Cinque Terre is a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera. It is in the Liguria region of Italy, to the west of the city of La Spezia, and comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Over the centuries, people have carefully built terraces on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the sea. Part of its charm is the lack of visible corporate development. Paths, trains and boats connect the villages, and cars cannot reach them from the outside. The Cinque Terre area is a very popular tourist destination.
Interesting to me how people pronounce this popular region of Italy. Try it this way: Cinque Terre - Cheen-kway tehr-ray. Which means - five lands.
We stayed at the northern most village, Monterrosso al Mare. Great location to access the hiking trails and very easy access to the train, which quickly connects all the villages. The views from the church and cemetery on the harbour hillside - beautiful.
The hiking along the coastal route is fairly easy. You could actually hike the entire route in six hours. I can't imagine anyone doing that as the reason you come to the Cinque Terre is to explore each beautiful village along the way. A note for would be hikers, the coastal route from Corniglia to Riomaggiore has two sections that are closed because of landslides. The hiking route between these villages now takes you up into the hillside - a bit more challenging.
The views of the Mediterranean Sea and the backdrop of the terraced vineyards, make for spectacular hiking.
The beauty and character of each village is what makes this destination so special.
Up Next - Greece - Peloponnese Peninsula
Greece is made of three major land groups, the mainland, the Peloponnese Peninsula and the islands offshore. The land is comprised of approximately 80% mountains and hills, making it one of the most mountainous countries in all of Europe. The mountainous area known as the Pindus region is an extension of the Alps. Many people will know the popular islands of Greece (Mykonos, Santorini), but the heart and soul of the Greek people will be found in small villages of the mainland.