You land on the Italian Riviera as October slips into November. The coast slows down, locals reclaim their routines, and the sea still holds a bit of warmth. The narrow lanes echo with daily life, not just tourists. This week’s your chance to see Liguria without the usual rush—fewer crowds, more real moments.
You can wander, taste, and explore at your own pace—from cliffside paths to quiet coves and food festivals. Each spot shows off a different side of the region, shaped by the season and the people who call it home. Here are ten ways to experience why autumn here feels so rewarding.
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1) Hike the Cinque Terre trails
Trekking between the five Cinque Terre villages is a classic way to see the Ligurian coast. The trails wind through vineyards and along cliffs, opening up to those iconic sea views. Walking from town to town, you get a feel for the region’s pace and landscape.
The Blue Trail is the most popular, connecting all five villages. Some sections, like Via dell’Amore, might finally reopen after repairs—though it’s smart to check local updates before you go.
Want quieter paths? Try the hillside trails above the towns. They’re tougher, but the open views are worth it. Grab a map from Cinque Terre National Park or chat with a local guide to pick a route that fits your energy and schedule.
Good shoes, water, and an early start help. Hiking here isn’t just exercise—it’s how you slip into the coastal rhythm.
2) Explore Portofino village
Catch a ferry from Santa Margherita Ligure or stroll the coastal path to Portofino. The tiny harbor greets you with pastel houses, bobbing boats, and calm water reflecting the hills.
Wander the narrow lanes, pop into boutiques, or grab a coffee in the main square. If you climb up to Castello Brown, you’ll find a quiet lookout over the bay.
Craving more sea? Rent a boat or hop on a cruise to nearby coves. Paraggi Beach, just a kilometer away, has clear water for a swim—plus those famous beach clubs, as Lonely Planet points out.
Portofino feels a little glossier than other Riviera towns, with its luxury shops and chic restaurants. But mornings and evenings are still peaceful, and you can sense its fishing village roots, just like Tripadvisor describes.
3) Visit San Fruttuoso Abbey
San Fruttuoso Abbey is tucked away—you can only reach it by boat or on foot, which keeps things quiet. Ferries run from Camogli, Portofino, and Rapallo, and the ride itself is a treat.
The abbey dates to the 10th century and once housed Benedictine monks. Its stone arches and seaside courtyard have seen a lot, shaped by faith and the sea. Inside, you’ll find simple chapels and artifacts kept by the Italian heritage trust.
If hiking’s your thing, take the trail from Portofino through the regional park. It’s steep in places, but the sea views and shaded paths make it worthwhile. Bring water and sturdy shoes.
After exploring, maybe take a swim or grab lunch at a waterfront café. The cove’s colorful homes and clear water are perfect for photos. For more details, try this complete guide or check how to get there and what to see.
4) Swim at Monterosso al Mare beach
Monterosso al Mare stands out in the Cinque Terre for its long sandy beach—no rocky scramble, just a short walk from the train station to the water.
Fegina Beach is the main spot, with calm, clear water that’s great for swimming. Even on weekends, there’s usually space, but mornings are the quietest. You can rent an umbrella and chair or just claim a patch of sand.
The old town is close by, so you’re never far from a café or a gelato. After your swim, wander the pastel streets or duck into a trattoria.
Monterosso’s easygoing beach vibe gives you a peek at local life. If you want to plan ahead, check out 9 must-do activities in Monterosso al Mare or browse Tripadvisor’s top attractions.
5) Dine on fresh seafood in Camogli
Camogli’s quieter than most Riviera towns, with a working harbor where fishing boats still head out each morning. The restaurants serve what’s caught that day, usually grilled or tossed with pasta and local olive oil. The vibe is genuine—families have run these places for generations.
Need ideas? Here’s a list of the best seafood restaurants in Camogli. Many line the seafront, so you can watch the boats glide in at dusk. Prices range, but even the simpler trattorias keep standards high—freshness is everything here.
Menus lean on anchovies, mussels, and cuttlefish, with a focus on Ligurian simplicity. You won’t find many international dishes, which honestly just keeps things authentic. For English reviews and reservations, TheFork’s Camogli seafood listings are handy.
Dinner here is slow and easy, matching the town’s pace. If you want to catch the sunset, arrive early—watch the sky change over the pebble beach before the tables fill up.
6) Boat tour along the Ligurian coast
You really see the Riviera’s beauty from the water. A boat tour lets you admire pastel towns and terraced hills from a different angle. Even in late October, the sea usually stays gentle enough for a smooth ride.
Most travelers book group or private cruises via Tripadvisor or GetYourGuide. These often stop in Portofino, San Fruttuoso, or the Cinque Terre. If the weather’s right, you might even get a swim in.
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Prefer something quieter? Local charters like those in Secret Bays & Postcard Beaches: Boat Tour in Liguria can take you to hidden coves the bigger boats skip. Facilities are basic but the experience feels more personal.
Bring a jacket—the breeze can get chilly late in the day. Check the weather, since autumn storms sometimes cancel trips. A few hours on the water gives you a sense of Liguria’s balance—life on shore, peace at sea.
7) Wine tasting in the hills near La Spezia
Spend an afternoon in the vineyards above La Spezia, where small family wineries make Vermentino and Colli di Luni wines. The hills are close—easy by car or a shuttle from town. Most tours include a walk through the vines before tasting.
Local winemakers keep groups small, so you can actually chat and try several vintages. Tours like those on Tripadvisor or GetYourGuide often serve snacks—focaccia, cheese, that sort of thing.
If you want a more laid-back setting, some vineyards near Manarola and Riomaggiore offer tastings in old stone cellars, as Winedering lists. Most last about an hour, and groups rarely top 16 people.
Wear comfy shoes and bring a jacket. The hills cool off fast in autumn, but the calm and slower pace make this a relaxing way to spend a day.
8) Discover colorful houses in Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore’s houses stack up along the cliffs, painted in reds, yellows, and pinks. Fishermen once used the colors to spot their homes from the sea—a tradition that still gives the village its look.
Wander the old town’s narrow lanes and watch daily life unfold between the tall, slim buildings. The streets buzz with local shops and cafés serving Ligurian specialties. For an overview of the layout and highlights, check this Riomaggiore travel guide.
From the harbor, you get that classic view of houses tumbling toward the sea. The light changes everything—bright at noon, golden at sunset. It’s one of the most photographed scenes in the Cinque Terre, and honestly, you’ll probably want your own shot.
Want to plan your time? The top things to do in Riomaggiore can help you mix sightseeing, short hikes, and a meal by the water.
9) Kayak around Portovenere
Portovenere’s coastline begs to be seen from the water. Kayaking lets you glide past cliffs, caves, and the colorful harborfront that make this village a UNESCO site. Most tours run from spring to autumn, but a few outfitters still rent kayaks or lead trips in late October if the weather holds.
You’ll get a decent workout paddling past Byron’s Grotto and through the narrow channel by Palmaria Island. The currents are manageable—beginners with some paddling experience can handle it. Bring a jacket; the sea breeze is no joke this time of year.
You can book with local operators or through platforms like Tripadvisor’s Italian Riviera kayaking listings. They usually include gear and a quick lesson before you launch.
After paddling, relax at a harbor café or stroll the seafront up to the Church of St. Peter. The blend of sea adventure and village charm makes Portovenere a satisfying stop—somehow lively, but never hectic.
10) Attend a local food festival
Picture arriving on the Italian Riviera in late October, just as small towns start celebrating the harvest. Villages host sagre—community food fairs that center on whatever’s in season: chestnuts, mushrooms, olive oil. Here, you get a real taste of regional cooking and the rhythms of local life.
You’ll find plenty of options in guides like The best Italian food festivals to visit in October 2025. Ligurian towns put on tastings, outdoor lunches, and pairings with local wine. The vibe is easygoing—families hang out, producers chat about their craft, and nobody’s in a rush.
Most festivals happen in a village square or a community hall—don’t expect anything fancy. Prices stay low, and proceeds usually help out local groups. Bring cash; card readers aren’t a given in these smaller places.
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If you’re after art and food together, check out events like Portofino Art Week, where you’ll see exhibitions mixed with culinary happenings. Food festivals here aren’t about spectacle—they’re about connecting with people, the land, and the season’s best flavors.
Planning Your Italian Riviera Visit
Late October on the Riviera? It’s mild, with fewer crowds and better hotel deals. You can wander the coastal villages in peace, but the weather flips quickly, so staying flexible helps. Once you get the hang of local trains and ferries, getting around feels pretty straightforward.
Weather and Packing Tips for Late October
Daytime highs hover around 18–21°C (64–70°F). Nights dip to about 12°C (54°F). Rain shows up now and then, especially along the Ligurian coast, so toss a light waterproof jacket in your bag and wear shoes with good grip—cobblestones get slick.
Layering is your friend. Stuff a light sweater, scarf, and compact umbrella into your day bag. Locals dress neatly, even when casual—think neutral colors and simple cuts, not gym gear.
The sea sits at about 20°C (68°F)—brisk, but some folks still swim in sheltered spots like Monterosso or Sestri Levante. If you’re tempted, pack a swimsuit.
Planning to hike Cinque Terre trails? Check for closures after rain. Paths get slippery, and sometimes they shut sections for repairs. You’ll find updates on the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre site or at tourist offices.
Navigating Local Transportation
The regional train network makes it easy to hop between coastal towns. Trains run often between La Spezia, Genoa, and Ventimiglia, hitting all the main stops. Buy tickets at machines or online, and don’t forget to validate before you board.
Ferries link ports like Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and the Cinque Terre villages—when the sea’s calm, anyway. In late October, schedules thin out, so double-check times at the dock.
Buses cover short hops to inland villages and hill towns, but they’re less frequent on weekends. Worth planning ahead.
Driving gives you freedom, but parking’s a headache in old town centers. Most people park outside and switch to public transport. For maps and advice, Discover Italian Riviera has your back.
Cultural Insights and Seasonal Events
Late October on the Riviera is a different pace—local traditions, autumn flavors, and a quieter scene that shows how people actually live once the summer crowds leave.
Traditional Autumn Festivals
Coastal and inland villages mark the olive and chestnut harvests this week. Places like Sestri Levante and Dolceacqua usually host sagre—the kind where you try roasted chestnuts, local olive oil, and focaccia di Recco. These gatherings keep the region’s farming traditions alive and offer a chance to mingle with locals in a laid-back setting.
Crowds are smaller, the mood’s informal. You’ll hear folk music, sip local wine, and browse artisan stalls in the main square. Event details change year to year, but guides like Italy in October: Festival & Holiday Calendar cover similar happenings across Liguria.
Head inland and you might stumble on truffle markets or little feasts for patron saints. These aren’t tourist shows—they’re simple, genuine slices of Italian life.
Local Cuisine to Try This Week
As autumn settles in, menus lean into heartier flavors that seem to fit the chill. You’ll spot mushroom risotto, pumpkin ravioli, and even wild boar stew popping up in cozy village trattorias. Seasonal seafood—anchovies from Monterosso, for example—sticks around too, usually grilled or tossed in lemon.
Restaurants love to show off olive oil from the latest harvest, and honestly, it’s worth trying just for that peppery kick. Grab some trofie al pesto if you’re in the mood for pasta; the basil comes straight from those salty Ligurian gardens. And if you’ve got room for dessert, castagnaccio (that dense, nutty chestnut cake) only makes an appearance this time of year.
Curious about where to find these? Glance at local event calendars like 10 Exciting Things to Do in the Italian Riviera This Week for food festivals and gatherings—there’s a good chance you’ll catch these dishes made by chefs who know what they’re doing.
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About the Italian Riviera
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