Day Trips from Pontremoli

The largest and most resort-like of the Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso boasts the only real sandy beach in the area. The old town features narrow caruggi (alleyways), a medieval tower, and the striking Church of San Giovanni Battista. The best base for a relaxed Cinque Terre visit.

Often considered the most picturesque of the five villages, Vernazza clusters around a tiny natural harbor dominated by the medieval Doria Castle tower. The main piazza opens directly onto the sea — perfect for an aperitivo at sunset. Climb to the castle for the best panoramic views.

The only Cinque Terre village not directly on the sea, Corniglia sits atop a 100-meter promontory surrounded by terraced vineyards. Reached by climbing the famous 382-step Lardarina stairway, it rewards visitors with the most authentic, least touristy atmosphere and sweeping coastal views.

Perhaps the most iconic image of Cinque Terre — a cascade of colorful houses tumbling down a steep cliff into the sea. Manarola is known for its excellent local wine (Sciacchetrà), dramatic swimming rocks, and the world's largest illuminated Christmas nativity scene on the hillside each December.

The southernmost and most easily accessible Cinque Terre village, Riomaggiore features dramatic tower houses stacked along a steep ravine leading to a tiny fishing harbor. It marks the start of the famous Via dell'Amore trail and offers spectacular sunset views from the castle ruins above.

A charming seaside town on the Gulf of Poets, where Shelley and Byron once found inspiration. The medieval castle overlooks a beautiful harbor lined with colorful houses and excellent seafood restaurants. Sandy beaches and crystal-clear water make it perfect for a summer day trip.

One of Italy's most photographed scenes — colorful houses lining the harbor with the dramatic Church of San Pietro perched on the rocky promontory. Visit Byron's Grotto, take a boat to the Island of Palmaria, and wander the narrow caruggi of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

A hidden gem on the Gulf of Poets — one of Italy's most beautiful borghi (villages). This tiny fishing hamlet clings to a rocky promontory with pastel houses, narrow stairways, and a church right at the water's edge. Famous for the legend of the octopus that rang the church bells to warn of a pirate attack.

A lively port city and the gateway to Cinque Terre. Explore the excellent Naval Museum, browse the covered market for fresh seafood, and stroll the palm-lined waterfront promenade. The best transport hub for exploring the entire Ligurian coast.

One of Tuscany's most charming cities, enclosed within perfectly preserved Renaissance walls that now serve as a tree-lined promenade. Rent a bicycle to ride atop the walls, explore the elliptical Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, and climb the oak-topped Torre Guinigi for panoramic views.

Beyond the famous Leaning Tower, Pisa offers the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli with its cathedral and baptistery, a vibrant university atmosphere, and excellent restaurants along the Arno River. The Baptistery's acoustics are extraordinary — don't miss the sound demonstration.

Italy's culinary capital, famous for Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma. Visit artisan producers, admire Correggio's breathtaking frescoes in the cathedral dome, and enjoy world-class opera at the Teatro Regio. The Baptistery is one of Italy's most beautiful medieval buildings.

A lively town known for its antique markets, two impressive fortresses (Firmafede and Sarzanello), and a vibrant cultural scene. The historic center is filled with artisan shops, galleries, and excellent restaurants. The August antique fair is one of Italy's largest.

A beautifully preserved medieval borgo perched on a hilltop, crowned by the imposing Malaspina Castle. The village houses a unique Masonic Museum and offers stunning panoramic views of the Taro valley. One of Italy's most beautiful villages (Borghi più belli d'Italia).

An important stop on the Via Francigena pilgrimage route, Berceto features a remarkable Romanesque cathedral with carved capitals depicting biblical scenes and mythical creatures. The charming historic center is surrounded by dramatic Apennine mountain scenery.

Dominated by one of the best-preserved Malaspina castles in the region, where Dante Alighieri is said to have stayed during his exile. The castle offers tours of its dungeons, secret passages, and panoramic terraces overlooking the Apuan Alps and the sea.

A stunning hilltop town in the Garfagnana valley, crowned by a magnificent Romanesque Duomo with panoramic views of the Apuan Alps. Known for its unique Scottish-Italian community, the Opera Barga summer festival, and a beautifully preserved medieval center. One of Italy's most beautiful borghi.

The historic capital of the Garfagnana valley, once governed by the poet Ludovico Ariosto. The imposing Rocca Ariostesca fortress dominates the town. Famous for its lively Thursday market, local farro (spelt) dishes, and as the gateway to the spectacular Garfagnana mountains.

A magical medieval town famous for the Ponte Gobbo — an ancient humpbacked bridge with eleven irregular arches, said to have been built by the devil. The 7th-century Abbey of San Colombano was one of the most important centers of learning in medieval Europe. One of Italy's most beautiful borghi.

Tuscany's most glamorous seaside resort, known for its elegant beach clubs, designer boutiques, and the dramatic backdrop of the Apuan Alps. Browse the famous Wednesday market, relax at a stabilimento balneare, and enjoy excellent seafood at the waterfront restaurants.

A lively Tuscan beach town famous for its spectacular Carnival (February-March) with enormous papier-mâché floats. The elegant Art Nouveau promenade along the seafront is lined with cafes, restaurants, and Liberty-style buildings. Wide sandy beaches stretch for kilometers.

Visit the legendary marble quarries that supplied Michelangelo and countless sculptors throughout history. Take a thrilling jeep tour into the dramatic white quarries carved into the Apuan Alps, visit sculpture workshops in town, and see the Duomo built entirely of local marble.

A spectacular natural canyon carved by the Gordana torrent, with towering rock walls and crystal-clear pools. Perfect for adventurous river trekking in summer months. Guided canyoning tours are recommended for the full experience through the narrow gorge.