Top Cinque Terre Sunset Cruises

Travelers have rave reviews about a number of Cinque Terre sunset cruises, but these are among the best-rated tours:

• Cinque Terre Sunset Boat Tour Experience
• Cinque Terre Sunset Tour by Boat
• 2-Hour Boat Tour at sunset in the Cinque Terre with Pesto Tasting and Focaccia
• Private Boat Tour Along the Cinque Terre
• Cinque Terre Sunset Tour with Pesto and Typical Wine

Yes, Cinque Terre sunset cruises are worth it. The towns get a lot of foot traffic in the warmer months, so getting out on the water is the perfect way to escape the crowds while enjoying a golden-hour glass of wine and unforgettable coastline views.

If you’re OK with joining a group of up to 12 people, you can sign up for most Cinque Terre sunset boat tours for US$100–US$150. Another option is hiring a private boat, which costs more than US$500–US$600 per group.

Evening cruises run for two to three hours, meaning you can admire the towns of Cinque Terre during golden hour, while the sun sets, and when the twinkling lights turn on at dusk. Most tours include drinks and light bites instead of a meal, so you may want to plan for a late dinner after your boat ride.

Cinque Terre sunset cruises are offered in most of the five towns, meaning you can easily book a tour whether you’re staying in Monterosso or Manarola. If your meeting point is in a different village along the Cinque Terre, don’t worry: Trains run frequently along the coastline and are very quick.

There is no shortage of spectacular sunset viewpoints along the Cinque Terre, whether you catch the rays from the Sentiero Azzurro hiking trail or while sipping a spritz at a waterside bar. To watch the light change the brightly colored buildings on the coastline, your best bet is to see the sunset from an evening boat tour.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Cinque Terre aside from sunset cruises. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Snorkeling

• Cooking Classes

• Stand-Up Paddleboarding

• Kayaking

• Private Sightseeing

Cinque Terre sunset cruise prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• 2-Hour Boat Tour at sunset in the Cinque Terre with Pesto tasting and focaccia

• Cinque Terre Sunset Tour by Boat

• Cinque Terre Sunset Cruise with Aperitif from Monterosso

• Cinque Terre Sunset Boat Tour Unique Shared Experience

• 2 Hr Shared Cinque Terre Sunset Cruise with Swim Stop {wine inc!}

Before booking a Cinque Terre sunset cruise, check the tour’s departure point and whether or not it’s private—some sunset cruises might be for your group only, while others could be shared with up to a dozen other travelers. Be sure to read what’s provided on the boat; most tours include snacks and wine, but others may allow you to bring your own refreshments.

Tips for your Cinque Terre sunset cruise include packing an extra layer and a towel if you’ll be swimming, as it might get chilly as the sun sets. Use the cruise as a chance to get photos of the coastline at golden hour and to learn more about Cinque Terre—your local guide should have stories about the history of the five towns and recommendations about where to go during your trip.

It’s best to book Cinque Terre sunset cruises between May and September. Tour options may be limited in the colder months, and summer has the best conditions for sailing and swimming in the warm Ligurian sea. Plus, the sunset is later this time of year, giving you more flexibility to book other activities before your evening cruise.