Cinque Terre - Liguria

The small fishing villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore make up the area of Cinque Terre. They are tucked between the turquoise sea and the cliffs covered with vineyards. Fishing and viniculture are the primary economic endeavors, though the tourism industry is becoming more popular.

History
These towns were built high above the cliffs in order to offer the residents protection from invaders. It is thought that the original inhabitants may have been Celtic or Nordic. When the danger from pirates subsided around the year 1000, the towns moved closer to the sea.

Sights
The five villages of Cinque Terre are linked by a path that runs through vineyards and along the coast. It is off-limits to cars. This scenic route is known as the Via dell'Amore (Lovers' Lane), and it can be traveled in about five hours on foot. Bring your swimming gear and stop to relax in the crystal clear water of the coves along the path. The best beach in the area is in Monterosso al Mare. In Vernazza, the Castello Doria has views of the town and the coastline from its tower. In Corniglia, the popular look-out is La Torre. Manarola has quiet streets and an intimate cove for swimming. Riomaggiore has a tiny harbor that is usually filled with fishermen and boats. Coopsub Cinqueterre Diving Center (tel. 0187 92 00 11) is also located there and offers snorkeling and scuba equipment, as well as chaperoned dives along the entire Cinque Terre coast.

Tips
Cinque Terre is crowded with visitors during the summer, so if you are looking for a more peaceful getaway, visit the area between October and April..

Transportation
Arrive by boat from Genoa or by train. The local La Spezia-Genova train provides transportation between the villages.

Links: http://www.cinqueterre.it