Guide of Cinque Terre Itineraries The Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre The Cinque Terre, Italy

It is worth staying some days to explore the villages and the National Park along the unforgettable hiking trails suspended above the coast, on foot, horseback or mountain bike.

• Monterosso is the first village coming from Genoa and the only one to have a beach. The village holds the remains of ancient Genoese fortifications and the convent of Saint Francis dating back to the 17th century, which houses a number of paintings of significant value, such as a crucifixion from the Van Dyck school. Don't forget to taste the most famous product: Sciacchetrà raisin wine.
• Vernazza is the only real port in the Cinque Terre. It preserves part of the imposing Genoese defence walls and the beautiful church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia, built on a rocky spur. It is marvellous to wander through the narrow streets and up and down the steep stairways of this charming townlet. Ask the local diving centre about the wonderful rocky seafloor.
• Corniglia hangs above a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, surrounded by a basin of vines. It is reminiscent of the farmland further away from the Ligurian coast. Don't miss Saint Peters church, built in 1334 in Genoese gothic style with later reworkings from the baroque period.
• Manarola is perhaps the most striking of the Cinque Terre. The houses are built sheer above the sea and descend towards the marina, suspended between two rocky spurs and inhabited by brightly coloured boats. Manarola is the starting point of the famous Lovers Lane or "Via dell'Amore", a path leading to Riomaggiore, sheer above the sea.
• Riomaggiore Legend has it that was founded by Greek refugees in the 8th century. The village is set out in two formations of brightly coloured houses. The church of Saint John the Baptist has a beautiful gothic facade and a splendid rose window from the 14th century, while above the village lie the ruins of a castle. However, the most fascinating part of Riomaggiore are its houses, tall and narrow, with entrances on different levels at the front and back.

Photos courtesy of: APT Cinque Terre Golfo dei Poeti