Perhaps one of the most stunning and photographic locations on the Ligurian coast is Cinque Terre, a must see on any vacation to northern Italy. Sometimes overshadowed by nearby Pisa and Tuscany, this small piece of coastline paradise provides an unforgettable and visually astounding journey.
Cinque Terre, or ‘Five Lands’, is a series of five coastal villages all of which are within 24 km from tip to tip. These villages are popular tourist destination for hikers, photographers, artists, and anyone who is awestruck by aesthetically pleasing scenery. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso are each tough to reach by car. A single steep winding mountain road is the only access point by car, and no doubt quite treacherous. A safer and more commonly used mode of transportation to and throughout the villages is the train which finds itself a way along the coast through many tunnels.
For more adventure, exercise and beauty, tourists set out via foot on the many hiking trails that connect each village. There is a dense network of hiking trails, from the coastal trail (or the ‘Via dell’Amore’) to the trails higher up in the hills (in the Parco Nationale delle Cinque Terre) where you can find peacefulness and even more spectacular views of the coastline. It is recommended to try at least one of the ‘off the beaten path’ trails that wind their way through the terraced mountainside where you will pass many vineyards, orchards, and exotic fruit farms.
Although the train ride between each village lasts only a couple of minutes, the hikes vary depending on their elevation change. The walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola is what is known as the ‘Via dell’Amore’ and is a very level and enchanting 20 minute stroll. From Manarola to Corniglia the walk along the coast is roughly 45 minutes and is also an easy stretch. For the adventurous type, try path number 6 to 6d. This mountain side climb takes roughly 2.5 hours and will astound you with its beautiful mountain and coastal views.
The trail from Corniglia to Vernazza is longer and the terrain is uneven and challenging in some places. The coastal hike is about 2 hours. From Vernazza to the last town of Monterosso, you will find the steepest inclines and over 250m of climbing over very uneven rocks and approximately 750 ‘steps’. This walk is roughly 90 minutes. If you’re not in a hurry, take your time and enjoy the olive groves, vineyards and tranquil blue ocean views.
Unfortunately, Cinque Terre was subject to a devastating flood in October 2011 with Vernazza and Monterosso being hit the hardest. Plans are in place to have things tourist ready by the spring of 2012.
If you are planning a trip to Tuscany, do not make the mistake of missing out on this Ligurian treasure. The vision of colorful pastel villages against turquoise blue waters is a jaw dropping and unforgettable experience that you will no doubt be thankful for.
