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There are few places in Italy as remarkable as the Cinque Terre, a unique part of the Italian coastline that has now been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. As the name suggests, the Cinque Terre towns are five in total, each one nestled into the cliffs that rise above the Mediterranean Sea. Much more laid back than the more famous cities of the country, these lovely towns all boast a relaxed atmosphere, a natural beauty that you will see nowhere else and ample opportunity to swim, hike, sunbathe and feast on delicious food - all in the same afternoon! Introducing the Five Cinque Terre Towns Monterosso al Mare The most northern of the five, this is possibly the least picturesque; but that said, it has a lovely beach. A couple of points of interest here include the fourteenth-century Loggia del Podestà and the parish church of San Giovanni Battista, whose campanile was built as a Genoese watchtower. Both are found in the old part of the town. As you look up from Monterosso, the medieval Torre Aurora towers over you. This was built as a protective fortress against pirates. Also above, carving its way through the cliffs, is the road to Vernazza. Here you can visit the church of the Madonna di Soviore with its pretty Baroque interior. Vernazza Possibly the most photogenic of the five, Vernazza is awash with colour. Tiny houses line the steep streets, seemingly stacked atop one another, and the bright hues create a veritable rainbow leading down to the harbour. The main square here is a hub of activity as locals and visitors alike enjoy coffees and ice creams while soaking up the vibrant ambience. Corniglia Perched higher than the others, Corniglia doesn’t have a harbour. If you arrive by train you can take the bus up the winding road to the centre, or alternatively take the 300+ steps that get you to the same place. As you enter Corniglia at the top of the steps (after catching your breath of course) the Church of San Pietro awaits. This is a fine example of a local Gothic style church. Highlights here are the painted interior, twelfth century font and the painted altarpiece. Manarola If you fancy a delicious dinner with a view, this is the spot to do it. The beautiful piazza is home to some wonderful eateries that serve the most amazing seafood delights. Views over the mini harbour complete the experience, while above you the 1338 Gothic church of the Natività di Maria Vergine (also called the church of San Lorenzo) is famous for its stunning rose window made from the incredible Carrara marble. Riomaggiore The gateway to the Cinque Terre towns, Riomaggiore is the place you arrive first when coming from La Spezia. This pretty spot was the inspiration for the many paintings done by Telemaco Signorini, the nineteenth-century artist that put Riomaggiore on the map. Inside the town is the fourteenth-century church of San Giovanni, with its carved marble pulpit, painted wooden crucifix and Renaissance triptych. A 10 minute climb out of the town takes you to the dilapidated walls and two round towers of the destroyed fifteenth-century castle, where you are greeted by amazing views. When visiting the Cinque Terre towns it is recommended to take an organised tour. You can easily see all of them in a day and whether you hike between them, go by train or boat, you are in for a treat. Author Plate Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering unforgettable tours and excursions around Italy including the best itinerary to visit the Cinque Terre towns. Whether you want to ride a Vintage Vespa, try the famous Chianti wine or get cooking with fresh local ingredients, Mauro's company promises excitement, adventure and above all, fun. If you're keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for your next getaway.
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