The five villages
Cinque Terre is a piece of the Ligurian Coast, only 15 miles long. It consists of 5 villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. The villages are connected by a train track, that finds itself a way along the coast through many tunnels. The walking trail that connects the villages is very spectacular, with many magnificent views on the coastline.
"Few Americans have heard of these tiny villages, set like jewels into the Ligurian Coast and known as the Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre is one of those places people tend to read about once and then dream about forever. An isolated part of the northwestern Italian region of Liguria, the Cinque Terre is ruggedly beautiful stretch of coastline inset with five tiny villages perched between the Mediterranean and a range of steep coastal hills.
The aura of romance about the place is enhanced by the very names of the five villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The doorway is Levanto a beautiful town which is the right place from where is possible to start to visit the Cinque Terre."
"Hidden Gems on the Italian Riviera", Los Angeles Times
Le Cinque Terre
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the first of the five villages, coming from La Spezia. It is located at the bottom of a narrow valley. more
Above the houses, the hills are terraced. Some of them are still used to cultivate grapes and olives. The two churches in the higher part of the village are worth a visit : the Chiesa dell'Assunta and the Chiesa San Giovanni Battista.
Le Cinque Terre
MonterossoMonterosso is the most northern village of the Cinque Terre and the only one with a sandy beach. more
The town is split in two by a rock, with a castle on top of it. We were afraid to get into a commercial centre, but the small village could seduce us somehow. A lot of small shops and restaurants in the narrow alleys provide it a pleasant atmosphere.
Le Cinque Terre
VernazzaVernazza is one the most touristically developped village. The main street, full of shops, is quite crowded. more
The small natural harbour lies protected inside a rock wall. It is dominated by the Doria castle, lying at the top of a cliff.
Le Cinque Terre
ManarolaFrom the station, a long tunnel leads into the main street, the Via di Mezzo. Going up to the right, leads to the church. more
Since 1997 you can admire in Manarola a giant nativity scene during the Christmas period.
Le Cinque Terre
CornigliaCorniglia lies high on a cliff above the coast. It is the only of the 5 villages that does not have an harbour. more
The old centre has only one street, that leads up to end of the cliff, overlooking the Cinque Terre coast.
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