Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre is the collective name given to the 5 fishing villages on Italy’s Ligurian coast. UNESCO Heritage Listed in 1997, this tiny slice of Italian pie (pizza?!) is truly magical. The towns are perched precariously atop cliffs which drop dramatically into the ocean, and vineyards are terraced into the steep hills like a patchwork blanket. The towns have retained their old-world charm and colourful facades despite booming tourism.

Cars have been banned in the area, so getting between the towns of Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Monterosso must be done purely by foot or cute little railway. A landslide in 2011 closed footpaths between some of the towns, making it impossible to walk the entire thing.

Via dell’Amore is the easiest walk, winding across the cliffs between Riomaggiore and Manarola. ‘Lover’s Lane’ is covered with loyalty-professing padlocks clamped on by visiting couples, and graffiti of loving sentiments and quotes. It is flat, paved, and has many rest points, unlike the rest of the trails connecting the villages. Other walks around the area can be steep and rocky, but always reward the effort with breathtaking views.

Other than walking, the Cinque Terre offers snorkeling, swimming and diving opportunities, as well as top-notch seafood, traditional Italian cuisine, and wine (obviously!). Stay in each town, or just base yourself in one. Either way, it is easy to explore this compact yet bountiful region.