Cinque Terre: Sunset Boat Cruise & Aperitif from Monterosso

Summary

Sunset colors, sea breeze and Ligurian flavors along the Cinque Terre coast

You’ll watch Cinque Terre’s pastel villages glow under sunset light from a small boat, taste fresh Ligurian focaccia with an aperitif, and hear local stories from your skipper as you cruise past Corniglia, Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore before returning to Monterosso. It’s slow travel at its best — you’ll remember how it felt long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the light hit Monterosso’s beach — you know that late afternoon gold that makes everything look softer? We were just stepping onto the boat, shoes off, salt in the air. Our skipper, Marco, gave a quick wave and asked if we wanted focaccia now or later. I said now (no regrets). It was warm, stuffed with something herby — he said it’s a Ligurian thing. The sea was calm but you could feel the hum of the engine in your feet as we pulled away from the dock.

As we drifted past Corniglia, someone pointed out how it sits way up on those cliffs — honestly looked like it was balancing there. Marco told us his grandmother grew up in Vernazza and always claimed it had “the best church bell sound” at sunset. I tried to listen for it but mostly heard laughter from a couple nearby who were trying to take a selfie with their spritzes (not easy on a moving boat). The villages really do look painted on — all those colors stacked together, but not in a perfect way. There’s always laundry hanging somewhere.

We got close to Manarola just as the sky started going pink and orange. Someone said it looked fake but then everyone went quiet for a second — I guess we were all just watching. The air smelled like seawater and basil from someone’s snack box. At Riomaggiore, Marco slowed down so we could see the little harbor tucked between rocks. He told us about fishermen who still go out at dawn; you could see nets drying on balconies if you squinted.

On the way back to Monterosso, people shared stories about where they were from (lots of accents). Someone asked Marco why he never left Cinque Terre and he just shrugged — “I have everything I need here.” I get it now. That view sticks with you longer than any photo does.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre villages

• Meet at Monterosso boarding dock
• Admire Monterosso al Mare from sea
• View Corniglia village on cliffs
• Explore Vernazza shoreline and church
• See Manarola and vineyards
• Visit Riomaggiore coastal village
• Return to Monterosso to end tour

Top questions

How long is the Cinque Terre sunset cruise?

The cruise lasts about 3 hours in total.

Where does the sunset boat tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at Monterosso's main ferry dock.

Is food or drink included on this Cinque Terre cruise?

Yes, an aperitif with typical Ligurian stuffed focaccia is served along with soft drinks and bottled water.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum group size is 12 passengers per cruise.

Which Cinque Terre villages do you see during the sunset tour?

You’ll see Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia, Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore from the sea.

Is there an English-speaking guide or assistant?

Yes, an English-speaking assistant is included throughout the tour.

Are infants or children allowed on this boat trip?

Yes; infants can ride in a pram or stroller but must sit on an adult's lap during the trip.

What happens if there aren’t enough travelers booked?

If fewer than 4 people book, you'll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup at Monterosso’s ferry dock, a three-hour cruise along all five Cinque Terre villages with an English-speaking assistant and professional skipper onboard. You’ll enjoy bottled water, soft drinks (and alcoholic beverages for adults), plus an aperitif featuring local Ligurian stuffed focaccia as you relax into sunset before returning to Monterosso.