Traveling in Italy’s Cinque Terre Off Season

We love the Cinque Terre, at any time of year. The exquisite seaside views, spectacular beach towns, and gorgeous walking trails, are some of the best in Italy, if not the world. But, before you go to the Ligurian coast in winter, there are a few things you should know about travelling to Cinque Terre off season. 

The colourful houses on the cliffsides are a sight to behold in any season.

What exactly is the “Cinque Terre”?

“Cinque Terre” means “Five Lands” in Italian. The name refers to the five picturesque seaside villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—that cling to the rugged cliffs of Italy’s Ligurian Riviera. Each “land” has its own unique charm, from colorful harbors and terraced vineyards to winding lanes and sea views, all connected by walking trails, trains, and boats.

Visiting the Cinque Terre Off Season

When is the winter or off season in the Cinque Terre?

In the Cinque Terre—and along much of Italy’s Ligurian coast—the off season generally runs from November through March, with the winter months more specifically from December to February.

The winter sun makes the towns of the Cinque Terre look magical in the off season

Considerations for coming to Cinque Terre in off season

During this period, temperatures typically range from around 7°C to 13°C (45°F–55°F) in winter, rising slightly in November and March to about 10°C–16°C (50°F–61°F). Rain is common, and coastal winds can make it feel cooler.

Many hotels, restaurants, and tour services close or reduce their hours, giving the villages a quiet, more tranquil atmosphere.

Trains and hiking trails still operate, but with reduced schedules and limited access or closures due to weather conditions or maintenance work.  However, winter also brings a peaceful atmosphere, making it a quiet and scenic time to visit if you don’t mind cooler, slower-paced travel.

The 5 towns of the famous Cinque Terre are more tranquil in the winter months

Why visit in the winter or off season?

In the summer, this group of five tiny, seaside towns is overwhelmed by foreign visitors. Hotels and B&Bs book up far in advance, the narrow streets are filled with English speakers, and the hiking paths, for which the Cinque Terre is so famous, become practically shoulder-to-shoulder. So getting to visit these towns outside of the high season can be a real treat!

However, it’s worth keeping in mind that these villages are usually best appreciated in non-rainy weather. This isn’t just because of the spectacular, natural scenery, but also because the hiking paths—usually an activity that’s on the top of visitors’ lists—are closed if the weather is inclement.

Hiking in the Cinque Terre: tough, but beautiful, however, Winter can make it dangerous so always check in advance!

Hiking the Cinque Terre Off season

Even if it’s not raining by the time you arrive, if it rained recently, sections of paths might have washed away, forcing the entire route to be closed down until the path is repaired (something that can take one day, or several). When we visited the Cinque Terre last March, for example, the weather was clear and beautiful; because of recent rains, however, only two of the paths were open during our four-day stay.

Before you go, you can check to see which hiking paths are currently open, but be aware that this changes on a day-to-day basis.

On the plus side, while rain (or even snow) is more likely in the winter months, it’s by no means guaranteed; there are plenty of cold, sunny days this time of year, too! And we, at least, would prefer going for a hike on a deserted trail in the cold, than on a packed trail in the (sometimes very uncomfortable) August heat.

For more details of the trail in this area have a look at our blog about Hiking the Cinque Terre

The cliff top towns are beautiful, but as you can see, the cliffsides are natural and rugged, so take care when hiking!

Things to Do in Cinque Terre in the Off Season

Here are some suggestions of what you can do in this region during the fall and winter months if the hiking trails are not open or there is inclement weather and you dont want to wander too far off the beaten track.

Explore the Villages and Nearby Towns

• Wander through the colorful streets of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore without the summer crowds. Enjoy the quiet harbors and take in the dramatic coastal scenery.

• Take a day trip to La Spezia for its Naval Museum or art galleries. Or visit Levanto or Portovenere, which remain peaceful and charming in the off season.

Visit Local Churches and Museums

• Church of San Giovanni Battista (Monterosso) – admire its historic architecture and interior artworks.

• Santa Margherita di Antiochia (Vernazza) – located near the harbor, this church dates back to the 14th century.

• Museo Civico di Monterosso – showcases local history and art.

• Castello di Vernazza – a medieval castle with panoramic views of the village and coastline.

• Via dell’Amore Museum (Riomaggiore) – learn about the famous coastal trail and its history (check accessibility during winter).

Photography and relaxation

• Capture the villages in soft winter light and misty coastal conditions, this season is just perfect for photographers.

Sample Local Cuisine Indoors

• Cozy up in small family-run trattorias and enjoy local specialties such as pesto, seafood, and Ligurian focaccia. Try seasonal dishes with locally produced wine

These quaint compact towns still have life in them in Winter, the off season offers a more local experience

It is worth noting that, as with many resort towns, some restaurants, cafés, and shops in the Cinque Terre will close during the quietest months of the off season, particularly from December through February. Obviously there are others that stay open, to service the locals and winter visitors. While this means fewer options, it also provides a more personal experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the towns more like the locals, without the usual peak tourism crowds.

So, if you’re visiting the Cinque Terre off season, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for meals and accommodation. Research which restaurants and hotels remain open, make reservations where possible, and consider bringing snacks or picnic supplies for hikes between villages. This way, you can still fully enjoy the stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere without being caught off guard by closures.

If you want to stop for a coffee on route, have a look in advance to check the opening hours in the off season!

Finally, as far as the cold goes, remember that these towns are on the seaside. So yes, it is quite cold in the winter! If you come to the Cinque Terre off season: Pack lots of layers of warm clothes and bring sensible shoes/boots, and perhaps an umbrella!

FAQ´s – Cinque Terre off season

How much does accommodation cost in the off season?

Accommodation is generally cheaper in the off season. Expect prices for mid-range hotels or guesthouses to range from €60–€120 per night, compared to €150–€250 in peak summer months. Some small boutique hotels or B&Bs may close entirely during winter, so it’s best to book ahead and confirm availability.

Are flights and travel cheaper during the off season?

Yes. Flights to nearby airports, such as Pisa (PSA) or Genoa (GOA), are usually more affordable in the off season, with round-trip fares often 20–40% lower than in summer. Low-cost carriers frequently offer deals during November–March, making it a great time for budget-conscious travelers.

How do I get around Cinque Terre in the off season?

Public transport remains reliable even in the off season. The Cinque Terre Card, which covers trains connecting the five villages, costs around €16 per day in winter, with discounts for multi-day passes. Local buses and ferries operate on a reduced schedule, so it’s wise to check timetables in advance, especially if you’re planning to move a lot between villages.

This post is part of a series on popular destinations in Italy in the off season; check out our other posts on Venice in the off season and Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore in the off season)

If you want some more guidance on how to discover the beauty of Italy this winter, have a look at Walks of Italy! From snow-dusted villages to serene coastal towns, our expert-guided tours bring each destination to life. Find inspiring itineraries and make the most of your Italian adventure—let the local guides show you the hidden gems you won’t find on your own.