Cinque Terre in two days

Cinque Terre surprised us more than anywhere else we went in Italy.

Historic villages, beaches, hiking, and seafood. Two days is enough to see all five towns if you use the train.

Day 1. Morning in Monterosso — wander, then spend the day on the largest stretch of sand on the Italian Riviera. Late afternoon train to Manarola. Watch the sunset and eat dinner by the water.

Day 2. Morning in Corniglia, then hike the trail to Vernazza. Stop at Ittiurismo for espresso with a view. Afternoon train to Riomaggiore for gelato and another sunset.

Buy the Cinque Terre train pass. It covers unlimited trains and the national park trails. Sandals and smooth-soled shoes are not allowed on the trails, and they check.