Cinque Terre is in the Liguria region, on Italy’s west coast. The landscape is harsh, but it’s stunning in its natural beauty and rustic outlook. Meaning the “Five Lands”, it consists of the towns of Vernazza, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, Manarola and Monterosso al Mare. A Cinque Terre vacation is developed enough that creature comforts are at hand, but off the beaten track enough to see something of the authentic and less touristic Italy.
There is not a lot of modern development; instead, the charm is in the centuries-old townships and the terraces stretching and rolling down the hillside. At the bottom of the steep hills, the azure sea shines and sparkles — the landscape is the main attraction of a Cinque Terre vacation.
Because of the steep and varied terrain, the transport system is a bit all over the place. Along with your own wanderings, you’ll find boats and trains making up the longer journeys. There aren’t many cars within the boundaries of the region. To get there, try the train from La Spezia to Genoa, or a ferry from Lerici, Portovenere, Genoa’s Old Harbour or La Spezia.
There is a long walking trail that connects the five villages together. Manarola to Corniglia is the easiest of the trails, while Vernazza to Monterosso can be quite demanding. Walking during your Cinque Terre vacation is a must! All the other walks vary in difficulty, but take you through fields, vineyards and ancient olive groves. The more walking you do; the more beautiful and untouched countryside you see.
Things to do on your Cinque Terre vacation include relaxing, hiking, swimming as well as cooking classes and wine tasting in the local vineyards. Accommodation varies from resorts and villas to unusual apartments and also B and B arrangements with locals. There’s a wide variety of traditional and modern local food and wine to try too!
A Cinque Terre trip has been featured on the Top Travel Content Europe, bringing you the best stories from independent writers on Europe travel to help you plan your European vacation.
categories: cinque terre,italy,vacation
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
