The five fishing communities of the Cinque Terre are the most iconic highlight of the Italian Riviera. Set amid some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the planet, these beautiful, colorful towns can bolster the most jaded of spirits. […]
The five fishing communities of the Cinque Terre are the most iconic highlight of the Italian Riviera. Set amid some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the planet, these beautiful, colorful towns can bolster the most jaded of spirits. The five villages are no longer the isolated hamlets they once were, but there’s still a feeling of authenticity here, with few roads, perfectly preserved architecture and a network of stunning coastal and mountain trails.
Riomaggiore
Cinque Terre’s easternmost village, Riomaggiore is the largest of the five and acts as its unofficial headquarters. Its peeling pastel buildings march down a steep ravine to a small harbour which is the region’s favourite postcard view, and glow romantically at sunset, which is best appreciated from the sea.
Vernazza
Vernazza‘s small harbor – the only secure landing point on the Cinque Terre coast – guards what is perhaps the quaintest, and steepest, of the five villages. Lined with little cafes, the main cobbled street Via Roma links seaside Piazza Marconi with the train station. Side streets lead on to the village’s trademark caruggi (narrow streets), where sea views pop at every turn.
Manarola
Bequeathed with more grapevines than any other Cinque Terre village, Manarola is famous for its sweet Sciacchetrà wine. Built on a high rock 70 metres above sea level, it is one of the most charming and romantic of the Cinque Terre villages.The tiny harbor features a boat ramp, picturesque multicoloured houses facing the sea, a tiny piazza with seafood restaurants. The bustling main street and waterfront promenade are still lined with fishing boats and other such reminders of everyday village life.
Corniglia
Corniglia is an ancient Roman village that has a long and rich agricultural tradition. The village is surrounded on three sides by vineyards and terraces. Its architecture is closer to that of a rural inland village than that of a coastal village. Corniglia is connected to the other villages of the Cinque Terre by well kept footpaths, maintained by the park staff. Its tranquil, tangled streets lead to a broad and breezy sea-facing terrace, the only vantage point from where you can see (and photograph) all five villages at once.
Monterosso
This is the largest of the five coastal villages known as the Cinque Terre. The village is located on hills cultivated with lemons, vines and olives. Its amazing beaches, its beautiful reefs and the sea’s crystal clear waters make this small village one of the most desired in the region. Monterosso is divided in two parts marked by the medieval tower of Aurora. The new part of town, Fegina, is full of life, it is the reflection of an area that tourism has made rich, as the great quantity and excellent quality of hotels and restaurants give evidence. The old town of Monterosso is dominated by the ruins of the castle and characterized by typical narrow medieval streets, carruggi, with multi-coloured terraced houses.
PORTOFINO
Experience the beauty of Portofino, an exclusive seaside village, situated only an hour away from the Cinque Terre. One of the most popular resort towns on the Italian Riviera, little Portofino has just over 500 permanent residents. But that all changes on summer days when the sun is shining and the yachting set drops anchor in the harbor to wander about. Boutiques, art galleries, cafes and restaurants line the tiny streets.
This pearl of the Mediterranean is today one of the most renowned tourist resorts in the world and every year attracts thousands of travelers including artists, politicians and celebrities of international level.