Discovering the Cinque Terre starting from Lido di Camaiore: a one-day adventure between sea and villages
The Cinque Terre are one of Liguria’s most fascinating destinations and a dream destination for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the beauty of coastal villages and breathtaking cliffs. However, many tourists staying in Tuscany, especially in Lido di Camaiore, wonder if it is possible to visit them in just one day. The answer is yes, and it is easier than you might think.
Leaving from Lido di Camaiore and reaching the Cinque Terre in a day requires good organisation, but the result is a memorable experience. In this article, we will explore the best route, the villages not to be missed and some practical tips to make the most of the time available.
How to get to the Cinque Terre from Lido di Camaiore
First of all, it is important to understand how to get around. The distance between Lido di Camaiore and the Cinque Terre is not excessive: about 80 kilometres, which can be covered in less than two hours. The most convenient means for those who want to enjoy the day without worries is the train.
From Lido di Camaiore you can easily reach the Lido di Camaiore station or the Viareggio station, just a few minutes away, and take a direct train to La Spezia. La Spezia is the ideal starting point to visit the Cinque Terre, as local trains connect the five villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The trains are frequent and allow you to move quickly between the villages.
Travelling by train is the best option to avoid traffic problems and parking shortages, especially during the high season.
Which villages to visit in a single day?
If you only have one day to explore the Cinque Terre, the choice of villages to visit becomes crucial. It is not possible to see everything in one day, so it is important to decide in advance which stops to favour.
Monterosso al Mare is the largest village and offers the widest beach, perfect for those seeking a moment of relaxation. Strolling through its streets, you can discover the old part of the village, with its colourful houses and characteristic small squares.
Vernazza is one of the most iconic villages, with its picturesque harbour and houses climbing the hillside. It is perfect for a walk through narrow alleys and stairways, with panoramic views that will leave you breathless.
Manarola is perhaps the most photogenic village in the Cinque Terre. With its pastel-coloured houses overlooking the sea, it is the ideal place to take unforgettable photos and savour the peaceful atmosphere of the place.
If time permits, you can also include Riomaggiore, the easternmost village. Here the houses seem to be set in the rock, creating a unique spectacle. Each village has its own charm, but these stops offer a good mix of authenticity and beauty.
Making the most of the day
Making the most of your time is crucial when visiting such an attraction-rich destination. Here are some tips to ensure you make the most of your excursion.
Leave early: The first train to La Spezia leaves Viareggio at around 7 am. Arriving in Cinque Terre early in the morning will allow you to avoid peak hours, when the villages are most crowded.
Buy the Cinque Terre Card: This pass allows you to use the local trains between the villages without limits, saving time and money. It is available at stations or online and also includes access to trails for a fee.
Plan ahead: Decide in advance which villages to visit and in what order. Trains between villages run about every 20 minutes, but it is good to have a plan to avoid losing precious time.
Take a break to taste the local cuisine: the Cinque Terre are famous for their fresh fish dishes and pesto. Don’t forget to taste the focaccia ligure, a real treat for the palate.
The most beautiful panoramas: trekking or train?
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Cinque Terre is the possibility of combining visits to the villages with hiking along the scenic trails. The Sentiero Azzurro, which connects the five villages, is the most famous, but requires time and energy. If you only have one day, it may be difficult to walk the whole of it, but it is not necessary to do it all.
The stretch between Vernazza and Corniglia offers one of the most spectacular views in the area, with the deep blue sea on one side and terraced hillsides planted with vineyards on the other. Even a small excursion can provide unforgettable emotions and a unique perspective on the Cinque Terre.
If you prefer to save time, however, the train remains the most practical solution. It allows you to move quickly from one village to another, without tiring yourself out too much, and to fully enjoy the beauty of the villages.
An authentic experience in a few hours
Although one day is not enough to discover every corner of the Cinque Terre, it is certainly enough to savour its essence. From Lido di Camaiore you can organise an unforgettable excursion, in which you can combine the beauty of the Ligurian villages with the relaxation of the sea and scenic walks.
The most important thing is to enjoy the trip unhurriedly, immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere that only these places can offer. Each village has its own identity, and even just walking through the cobbled streets or sitting in a square to admire the view can be an extraordinary experience.
The Cinque Terre are a destination that stays in the heart, and visiting them in just one day can be the beginning of a love affair that is destined to last.
Conclusion
Starting from Lido di Camaiore, it is absolutely possible to discover the wonders of the Cinque Terre in just one day. With good planning and the help of the train, you can experience an adventure that combines breathtaking landscapes, local cuisine and an immersion in the history and culture of one of Italy’s most fascinating places.
If you are looking for a way to add an unforgettable stop to your trip to Tuscany, an excursion to the Cinque Terre is definitely the right choice.
Explore the Cinque Terre in one day
- The choice of villages is crucial
- Monterosso al Mare: largest village, widest beach, old town with colourful houses
- Vernazza: famous village, picturesque harbour, houses on the hillside, panoramic views
- Manarola: most photogenic village, pastel-coloured houses, ideal backdrop for photos
- Riomaggiore: easternmost village, houses in the rocks, unique view
Mixture of authenticity and beauty
