Cinque Terre Hidden Gem Attractions
THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in Cinque Terre
Best Cinque Terre Hidden Gem Attractions
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
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Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- Sarah BStettler, Canada179 contributionsAmazing views, great workout! This walk was so beautiful with amazing lookouts! There are a lot of stairs so you need to be fit and have great footwear. Bring water, snacks and a phone just in case.Written 28 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mairwen1United Kingdom9,314 contributionsThis 17th century monastery and church stands high above Monterosso. It is a beautifully serene spot with panoramic views.
I’ve seen the trail up described as a strenuous hike which makes it sound quite difficult but it’s actually very manageable. It is steep but its short (12-15 minutes) and is absolutely worth it. The path is smooth and even and it’s a gradual, steady climb.
It was the finding the start of the path that we had trouble with. It wasn’t immediately obvious to us. We found it just after the pedestrian tunnel that links the old and new towns. Arriving by train, we walked through the tunnel, and almost immediately after exiting, the path is on your left but is tucked away behind the buildings.
Framed by tall, green trees, the church is very distinctive with black and white striping. Above the main entrance is a niche with a small white sculpture of Mary and baby, Jesus and above that a rose window.
Inside it is dimly lit and although its small, every corner seems crowded with art or candles and artefacts.
The Crucifixion by Anthony Van Deck is highly regarded. It was one of many Crucifixion works by this artist and a very similar composition hangs in The Louvre. Years later, Van Dyck would go to England where he would become the leading court painter in England and Charles I would be his patron.
While you are here, make sure to go around behind the church to the monumentally sized bronze statue of St Francis which has an absolutely commanding over the Cinque Terre coastline and the Ligurian Sea.Written 2 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - lauralulabelleAdelaide, Australia17 contributionsBreathtaking scenery. The last 50m of the walk up the hill were really steep, but absolutely worth it for the scenery and the food. Book if you can to avoid being disappointed at the end of the climb.
The prawn and scallops appetiser was exceptional, and the wines were interesting and went really well with the food!Written 2 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mairwen1United Kingdom9,314 contributionsThis landmark statue of St Francis of Assisi stands high above Monterosso and looks down over the old town and out across the Ligurian Sea. From here, you have a breathtakingly panoramic view. It is also a beautifully serene spot.
The walk up is steep but its short and is absolutely worth it. The path is very manageable and the climb is gradual.
The start of the path was not immediately obvious to us. From the old town side, we found it just before the entrance to the pedestrian tunnel that links the old and new towns. As you head towards the tunnel, the path is on your left but is tucked away behind the buildings.
Apart from the amazing view, the statue itself is a relatively modern bronze piece. In 1960 Fr Daniele da Pra from the Convent of Monterosso, had the vision of a large devotional statue dedicated to St. Francis and the artist Silvio Monfrini was commissioned. The bronze was cast in Lombardy, then parcelled up and transported by train to Monterosso in 1962. It must have been a difficult job to put it in place. Apparently crowds turned out to watch.
The statue shows a famous scene from St Francis’ life when he tamed the vicious wolf of Gubbio. The saint bows down slightly to greet, or perhaps to bless, the wolf. In return, the wolf, instead of snarling or lunging for the saint’s throat, holds a submissive paw up.
The statue is placed on a small balcony like platform and from here, you can look down upon the 16th century Torre Aurora. A little higher up, above the statue, is the Capuchin Friars Monastery and church.
The first time we visited Monterosso, we didn’t walk up here. Probably having hiked all day long, we thought we’d walked enough already. What a mistake that was and I’m very glad that we did it this time around.Written 30 December 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Josh TrybuchCallander, Canada4 contributionsOur experience with Roberto was absolutely amazing! He was such a lovely host and his passion for the wine making was evident and really made it a unique experience. My fiancé and I are still laughing at the jokes he made and the passion he clearly has for his craft. We spent about 90 minutes in the wine cellar with Roberto as the weather was too hot to walk to the Terrace, but it was worth every penny. Roberto talked us through the some of the history of Cinque Terra and the process of how the wine was made using some pictures and video and then we sat and drank a bottle of the wine with some fresh cheese that was provided to us. It was truly an amazing experience and would recommend to anyone visiting Riomaggiore or any of the other 5 towns.Written 31 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CuriousCitizenYYZToronto, Canada94 contributionsIl Santuario di Soviore was a great home base for hiking in the Cinque Terre. The rooms are simple but clean, with views of the sea from high up above Monterosso al Mare. There is no aircon but up in the hills the air is fresh. I had dinner at the Santuario the night I stayed and the carb-filled menu was great fuel for hiking the next day.Written 3 July 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BdgtTravel305Miami, FL853 contributionsShort hike from the road (you can choose longer hike from the port) to the top of the hill for amazing views over Riomaggiore and the coast. Worth the effort, some of the steps were steep, to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and views. Beautiful!Written 17 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bree MOgden, UT56 contributionsWe had a fantastic cooking class. I am GF and they were happy to accommodate. We made gnocchi with pesto sauce. Sea bass with roasted potatoes. Drank local wines all with an incredible view!Written 30 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tom H1 contributionThe best part of Italy!! My wife and I spent 15 days in Rome, Florence and Manarola. We both agreed that the Sunset Cruise with Enjoy Cinque Terra Boat Tours was the number 1 highlight of the trip. Our guide (Daniele) was knowledgeable, funny, charming and told the stories of the area as only a real local can. We couldn't have had a more outstanding time. Do yourself a favor and plan an evening with this small company. It will be your favorite memory of your trip! It was for us.Written 23 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lisa LMassachusetts8 contributionsWe had a wonderful day with Fish and Chill. Weather was beautiful as was the boat. Amazing lunch and wines. Weather was questionable for our trip and Diego communicated with us about options. Very prompt with emails. What a perfect way to see Cinque Terre.Written 25 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Fawn PPuerto Rico10 contributionsA little late to review but in planning for our summer vacation I realized I never reviewed this trip.
My friend and I took the lunch time boat tour. Brenda and another woman (apologies I can't remember her name) were great at helping us plan and answer our questions as some of our travel plans were up in the air.
We had a wonderful time - seeing the villages from the water was magical. We enjoyed the food on board which was a nice treat to hold us over until we stopped for a wonderful lunch at a little spot.
I highly recommend this tour if you are visiting the area. Book in advance (I think it is just emails) as they were pretty booked up for our dates.Written 28 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Rachel2 contributionsThis was such a great way to see the Cinque Terre, as they really are the most beautiful from afar. Andrea was professional and a good driver and we had such a good time. We splurged for the 5 hours and it was awesome!Written 4 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JimDiPietro36Parsippany, NJ487 contributionsAndrea was awesome. My wife and I arrived in Cinque Terre and found the crowds insane- we were really disappointed as it was essentially Disneyland. We were walking by the dock and saw Andrea in his boat, and ask about a ride. He was booked that day so we settled on the following day. He asked for a $20 Euro deposit, and I said “take $50” I’ll be back, but he declined as “it was too much”. At that point I knew I found an honest guy!
Our train was 45 minutes late and instead of charging us, he just started the trip 1 hour later. He was super accommodating, is a local, so gives you the right amount of insight but also just lets you enjoy the trip.
The big ferries were packed..... but we swam, listened to music, hit each town, and napped on the boat. I’d recommend the 3 hour tour. Perfect! Just do it !Written 21 September 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
