The Cinque Terre, meaning five lands, comprises the five little villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The charming villages are perched spectacularly on the cliffs overlooking the sea. The area is famous for its natural beauty and spectacular hiking tracks with centuries-old footpaths and mule tracks winding through olive groves, terraced vineyards and orchards high above the sea. The villages are only a few minutes apart by train and each has its own character. There are few cars as the villages are not easily accessible by road and parking is mainly limited to the public parking in Monterosso. Levanto, Portovenere, Monterosso and La Spezia. These are excellent bases to explore the area.

Regional Hotspots:

• Monterosso – Monterosso is one of the villages along the Cinque Terre Strip which has spectacular beaches and hotels. The new and the old town area are home to both resorts and ruins of a medieval castle.
• Vernazza – Vernazza is a few headlands east of Monterosso which boosts the only natural harbour along the rocky coast. Overlooking the water, lies the gothic church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia which is full of history and culture.
• Corniglia – Corniglia is the smallest and remotest of the Cinque Terre villages, which clings to a high cliff 90m above the sea. The villages itself is floral decorated throughout offering spectacular scenery and remarkable beaches.
• Manarola – Manarola being the oldest village of the Cinque Terre, is renowned for the towns traditional local wine; Sciacchetra. The high quality of wine produced in the region entices many tourists specifically for the alcoholic beverage. From Manarola there is a walking trail between the village of Manarola and Riomaggiore called the Via dell’Amore (Love’s Trail) as well as other hiking trails throughout the scenery.
• Riomaggiore – Riomaggiore is the first of the Cinque Terre one will come across when coming from La Spezia. The village is known for its historic character and also its wine which is produced locally. Also in Riomaggiore the water and mountainside has been declared national parks which also accommodate the numerous aquariums and zoos, all with native Italian animals and sealife in them.