The Cinque Terre

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UNESCO Site

The five boroughs

Riomaggiore

Like all of the Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore was once a fishing village: the village was born at the mouth of an Apennine stream, the Rivus Major, now covered and paved: hence the origin of the name.

Starting from La Spezia, Riomaggiore is the first of the Cinque Terre.
A view of the Marina, a dip in the crystal-clear waters that surround the village and a visit to the parish church of San Giovanni Battista are not to be missed.
Moreover, for those who love trekking, we recommend the beautiful walk that starts at the top of the village and leads to the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montenero, where you can admire a splendid view of the Cinque Terre.

Manarola

Situated on a rocky pedestal overlooking the sea, Manarola looks like a compact agglomeration of brightly coloured houses, almost all with a roof terrace - the typical 'cassola' - where the best grapes were once spread out in the sun to produce Sciacchetrà.

Follow the main street to reach the characteristic cove cut into the rock, where boats are hoisted up by force of arms. From here, following the small road overlooking the sea on the right, you arrive at one of the most famous viewpoints of the Cinque Terre, with a view of Manarola. A photo is a must.

Corniglia

Corniglia is the only one of the Cinque Terre not to be washed by the sea: it stands on top of a rocky promontory about 100 metres high. We suggest you to lose yourself in the alleys of the village and admire the view from the main square.

However, here too it is possible to bathe, walking the 300 or so steps to the Marina: a wonderful sea awaits you.

Vernazza

Vernazza boasts the oldest maritime traditions of all the Cinque Terre and retains a characteristic medieval appearance. The tall houses, grouped amphitheatrically around a small inlet, are topped by mighty defensive walls and the ancient Castle Tower.

The centre of the village consists of a charming square overlooked by old arcades and the beautiful Church of St Margaret of Antioch, from whose windows you can admire the sea.

Monterosso

Monterosso is undoubtedly the largest village in the Cinque Terre and is bordered by the steep Punta Mesco, to which the poet Montale dedicated verses, on one side while on the other it is delineated by the steep coastline of the Cinque Terre.

A pleasant walk from Monterosso leads to Madonna di Soviore, the oldest sanctuary in Liguria. For those who prefer the sea, the village, unique among the Cinque Terre, offers a long sandy beach, with private establishments and also free stretches.