CINQUE TERRE ITALY

 Cinque Terre,   Italy

Nestled on the rocky coastline of the Italian Riviera, the 5 villages of Cinque Terre seem magical from the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea.   Accessible only by boat, train and walking, the area has been designated a National Park by the Italian Government and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Cinque Terre stretches from Monetrosso al Mare on the north to Riomaggiore at the southernmost tip, a distance of about 7 miles by land.  Monterosso, the largest of the villages, has lively markets and small beaches.  It has the best selection of small hotels and easy access to the ferry which serves the five villages.   Open-air cafes and bars dot the little town and prove to be a blissful escape from everyday life.   Villagers love their unique towns, and welcome visitors with open arms.   

Many people who visit Cinque Terre do so to hike the ancient footpath that connects the 5 villages.   The Sentiero Azzuro follows the coast, joining the villages and offering incredible views of the terraced vineyards and olive orchards above and the Ligurian Sea below.  The walk, which in some places is 800’ above sea level, can take up to 5 hours to complete.  Most people plan to stay for several days in Cinque Terre, and break the hike into small segments so they can linger and enjoy each village and the incredible scenery.  

Vernazza, the 2^nd village, is charming with narrow streets, small squares and arcades.  Ruins from forts dating from the Middle Ages can be found throughout the area.  The trail between Monterossa and Vernazza is the steepest, but provides the most spectacular views of the bay and villages.  While picturesque, each village is a working city, and Vernazza’s 500 full-time residents are more likely to own a boat than a car. 

Perched atop a pinnacle of rocky terraces, Corniglia is the 3^rd village of Cinque Terre.  The trail into Corniglia finishes with 358 steps!  It is the only village that does not have a harbor and seems untouched by the passage of time.  The Church of St Peter, the most beautiful of the churches in Cinque Terre, was built in 1334.   

Manarola, the 4^th village boasts the start of the famous “Via dell’Amore” or Lover’s Lane to Riomaggiore.  This part of the trail is the easiest, and can be walked in about 20 minutes.   Each of the villages developed their own dialects, and Manarola is no exception.  It is the oldest of the 5 villages, and known for it’s winemaking and excellent seafood cafes.  

All of the buildings in the villages of Cinque Terre are painted vibrant colors and Riomaggiore showcases this best!   Fishing boats clog the main road which slopes to the harbor as residents drag their boats out of the water daily.  Bar Centrale is the local “watering hole” each evening.   

If you’re looking for a unique vacation, Cinque Terre is a magical place!   Call me today to create your customized Italian vacation, highlighted by Cinque Terre!