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The Italian Riviera is one of the most picturesque places anywhere on earth, and the towns and villages that are dotted along its gorgeous coastline are all worthy of a visit. You’ll find colourful buildings overlooking azure seas, along with stunning inland scenery. The Italian Riviera stretches from the French border to Tuscany, and comprises the coastline of the region of Liguria. Rather poetically, the coast is split into two halves, each named after the rising and setting sun, respectively. The stunning beauty and culture of the area makes it a must-see for any traveller, but perhaps no part is as spectacular as the five villages of the Cinque Terre. Riomaggiore From the sea looking up, visitors to Riomaggiore will be greeted with pink, yellow and white buildings, as well as those a classic red that’s reminiscent of earthenware pots. Beyond the small town set on the hillside is a towering verdant backdrop, with trees that direct your eyes towards the peak and the views it will afford. For those making the overnight stay, or even just stopping by on the train, there are a number of excellent seafood restaurants serving the catch from the fisherman at the rocks below. Corniglia The smallest of the towns, Corniglia is set high above the sea, affording wonderful views out over the Italian Riviera. Unlike the other villages, due to its height, there is no way to reach this delightful destination by boat – and it’s very tricky by car! However, the excellent train line allows visitors to make this very worthwhile stop. Manarola A true gem of both the Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera as a whole, Manarola beguiles visitors with its beauty and charm. Like Riomaggiore, there are a number of great restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood, and there are some excellent places to relax down by the shore. It’s perhaps the finest village of the five to get postcard-worthy photos. Vernazza It’s probably the village that takes the most tourists, but visitors will see that there is a good reason for this. Vernazza’s highlights include a charming piazza down by the sea. You can enjoy a glass of wine on a terrace overlooking beachgoers and watch the waves gently roll in. It might be the busiest of the towns, but it won’t feel like it. Monterosso al Mare & The Walking Path The biggest of the five towns is home to the largest beach anywhere along the Italian Riviera, and for those looking for sun, sea and sand it’s the perfect place to start. It’s also the starting point of the famous ‘Blue Route’ walking path that takes all five towns, along a relatively easy seven-and-a-half-mile walk. If you’re in the region for a few days this route is a great way to see Cinque Terre in all its glory. The Journey Starts Now No matter what your taste in holidays, there will be something for everyone in this amazing part of the world. The five villages of the Cinque Terre are truly worthwhile destinations on any trip to the Ligurian coast, and there is so much to see and do that you’ll never find yourself wanting. The only difficult part is fitting it all in! Author Plate Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering unforgettable tours and excursions around Italy. We can also help with advice on things like an Italian Riviera excursion to the famous Cinque Terre. 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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