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If you’re exploring Northern Italy, a trip to Cinque Terre should be on the agenda. With its colourful houses, beautifully rugged coastline and delicious food, it’s a fantastic day out. Plus, if you’re based in Florence, getting to Cinque Terre is easy! As the name suggests, this destination is a collection of five picturesque fishing villages in the Liguria region, each with its own attractions. Just seeing how each town is cleverly built into the rough but beautiful landscape is amazing to see. The reasons for visiting this world-famous destination are countless but here are a few of our favourites. It’s Beautiful This might be obvious but it really is simply stunning. With its storybook houses built into the cliffs hanging over the sea (which seems to be an impossible sparkling blue), it’s easy to see why so many artists and writers have been drawn to the place. The natural beauty of these humble fishing villages was so beautiful that everyone from the Romantic poet Shelley to the dashing Byron were captivated by it. Even Monet tried to capture its beauty with his paintbrush. But this is a place that really needs to be experienced in the flesh, so if you’re in Florence, getting to Cinque Terre should be on the bucket list. Just don’t forget your camera! Perfect Place for Hiking Thanks to its location, the region is very well known for its great hiking trails. Whether you’re an experienced rambler or just enjoy a casual stroll along the waterfront, there’s something for everyone. The most popular and varied of the trails is the Blue Path, which connects all five villages. This is a fantastic route as you’ll get to see the variety of all five towns in one day and you’ll be treated to some fabulous panoramic views along the way. (Bear in mind that some parts of the trail are currently inaccessible.) The Incredible Food Of course, it goes without saying that the seafood here is spectacular and you can treat yourself to the fresh catch of the day while enjoying the stunning sea views. But the flavour that really captures the Ligurian palate is pesto. Yes, that pasta sauce loved by nearly all of us comes from this region and there’s nothing like the taste of freshly made green pesto with aromatic basil leaves, sumptuous olive oil and salty pecorino cheese. Its Fascinating History The history of these towns goes back hundreds of years and, even if you’re not a history buff, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is fascinating. Each town has its own historical gem, from the medieval castle in Riomaggiore to the Gothic thirteenth-century church in Manarola and the imposing Doria Castle of Vernazza, which has been standing since the twelfth-century. Easy to Get To Last but not least, getting to Cinque Terre is easy. Which, when you’re planning a day trip from Florence, is almost as important as the destination itself. If you book a trip with a local operator you’ll be assured of seeing all the highlights at a leisurely and enjoyable pace. These are just a handful of reasons to visit this beautiful region; as one of the most famous and best-loved destinations in Italy, it’s not to be missed. 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 getting to Cinque Terre on one of our fabulous day trips. 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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