If there's one Italian destination that will offer a ton of amazing beaches, it's Cinque Terre. The entire place is made up of coastal cities by the Italian Riviera, each more charming than the next. But while they offer the peaceful serenity of a rural Italian lifestyle, they also serve as gateways to some of the most beautiful coastlines in the country. Marvel at the jewel-toned waters, relax on the white sands, and taste the freedom of some of the remote shorelines. By the end of your trip, all of it would have seemed like a dream!
Monterosso Beach
More often than not, crowded beaches tend to turn off seasoned travelers. Most would rather find a secluded place, away from the hoopla of tourists. With that said, doesn't the fact that a beach has attracted countless visitors mean that there's something worthwhile about it? Especially in Cinque Terre, where beaches aren't exactly that easy to get to. So despite all the crowds here, Monterosso Beach is undoubtedly one of the best in this destination. Colorful beach umbrellas serve as both shade and visual representation for how pampered you'll be on this coastline, especially compared to all the others.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Vernazza Beach
Vernazza Beach is one of the smaller spots on this list but this, by no means, makes it any less than the others. In fact, since it's located in the only natural harbor in Cinque Terre, you can truly feel the Mediterranean spirit as you swim and splash around here. Although there's a good chance you might bump into the many fishermen boats and ferries that pass by, as long as you're careful, you can swim to your heart's content. When you see the amazing view of the coastline backed up by the beautiful
town in Cinque Terre, you'll further realize that you truly are in an Italian paradise.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Corniglia Beach
If you're strictly into white sandy beaches, the stunning coastline by the Corniglia Marina might not be your cup of tea. And you know what? That'd be a shame since this dark sandy shoreline is one of the best unkept secrets of Cinque Terre. Since Corniglia is the only town in the area that's not located by the sea, you're probably surprised that it has its own beach in the first place. But it does! Moreover, it's one of the more secluded beaches on this list, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate freedom on this largely untouched coastline.
Source: Flickr.com/ Jason Tabarias
Guvano Beach
Another largely remote beach on this list is Guvano Beach. Now, here's one that you really shouldn't go to if you're vacationing with the entire family. Back in the 1970s, this very beach used to be a popular nudist hangout, a haven for hippies and bohemians alike. Even now, there's still a number of beachgoers that go here in the buff, not caring if anyone else is disturbed or not. That's mostly because, even though it's gotten quite the rep over the years (or possibly because of it), Guvano Beach remains a secluded coastline through and through.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Ubriaco
Manarola Beach
By the scenic town of Maranola, where Instagrammable spots can be found left and right, the beach here isn't exactly as conventional as you might think. Firstly, instead of a sandy shoreline, there are mostly rocks that serve as the base of the beach. Yep! Instead of sunbathing on a soft and cushiony surface, your only option is to dive headfirst from the biggest rock. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, isn't it? It'll certainly amp up your adrenaline the moment you take the first jump. And when you hit the cool and calm waters, your view of the coastal town from here is second to none!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Carlo Pelagalli
Fegina Beach
Known locally as '
Spiaggia Fegina,' Fegina Beach is undoubtedly one of the main highlights of Cinque Terre. The iconic orange and green-striped parasols, which you might've also seen spread throughout the other shorelines, serve as the best sign that you've finally arrived here. Another heavily commercialized beach, Spiaggia Fegina is a wide stretch of sand and sea where you can relax, play, and swim to your heart's content. Anything you'll need, from shade to refreshments, are only a hop and a skip away, ensuring that you have as much of a comfortable stay here as possible!
Source: Flickr.com/ Med Cruise Guide
Camogli Beach
While Fegina Beach has the orange and green parasols, Camogli Beach has the stark blue ones! All throughout the sandy shoreline, these umbrellas offer shade to those who might not be able to handle the Mediterranean sunshine and its heat. Especially since there aren't any forested areas nearby! The entire beach sits against a backdrop of colorful buildings, rusting homes, and a bustling Italian countryside town, just like what you've seen in movies. This maintains the lively atmosphere on this beach, perfect for families to frolic and play around on!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
San Fruttuoso Beach
Just like how you got to Cinque Terre in the first place, you'll need to sail on a boat to reach San Fruttuoso. Well, there are other ways to get here, going by boat is the best option. Either way, once you see the 10th-century abbey and Saracen tower, you'll know you've finally arrived here. Notwithstanding the rather sinister-looking yet oddly romantic structure, the place itself is an untouched treasure trove of sand and sea. It's not remote, by any means, but it is secluded enough that you can enjoy as much peace and serenity as you want!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Riomaggiore Beach
Just like the
freshwater beaches in Lake Como, Riomaggiore Beach is more rock than sand than what many probably hope for. But again, as already mentioned, this isn't necessarily a bad thing! When faced with a rocky shoreline, this will help—and likely inevitably force—you to appreciate and stay in the water more. You can submerge yourself in the Italian Riviera and let it cleanse you of all your troubles as you swim or float relaxingly. And when the sun sets? The views from here are nothing short of breathtaking! It'd be a great place to spend some quality time with your significant other too!
Source: Flickr.com/ Kalboz
Cinque Terre is truly a paradise unlike any other. Since it's mostly a string of coastal cities by the Italian Riviera, rest assured, the beaches here are nothing short of amazing. These stunning shorelines prove that Cinque Terre is worth all the trouble for getting here!
