The Hidden Gems Near Cinque Terre

The villages of Cinque Terre are world-renowned, and for good reason. They are beautiful, charming, and full of history and culture. Tourists from all over the world visit Cinque Terre, so this means the summer months can be notoriously crowded at certain times in the day. We craft our tour itineraries around the busiest times to ensure we’re soaking in the magic of each village instead of stressing about crowds.

So what are we doing during those times when we leave Cinque Terre?

Well, we’re typically hosting activities based in some of the more “off the beaten path” towns.

Here are 5 of our favorite hidden gems that you’ll see on a Riviera Dreamer tour:

Framura

This old fishing village is only a few stops north of Monterosso on the train…but if you blink, you’ll miss it! A local favorite for fishing, boating, swimming, snorkeling, and some good ole’ fashioned peace and quiet.

Bonassola

This little town is a slice of heaven and it’s only a 10 minute train ride from Monterosso! Home to arguably the best beach in the area, this is a place locals frequent in the summer months, and there are some great restaurants and shops worth checking out in this village.

Montemarcello

Known as one of “i borghi più belli d'italia” (the most beautiful little villages of Italy), this hilltop town is incredibly charming. Montemarcello is home to some of the most beautiful panoramic views in the area, with a clear view of the Ligurian Sea, the Apuane Alps, La Spezia, and all the little towns sprinkled in between.

Portovenere

Referred to by some as Cinque Terre’s “sixth town”, this gem can only be reached by boat or hiking trail, generally making it much less crowded than Cinque Terre. This historic town dates back to as early as the 7th century, and is home to one of the most beautiful churches in all of Liguria.

Lucca

While this Tuscan town is a little more known, it’s still not nearly as crowded or popular as Tuscan cities like Florence. Only an hour by train from Cinque Terre, this is a must see for incredible architecture, history, wineries, and shopping.

While our Riviera Dreamer tours are based in Cinque Terre (and you’ll spend plenty of time exploring there) there is still so much more to see along and around this coastline. We’ve spent years discovering nearby towns and uncovering some of the most breathtaking villages this area has to offer. These are the hidden gems, and we can’t wait to share them with you in person.

In 2026, we’re hosting five boutique small-group tours. Check out our dates below for more information: