5 INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS IN CINQUE TERRE

I spent a few days in June 2022 with my sister Alexa touring through Italy, including Riomaggiore and Manarola in Cinque Terre. As you already know, essentially every corner in Italy is an Instagram-worthy spot with its ancient architecture, colorful gardens, grand water fountains, and so on. However, the beauty of Cinque Terre is at a whole other level–even for Italy. Its vibrant buildings and alleyways are built steeply into the cliffsides along the Ligurian Sea making for picturesque views from the seaside. 

From atop the hills are more amazing views looking down at these tall ancient buildings and seeing visitors below arriving on boat or by train at the small villages. Not only is it beautiful to visit in person, but it also makes for some great photos. You can’t go wrong with where you decide to stop and take a photo. From my small exploration, below are my top five Instagram-worthy spots to check out on your visit to Cinque Terre.

1. La Regina di Manarola Restaurant’s Patio View

This restaurant is tucked up at one of the highest points of the main road in Manarola with breathtaking views of the colorful buildings surrounding its patio. We were lucky to get a seat on the patio without a reservation since it had just stopped raining, which I think scared some tourists from coming out. We were staying at a B&B just down the road so it was easy for us to walk there to see if we could get a table.

It was such a beautiful view from our patio table. It was so beautiful that even a solo woman traveler sitting at the table next to us asked if she could take a photo of us at our table for us because the backdrop was so beautiful. It was a great restaurant for views and also for great food and drinks. Visit La Regina di Manarola’s Official Website and View La Regina di Manarola on Google Maps.

2. Barnin B&B Balcony View in Manarola

Alexa and I stayed at the Barnin B&B in a room that had its own balcony facing out into the town and seaside. It was so nice to have this view available to us whenever we were relaxing at our own place. So whether it was to catch the sunrise or sunset, we could just step out onto our private balcony to check out the views.

To stay at Barnin B&B, we reserved a twin room with a sea view for two nights at €314 total. The cost also included a delicious breakfast each morning served at the B&B’s upper patio. This was one of the few accommodations we saw in Cinque Terre that offered twin beds. View Barnin B&B on Google Maps.

3. Manarola Overlook Viewpoint – Seaside

For one of the most iconic views of Cinque Terre, head to the overlook viewpoint in Manarola. This is an easy walk up a paved trail that looks back into the colorful town of Manarola. It continues to go higher up and wraps around so you can get different angles of the town as you’re walking on. We came out to this area a few times since we were spending the nights in Manarola so it was close to us. This was also a nice place to watch the sunset and take photos. View the Manarola Overlook Viewpoint on Google Maps.

4. Manarola Archway Overlook

Making your way through the various alleyways of Manarola will provide many options for Instagram-worthy pictures. One spot that we liked was high above on the south end of Manarola, which had a pretty doorway and garden with views looking out over the sea. You can also see the trains coming in along the seaside from this area (just right of the photo). Check out this spot, but also know there are other similar beautiful spots throughout the nearby alleyways. Sometimes the best shot can be found by just roaming around and seeing what is in bloom. View Manarola Alleyway Overlook on Google Maps.

5. Riomaggiorie Seaside View

Another iconic photo spot of Cinque Terre is of the Riomaggiorie inlet where the boats pull in as seen from Via San Giacomo. This provides a great overlook of views with the colorful buildings and boats in the small inlet. You’ll find a ton of other visitors stopping her for photos, so it’s not hard to miss. Depending on the crowds, you may have to wait for a while to get your turn to take a photo though. View on Google Maps.

6. Spiagga del Paese Beach View in Riomaggiorie

The beach in Riomaggiorie does not feature any of the iconic Cinque Terre buildings but is still picturesque in its own right with views of the beautiful Ligurian Sea. Plus, after all your hustling around to different photo spots in Manarola and Riomaggiorie, you’ll be hot enough to want to jump into the water. So it’s best to save this spot for last if you want to end your photo sessions with a dip in the sea! View on Google Maps.