Cinque Terre

The five hamlets of the "Cinque Terre" are located on the west coast of the Riviera; the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore either cling to the cliff face or are concealed in miniature inlets perfectly blending in to this unique and unspoilt landscape. The area has been turned into a National Park and proclaimed heritage of mankind by UNESCO. Monterosso is renowned for the unspoilt architecture of the medieval centre, now a thriving cultural centre, with pleasant beaches. The topography of Vernazza is outstanding : tower-like buildings flank the narrow alleyways leading down to the anchorage wich is set in a fairy-tale bay. The medieval hamlets of Manarola, perched on a rock outcrop and Riomaggiore are linked by a footpath cut out of the sheer rock just a stones throw away from the sea; this romantic pathway, called "Via dell'Amore", is dedicated to lovers. Drive or take a boat from Lerici or La Spezia. There is also a train service from La Spezia to each of the 5 villages.