learn about the local flora and fauna while having fun. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea from one of the park's panoramic viewpoints.
Follow our family travel adventures for more tips and recommendations.
WHERE TO STAY IN 5 TERRE ITALY
Traveling to Cinque Terre can be expensive. These 5 famous villages are called tourist traps by some for a good reason. They are small and there are not many cheap hotels. If you're on a budget, you might want to stay in La Spezia, Genoa, or one of the nearby villages with good train connections. If you're traveling by car, you can even spend the night in the mountain villages above Monterosso and Vernazza, such as Beverino.
Luxury & Top rated: Park Hotel Argento 4* check reviews here
Great value: Albergo Suisse Bellevue 3* check reviews here
B&B: B&B Le Giare check reviews here
Agriturismo: Tuvo Agriturismo check reviews here
Affittacamere Le Ciboline check reviews here
Best time to visit 5 TERRE ITALY
September is a great month to visit Cinque Terre. Less crowds. Temperatures are still warm and the water is not too cold for swimming. However, since there is a higher chance of rain, you should have backup plans for these days, especially if you are traveling with children.
What to do in 5 Terre with kids on a rainy day?
In fact, 5 Terre is great for outdoor activities like hiking, exploring, relaxing on the beach, and more. However, there isn’t much to do with kids when it rains. If it rains while you're in Cinque Terre, you can take the train to Genoa. Genoa is very child-friendly and offers numerous indoor activities, each just a 5-minute walk from each other: Aquarium; La Città dei Bambini e dei Ragazzi; Fantacinema; Bigo; Galeone Neptune.
