Cinque Terre is known for its breathtaking scenery, picturesque villages, and 5 idyllic seaside towns hugging the coastline on the Italian Riviera.

The region is popular for travelers seeking sun, sea, and sand, but what about after the sun goes down? While Cinque Terre may not be known for its nightlife, there are plenty of bars and lounges where visitors can unwind and enjoy a refreshing drink or two. Let’s take a look at some of the best bars in Cinque Terre to visit during your time in the region.

Cinque Terre’s Bar Scene: Chill and Laid-Back

Nestled along the rugged Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre stands out as a beacon of calm in a sea of bustling tourist destinations. Unlike other locales in Italy and Europe that are famous for their lively beach club scenes and endless partying, visitors here can expect a more laid-back and serene atmosphere, with an abundance of cozy bars and intimate lounges that cater to visitors seeking a peaceful and low-key holiday.

In Cinque Terre, the emphasis is on slowing down and immersing oneself in the beauty of the surroundings, rather than on wild nights of revelry. Most establishments in the area close early, allowing the towns to remain quiet and undisturbed and ensuring that those nearby can enjoy a restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep. This is particularly important in these small towns, where sound travels easily, and the locals take great pride in preserving the tranquil ambiance that draws tourists to the region.

Cinque Terre is the perfect vacation destination for those seeking magnificent natural beauty, genuine hospitality, and a relaxed and laid-back vibe. It’s a refreshing break from the chaos and commotion of city life and a true gem of the Italian coastline.

In short, if you’re looking for a non-stop party scene, Cinque Terre may not be the best option, particularly after dark. However, if you’re looking to unwind and enjoy a drink or two, with cozy bars boasting breathtaking coastal views and intimate lounges serving up delectable cocktails and locally sourced wines, then start choosing between the villages of Cinque Terre for your next holiday!

Best Bars in Corniglia, Cinque Terre

Corniglia is the middle village of Cinque Terre, perched on a promontory over 100 meters above the sea. It’s the smallest and only accessible by a 382-step pathway from the train station. Corniglia is known for its tranquility, stunning views of the Mediterranean, and vineyards, not bars, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be completely out of luck here.

La Scuna

La Scuna is the epitome of Corniglia’s nightlife scene, a bustling spot that comes to life after the sun sets. A delightful combination of style and substance, this bar boasts an extensive menu of refreshing beers, exquisite wines, and handcrafted cocktails that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. What sets La Scuna apart, however, is its breathtaking terrace, which provides an idyllic vantage point to soak in the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscapes.

As the sun descends below the horizon, visitors can unwind and relax in the cozy ambiance while indulging in their favorite drinks. The bar’s late-night hours add to its appeal, making it the perfect spot to linger after a delicious dinner.

Location: Via Fieschi, 185, 19018 Corniglia SP, Italy

Bar Terza Terra di Cadario Alison

Bar Terza Terra di Cadario Alison is a hidden gem that captivates the senses with its stunning views and delectable offerings. Located in the heart of Saint Mary’s Terrace, this clifftop balcony terrace provides panoramic views of the turquoise waters that stretch as far as the eye can see. As you step onto the sun-warmed walls, you’ll be greeted with the warm and welcoming atmosphere that this bar is renowned for.

Although the bar is temporarily closed, its reopening in the summer is eagerly anticipated by locals and visitors alike. The friendly staff are known for their attentive service and are always happy to recommend the perfect drink to complement your experience. The journey from the bar to the terrace may be a bit of a hike, but the breathtaking view that awaits you makes it all worthwhile. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing beer or a tantalizing cocktail, the diverse drink menu at Bar Terza Terra is something to look forward to.

Location: Via Fieschi, 215, 19018 Corniglia SP, Italy

KM0

Located in the heart of Corniglia, KM0 is a cozy and intimate bar that’s perfect for a relaxing evening. The bar is known for its locally-sourced ingredients, which are used to create a variety of delicious cocktails and wines. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with comfortable seating and dim lighting that creates a romantic and intimate ambiance. Bartenders are skilled in their craft, able to whip up a tasty and refreshing drink with ease.

One of the standout features of KM0 is its terrace, which offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can sit back and relax with a refreshing drink in hand, while watching the sun dip below the horizon and enjoying the stunning beauty of the region. If you’re looking for a low-key and relaxed evening in Corniglia, KM0 is the perfect choice. With a cozy ambiance, delicious drinks, and stunning views, this bar is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Location: Via Fieschi, 151, 19018 Corniglia SP, Italy

Instagram: @km0_corniglia

Best Bars in Vernazza, Cinque Terre

Vernazza is a picturesque town in Cinque Terre known for its stunning harbor, colorful houses, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Although Vernazza is a small town, it has a thriving bar scene that caters to visitors seeking a relaxing and enjoyable evening.

It even hosts an annual Pirate Festival during which the town comes alive with music, entertainment, and festivities celebrating the pirate attacks of the medieval era. But that’s not the only time an evening out in Vernazza can be enjoyable.

Ananasso Bar

Located in the heart of the main piazza beside the harbor and beach, Ananasso is the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the laid-back atmosphere of Vernazza. The bar’s cozy terrace is always crowded with locals and tourists alike, enjoying a refreshing cocktail or aperitivo while taking in the stunning views of the harbor. With its friendly staff and delicious drinks, Ananasso is a must-visit spot for those seeking a relaxed and enjoyable evening in Vernazza.

Location: Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, 30, 19018 Vernazza SP, Italy

Blue Marlin Bar

Blue Marlin Bar is a favorite among visitors to Vernazza, thanks to its delicious food and lively atmosphere. The bar is situated conveniently just below Vernazza train station. This vibrant bar offers a variety of delicious drinks, from outstanding coffee to refreshing limoncello and classic Italian cocktails. The atmosphere at Blue Marlin is always lively, with great music and friendly staff who make visitors feel right at home. It’s no surprise that visitors return here again and again to enjoy the fantastic nightlife and vibe of this iconic Vernazza bar.

Location: Via Roma, 47, 19018 Vernazza SP, Italy

Instagram: @barbluemarlin

Best Bars in Manarola, Cinque Terre

Manarola is the second-smallest village in the Cinque Terre region, but it still has some lively and bustling bars. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing drink with a view or a lively night out with music, Manarola has something for everyone.

Nessun Dorma

Located on a clifftop overlooking the Mediterranean, Nessun Dorma offers breathtaking views of Manarola’s iconic pastel-colored houses in a bit of a more upscale experience. The bar serves refreshing cocktails, including the Basilito made with tequila, lime, sugar, tonic, and basil puree. Visitors can also indulge in small plates for dinner or attend a pesto-making masterclass. The bar also boasts an impressive selection of wines produced by Cantina 5 Terre. An absolute must-stop on any trip through Cinque Terre.

Location: Località Punta Bonfiglio, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy

La Cantina dello Zio Bramante

Nestled below street level on Manarola’s main street, this lively and welcoming bar stays open until midnight and features live music most summer nights. Visitors can enjoy a glass of chianti classico while listening to live acoustic guitar, vocals, and harmonica. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, with friendly staff and fine service. Be sure to try their house wine, produced in Cinque Terre, which many visitors have praised for its taste and quality.

Location: Via Renato Birolli, 110, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy

Cantina Burasca

This cantina may be small, but it packs a big punch. The interior is charming and cozy, with indoor and outdoor seating available. The menu offers tasty sandwiches, good focaccia, delicious wine, white wine, and liqueur. Visitors appreciate the friendly and creative staff and fine service, with many noting that the prices are also adequate for the quality of the experience. The bar is located near Chiesa di San Lorenzo, making it a convenient spot for a post-sightseeing drink. Many visitors have raved about the local wine, which can be tasted in flights or by the glass.

Location: Via Antonio Discovolo, snc, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy

Best Bars in Monterosso, Cinque Terre

Monterosso al Mare is a beautiful seaside town located in the heart of the Cinque Terre and the only village with a long, sandy beach making it a popular destination for relaxing by the water. Monterosso al Mare boasts Cinque Terre’s only beachfront promenade along Fegina Beach with beach clubs where visitors can barhop or join the crowds of young drinkers on the sand

Bar Colpi di Timone

For a charming nautical-themed experience, head to Bar Colpi di Timone in Monterosso. The bar’s garden terrace overlooks the sea, creating a perfect ambiance for enjoying the salty sea air. Visitors can sip on their favorite brew, including unusual ales and stouts, while enjoying fresh fruit that can show up in your glass. The friendly staff is always available to recommend their favorite brew.

Location: Via Fegina, 46, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy

Instagram: @barcolpiditimone2.0

Enoteca Internazionale

If you are a wine enthusiast, Enoteca Internazionale in Monterosso is the perfect spot for you. Owned by the Barbieri family, this specialty shop offers an extensive wine list, including Ligurian wines, Italian wines, and wines from other countries. The wine flights offer five different wines, each produced in one of the five Cinque Terre towns. The cheese and salami platters, along with the remarkable bruschetta, complement the wine-tasting experience. The shop’s relaxed ambiance makes it a perfect spot for a pre-dinner aperitivo or even a leisurely afternoon of wine tasting.

Location: Via Roma, 62, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy

Stella Marina Beach Bar

Stella Marina Beach Bar is the perfect spot for those who enjoy drinking while enjoying a beautiful sea view. The bar offers a wide range of drinks, including local wines, beers, and cocktails, which are accompanied by delicious treats for the palate, such as bruschettas, salads, and fruit. The beach resort offers a tranquil and entertaining atmosphere, making every moment of the day an undeniable pleasure. Visitors can enjoy a day of relaxation at the beach or a brief pause at the beach bar to sip a drink, have lunch, or have an aperitif on the terrace with a panoramic view of the entire Cinque Terre. The beach club has been run by the same family since the 80s, with a particular focus on preserving the atmosphere of friendliness, spontaneity, and understanding that has always been among the principal characteristics of the Monterosso lido.

Location: Via Fegina, 9, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy

Instagram: @beachbar_stellamarina

Best Bars in Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

Riomaggiore, the southernmost village of Cinque Terre, is known for its harbor, narrow streets, and charming pastel-colored houses. If you’re looking for the most lively town in Cinque Terre to stay in during your holiday, this is definitely the town to choose.

Bar O’Netto

Tucked under an arched terrace on the main drag, Bar O’Netto is the closest thing Riomaggiore has to a dive bar and Lonely Planet describes it as “Riomaggiore’s liveliest drinking den”. That’s not a dig, this bar has a great vibe and a selection of draft beers that are sure to please any beer enthusiast. It stays open until 1 a.m., one of the latest closing times in Cinque Terre.

Beyond its large selection of craft beers, the bar offers house wine or Italian beer on tap. Weizen comes in a pottery mug that keeps the beer cold, making it even more enjoyable. The bar offers a nice view of the Main Street. It’s a popular spot in Cinque Terre for anyone who prefers a dive scene on an evening out.

Location: Via Malborghetto, 4, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy

Instagram: @official_bar.onetto.2013

Vertical Lounge Bar

The Vertical Lounge Bar is the perfect spot if you’re looking for carefully-prepared cocktails, which are served in copper tankards or coconut halves. It’s one of the only places offering a complete and upscale mixology experience in Cinque Terre and is the center of a lively social scene in Riomaggiore. It’s especially popular with young travelers and couples, who linger until 3 a.m.

Charismatic owner Firenzo encourages mingling, and the music is cranked up after dark, so be prepared to make new friends. The bar specializes in Spanish cuisine, offering tasty sandwiches, anchovy, and focaccia. The atmosphere is relaxed and perfect for relaxing with a good parfait, che, or croissants. The bar offers delicious draft beer, Spritz, and house wine among their drinks, and the waitstaff serves great cappuccino, fresh juices, or iced coffee, according to reviewers. The bar has both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great choice for any season. The atmosphere is homey and welcoming, and the mixology and original cocktails are legitimate.

Location: Via Colombo, 76, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy

A Pié de Mà

A Pié de Mà is a cozy bar and restaurant that offers stunning views of the sea from its terrace. It only stays open until 10 p.m., but it’s still worth a stop for a glass of beer or wine on the terrace. The bar specializes in Cinque Terre wines and refined cuisine, making it one of our top picks for Cinque Terre dining.

It’s quieter and more out of the way than the restaurants and bars by the marina. The view of the coast and rocks below, as well as down onto the train station, is really nice. We recommend sitting out from under the cover if you can. A Pié de Mà is known for its well-priced Moscato wine by the glass, which is tasty and refreshing.

Location: Via dell’Amore, 55, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy

Nightlife Beyond Cinque Terre

While Cinque Terre may not be known for its bustling nightlife, visitors looking for a more active scene might consider visiting nearby cities for a livelier party scene.

One popular spot in La Spezia is the H2O Club, which offers an unbeatable outdoor pool and dance floor combination. Visitors can dance the night away under the stars, feeling the refreshing spray of the pool water as they move to the beat.

For those seeking an even more vibrant nightlife experience, the city of Genoa is just an hour away by train. Genoa is known for its bustling city center, where the streets come alive at night with music, laughter, and clinking glasses. There are several bars and clubs to choose from, catering to a range of tastes and styles.

And if you’re willing to travel a bit further, Milan is just a two-hour train ride away from Cinque Terre. The fashion capital of Italy is renowned for a never-ending supply of trendy rooftop bars and fashionable clubs for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.

Bottom line

While Cinque Terre may not be the liveliest destination for nightlife, visitors can still find plenty of cozy bars and lounges to unwind and enjoy a few drinks. After all, this is a beautiful and serene region on the Italian Riviera, known for its breathtaking scenery, picturesque villages, and idyllic seaside towns. While it may not be known for its nightlife, visitors can still enjoy a relaxing evening in one of the many cozy bars and intimate lounges.

The emphasis in Cinque Terre is on slowing down and immersing oneself in the beauty of the surroundings, rather than on wild nights of revelry. Most places close early, allowing for a peaceful and rejuvenating night’s sleep. That said, whether you’re looking for stunning clifftop views, a comprehensive wine experience, or simply a laid-back ambiance, you’ll probably find a good option in this list of the best bars in Cinque Terre. From the laid-back bar scene in Corniglia to the lively social scene in Riomaggiore, visitors are sure to find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a drink or two. So, grab a drink, soak up the scenery, and enjoy a memorable night out in Cinque Terre.