Heaven really exists and we live in it !!! It is incredible that just a few steps from our house (so to speak …) there are such wonderful landscapes: the Cinque Terre will leave you breathless with the paths between the rocks and train journeys amidst paradisiacal views!
World Heritage Site since 1997 for “the harmonious interaction established between man and nature to create a landscape of exceptional quality”.
The Cinque Terre are five seaside villages: Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare: all overlook the sea, only Corniglia is located on top of a cliff about 100 meters above sea level.
Transparent waters contrast with the harsh morphology of the territory, we are in the Mediterranean scrub … but for this very reason it is rich in citrus groves, olive trees and vines.
In addition, in the summer, there is also a ferry service that takes you from village to village (except for Corniglia which is located at the top) via the splendid sea: a little expensive but very suggestive!
Riomaggiore
The ancient village makes room between two steep hills that descend steeply towards the sea: a vertical show of colored houses.
It is really suggestive to walk through the typical streets of this village. All the houses in Riomaggiore have a double entrance: one is located on the facade at the level of the alley, the other is located at the back, at the level of the upper street. The houses have this particular structure since 1500 to allow a quick escape route in case of Saracen raids.
Riomaggiore is one of the two ends of the Via dell’Amore. The path is incredibly suggestive: rocks, Mediterranean scrub and the sound of the waves breaking on the rocks.
Riomaggiore has a Castle on the Cerricò hill, offers a beautiful view of the sea and a lovely parish church of San Giovanni Battista.
Manarola
The historians they believe that the name Manarola refers to an ancient magna Roea, or magna rota, a large wheel of a water mill. In the lower part of the town you can still appreciate the old mill. Proud and haughty, on the upper part of the city, stands the Church of San Lorenzo, built in 1338 in the Ligurian-Gothic style, consisting of three beautiful naves and baroque interiors. Do not miss the Campanile Bianco, an ancient control and sighting tower, the historic Hospital of San Rocco and the fifteenth-century Oratory of the Disciplinati della Santissima Annunziata. Obviously, sea lovers will not be disappointed: going down towards the marina you will find small corners of paradise from which you can enjoy a truly breathtaking view.
Corniglia
The ancient village makes room between two steep hills that descend steeply towards the sea: a vertical show of colored houses.
To reach it it is necessary to climb the Lardarina, a spectacular brick staircase, 33 ramps with 377 steps, or cross a carriage road that leads from the railway to the town, you can use the bus service or go on foot.
In the small village you can visit the interesting Gothic parish of San Pietro and the eighteenth-century square of largo Taragio with its Oratory of Santa Caterina, a small piece of magic.
Corniglia is a precious rough jewel, made up of small alleys and streets carved into the rock, with a beautiful pebble beach, “the Spiaggione”, caressed by a transparent and crystalline sea that you absolutely must not miss.
Vernazza
Situated on an imposing cliff, Vernazza now rests peacefully, after being the point of departure and landing of the naval forces that had the task of obstructing the passage of the Saracens in the past.
The magical atmospheres and a suspended in time of this charming village will enchant you: mysterious alleys hidden by small and charming red, yellow, pink houses, which in the summer are crowded with tourists from all over the world. Considered one of the hundred most beautiful villages in Italy, Vernazza preserves its long maritime tradition, which has seen important leaders and sailors pass through here.
We advise you to arrive by sea, perhaps by ferry from one of the Cinque Terre, from Portovenere or from La Spezia, the show will be enchanting!
Immediately after you can dedicate yourself to visiting the church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia and the remains of the ancient fortified structure of the city: the 11th century watchtower, the Doria Castle, the Tower of the Convent of the Reformed Fathers of San Francesco and the Belforte.
Also worth visiting is the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Reggio and its tree-lined square that will invite you to meditation, relaxation, tranquility. To get to the sanctuary: you will have to take a road in the middle of the Mediterranean scrub, which will make your journey a little difficult but definitely adventurous and unforgettable.
Monterosso
Monterosso al Sea, it is impossible not to mention first those who made this town their own corner of paradise “Eugenio Montale”: the Nobel Prize winner spent the summer there and wrote about the place “rocky and austere town, asylum for fishermen and farmers”.
The medieval Tower, now the bell tower of the Church of San Giovanni, the Castle overlooking the sea, with its three towers, and Torre Aurora, now transformed into a beautiful restaurant, the latter remained the only one of the 13 towers that in the XVI century surrounded and protected the village. In the historic center, you will meet the church of San Giovanni Battista, you will discover the “new” part of the Mesco “Fegina” side, where you will find equipped beaches, and you will be able to appreciate the Art Nouveau villa of the Montale family.
To visit above the village, reaching it on foot or by bus or by car, the sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Soviore a convent located along the provincial road 38. Among woods and terraced fields near the carriage road between the municipalities of Monterosso and Levanto.