Cinque Terre are ancient fishing villages located in the province of La Spezia, between Punta Mesco and Punta di Montenero, in which there are five small villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore.. Each one offers its suggestiveness through colorful houses and vineyards clinging to steep terraces. Cinque Terre offers beautiful footpaths with breathtaking views, churches, old castles, and, of course, the best food. The harbours are crowded with fishing boats and in typical restaurants you can taste the seafood specialties, as well as the famous Ligurian dressing: pesto.
This locality extends for more than five miles of rocky coastline enclosed by two promontories. Rocks overlooking the sea, small coves, bays, ravines, crystal-clear sea, beaches between cliffs and quite unique landscape are sure to capture your heart and soul.
HOW TO MOVE
Cinque Terre are easy to reach. The nearest airports are those of Genova and Pisa. The main train stations are Genova and La Spezia.
The best way to move around Cinque Terre is the train which offers a beautiful panoramic journey. Trains arrive every 15 minutes and the cost of a single ride is € 2.
Furthermore you can buy online the ‘cinqueterrecard’’, an unlimited all-day ticket for both trains and busses which costs € 16.
If you prefer to see the landscape from the sea you can lean on the boats that land everyday in the villages. The departures are scheduled from La Spezia, Porto Venere, Portofino and Lerici.
You could also book a taxi at fixed price ( from this site: https://www.taxi-airports-transfer.com) to enjoy a more comfortable and relaxed journey.
THE 5 VILLAGES
1) Monterosso is located to the west, close to the hills where wine and olive oil is produced. If the season allows it , Monterosso is the perfect place for swimming and diving in crystal-clear waters!
The ancient village that develops around the beach is characterized by the remains of a castle and is all to be explored on foot while getting lost in its narrow streets and souvenir shops.
2) Vernazza is the most colorful village. It is thought that his name derives from an ancient Roman family that founded the village. All the streets of Vernazza go down to the main road that ends in a lovely square, in front of the marina. This is a marvelous romantic stop or also the perfect location if you’re looking for something to eat.
3) Corniglia is probably the most suggestive of all the villages. This is the only one to be on the slopes of a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. It is a bit tricky to arrive here on foot. Indeed you need to climb the ‘’Lardarina’’, a long brick stairway of 377 steps! Located in the upper part of Corniglia is the Church of San Pietro, a must see.
4) What amazes the most of Manarola is to find all the village in its main street, between old shops, typical restaurants and colorful fishing boats. The whole village is located in front of the main street with its tower-houses, the Gothic church of San Lorenzo and the curious cement pyramid that appears between the buildings.
5) Last but not least there’s Riomaggiore. Here there are so many places to stop and eat freshly caught fish. Little and typical shops are really handy if you’re searching for the perfect souvenir for your friends. Here begins the famous ‘’Via dell’Amore’’ which at the moment is unfortunately closed.
