Summer is in full swing in Cinque Terre in June, with continually rising temperatures, rapidly dropping rainfall amounts, and increased daylight hours. The tourists have descended on the area in full force to explore the five villages that make up this part of the Italian Riviera. With a full 10 hours of sunshine each day, you'll have plenty of time to explore one or more of the villages, hiking between each one to enjoy the mountainous regions too.
The average daily temperature in this part of Italy is 22°C (about 72°F), almost perfect weather. With the northerly winds blowing in from the Alpine mountains, the humidity stays low too, making for some very comfortable summer conditions. The lows drop down to 18°C (about 64°F), so a light jacket or sweater at night would be fine. During the day, bring along the summer clothing like short-sleeves shirts, shorts, and sandals. You'll want a good pair of walking shoes too for exploring.
The highs jump up to 26°C (about 79°F) during the daytime. With abundant sunshine and low rainfall, you'll want to pack the sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen to avoid a nasty sunburn. The average rainfall this month is 55 mm. That amount falls over five days, so you'll probably see mostly sun during your holiday. Any rain that does occur will generally be short-lived. You can definitely do some swimming and try water sports this month with an average sea temperature of 20°C (around 68°F).
Though rare, the area does see some high and low temperature extremes. In 1985, the resort experienced the highest recorded temperature, all the way up to 31°C (about 88°F). The lowest recorded temperature took place in 1993, when the low dropped down to freezing, 0°C (around 32°F), even colder than the normal wintertime temperatures for this part of the world.
The La Colonnina Hotel sits only minutes from the beach and the harbour in the town of Monterosso. Choose from the single, double, or triple room configurations, all with marble bathrooms and tasteful décor. If you're travelling with your family, check out the family room with separate bedroom and additional beds. Some of the rooms offer private terraces and town views and every guest is treated to breakfast each morning.
Located on the main street in Riomaggiore, Locanda del Sole is a newer hotel built in the traditional terraced style you see throughout Cinque Terre. The 10 double rooms all come with private bathrooms and large terraces with sun loungers to enjoy the beautiful June weather. Along with breakfast on your terrace, the hotel offers picnic lunches for you to take along on excursions or tours.
Surrounded by beautiful olive trees, NiRia treats guests to a quiet and peaceful holiday away in Cinque Terre. The inn is located in the village of Riomaggiore, in the National Park of Cinque Terre. With only three double rooms, you're guaranteed personalized attention from the friendly staff. All the rooms have private bathrooms, terraces, breakfast each morning, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and satellite television.
The Fegina Beach in Monterosso is the only sandy beach in Cinque Terre and a great place to swim with an average sea temperature in June reaching 20°C (around 68°F). It has numerous amenities for guests including the Bagni Fegina club. The club offers raft rentals, as well as beach umbrellas, loungers, and chairs. It also offers dressing rooms and showers, or if you want more privacy, you can get a private dressing cabin. Other nearby amenities include restaurant, bar, and pizzeria.
Tucked into the hillside right above the Ligurian Sea, L'Ancora della Tortuga in Monterosso serves up delicious seafood and pasta dishes. The restaurant has an indoor dining room, as well as an outdoor terrace that makes you feel like your eating right over the beautiful blue water. The menu includes dishes like fried octopus, duck, pumpkin ravioli, risotto with pesto and prawns, and fresh bread to start every meal.
At Ristorante Miky in Monterosso, you'll enjoy a menu full of Mediterranean and Italian favourites. Definitely try the anchovy appetiser, where you'll get to taste the famous Cinque Terre delicacy cooked seven different ways. Other menu favourites include the risotto, seared tuna, and ratatouille. Because it's a popular spot with locals and tourists, make reservations so you don't have to wait for a table.
Situated in the terraced cliffs of Manarola, Trattoria Dal Billy provides guests with fresh pasta and seafood dishes. The four-course menu includes traditional Italian dishes like antipasto plates, short pasta with pesto, and fish carpaccio. You'll also get to try seafood entrees such as stuffed mussels and baked or grilled fish, caught fresh right from the sea. Along with amazing food, you'll enjoy astounding views from the outdoor seating.
In June, don't miss the Festival of San Giovanno Battista in Monterosso. The festival starts at the beginning of the month, when the children of the town collect old trash and possessions. They then burn them in a huge bonfire on the beach during the festivities. Other festival events include fireworks, religious processions, and releasing candle-lit floating lanterns on the beach.
Take advantage of the warm sea temperatures in June and explore the crystal blue waters with 5Terre Diving. Whether you're a seasoned scuba veteran, or new to the sport, 5Terre offers classes at all levels. They also rent equipment if you want to go out on your own. If diving isn't your thing, the company has snorkelling excursions for you to explore the gorgeous waters in Cinque Terre.
Offering day tours all over Italy, Voyager Tours has a Walking Cinque Terre excursion for those wanting a little guidance as they explore the villages. The seven-hour tour visits three or four of Cinque Terre's villages, hiking the trails that connect the towns. During the tour, you'll learn about the history and culture of the area, get to take part in wine tasting and have lunch at a local restaurant.