Cinque Terre what to see – Why visit Cinque Terre?
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Cinque Terre what to see – Why you absolutely must visit them!
The Cinque Terre are a beautiful and characteristic area of the Ligurian Riviera, known for its colorful villages overlooking the sea, the rugged coast and the renowned local cuisine.
Visitors can walk the scenic trails that connect the villages to each other, take a boat to see the coast or simply relax and enjoy the climate and atmosphere of this magnificent corner of Paradise.
Since 1997, the Cinque Terre have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site:
«The Committee decided to inscribe this site on the basis of criteria (ii), (iv) and (v), considering that the eastern Ligurian Riviera between Cinque Terre and Portovenere is a cultural site of outstanding value, representing the harmonious interaction between people and nature to produce a landscape of exceptional scenic quality that illustrates a traditional way of life that has existed for a thousand years and continues to play an important socio-economic role in the life of the community.».
The unique cultural and historical significance makes the Cinque Terre a must-see destination for many travelers who arrive here from all over the world.
Cinque Terre are easily reachable by train (or by sea), and can also offer an excellent starting point for visiting the nearby towns of Liguria.
You can also read: The history of the Cinque Terre: when Cinque Terre was built?
1️⃣ The unique landscape in the world
The Cinque Terre offer a variety of breathtaking natural landscapes, cliffs overlooking the sea, vineyards and hiking trails.
Thanks to the particular characteristics of the territory, the Cinque Terre are considered among the most suggestive and attractive areas of the Italian coast.
Here are the five famous villages that follow the natural shape of the hills in which they are housed.
Furthermore, the typical and famous terraces overlooking the sea, worked with one of the most particular agricultural techniques – aimed at exploiting the steeply sloping land that slopes down towards the sea – have made it one of the most unique and characteristic features of this narrow strip of earth.
You can also read: 5 interesting facts (very interesting) about the Cinque Terre
2️⃣ Really typical historical centres
The five towns of the Cinque Terre – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – are characterized by well-preserved historic centers and colorful houses in the classic Ligurian hues, with arcades and the typical narrow streets of Liguria – called carruggi.
Not only beauty: the Cinque Terre are rich in history and culture, with monuments, churches and castles placed to defend the villages, documenting the history of the area.
Among the many, not to be missed Castello Doria di Vernazza, with its panoramic terrace (see the tower in the photo 👆 above, on the right), one of the remaining testimonies of the struggle of these small towns against the Barbary incursions.
We can’t forget the poetry, with the indissoluble link between Monterosso and the great Ligurian poet (and Nobel Prize for literature) Eugenio Montale.
Precisely in Monterosso, in the eastern part of the village, there is the family summer villa, called Villa delle Due Palme or, as it was called by Montale himself, the Pagoda Giallognola.
You can also read: How to visit the Cinque Terre by boat (ferry boat) Complete tutorial
3️⃣ Typical cuisine and good wine!
Like the entire Ligurian Riviera, the Cinque Terre are also famous for their cuisine based on fresh fish – one above all, the very famous anchovies of Monterosso – and the wonderful local wines.
Always in Monterosso, don’t miss the typical Torta Monterossina which, together with lemons and anchovies, is the typical specialty of the place!
The Cinque Terre are famous for their “heroic” viticulture, so called due to the difficulty and imperviousness of the land, reinforced by dry stone walls, from which unique products such as Sciacchetrà are born, a sweet fortified wine, made from local grapes.
Wines of the Cinque Terre were well known since ancient times.
They were already drunk willingly by the Greeks and Romans, so much so that in Pompeii there are amphorae of wine from “Cornelia” (Corniglia).
Many centuries later, we read of the “Vernaccia di Cornelia” even in the stories of Boccaccio.
You can also read: The best restaurants in Cinque Terre
4️⃣ Outdoors, nature and sport!
The Cinque Terre are the ideal place for lovers of nature and outdoor life: there is a lot of excursions and walks, immersed in the unique landscapes of the area.
Villages of the Cinque Terre are, in fact, united by the Sentiero Azzurro, the coastal pedestrian path, which connects the villages to each other, passing a short distance from the sea.
The Via dell’Amore (Photo 👇 below) with breathtaking views, that connects Riomaggiore to Manarola in just over a kilometer, is certainly the best known stretch of the Cinque Terre.
Not only walks, excursions and trekking: in the Cinque Terre you can also do… parachuting!
The tandem paragliding tours, start on the hills of Monterosso and flying for about 15/20 minutes, landing on the beach of Monterosso.
It is possible to parachute in Monterosso (only with qualified instructors) outside the summer season, i.e. from October to the end of April.
You can also read: Where to sleep in Manarola, the best places
5️⃣ Cinque Terre what to see: the wonderful Sea
Beach, sun and relax, Monterosso is the right place for you!
There is much, much more: the Cinque Terre offer the possibility of taking guided (or solo) excursions by boat – or raft – along the coast, to admire the beauty of the landscape from the sea.
But also water sports, such as swimming, snorkeling and diving.
From the small beaches and the narrow access points to the sea, you will be able to experience unique emotions, admiring the magnificent rocky and fishy backdrops of the area.
The Cinque Terre also offer the opportunity to live a fishing tourism experience in Monterosso. You can participate at a fishing day with local fishermen, navigating between caves and cliffs, discovering the secrets of the traditional fishing.
You can also read: where to eat in Monterosso – Recommended!
6️⃣ Breathtaking photographs!
If you love photography, the Cinque Terre are truly unmissable!
The Cinque Terre offer many opportunities to take breathtaking panoramic and landscape photographs, from unique and unrepeatable angles and views.
Sunrises, sunsets and wonderful evenings are the perfect setting for your perfect shot!
You can also read: The best restaurants in Manarola!
7️⃣ Crafts, shopping, events
Cinque Terre what to see: the colorful typical shops!
Cinque Terre offers a wide range of local craft and souvenir shops. There is a lot of local handmade products, t-shirts and personalized clothing and, above all, the many food and wine gems of the place.
Walk around the carruggi of the villages and visit all the cafes you find. It will be an opportunity to find some souvenirs to take home on your return.
The Cinque Terre are always “on the move” and host cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, concerts and theater performances as well as typical village festivals.
In mid-May, don’t miss the Lemon Festival in Monterosso, a festival full of flavors and entertainment, which gourmets and families cannot miss!
Not just summer, not just the warm season.
We recommend visiting the Cinque Terre also in winter, being able to wander around the villages calmly in complete tranquility.
During the Christmas period, see the luminous crib of Manarola (Presepe di Manarola), the largest in the world, with 17,000 light bulbs, 8 km of electric cables and more than 300 figures
You can also read: The best restaurants in Corniglia
8️⃣ In search of authenticity
The Cinque Terre offer accommodation facilities for all possibilities and all needs.
Who love the search for authenticity, to get in full harmony with the atmosphere and fully experience the Cinque Terre, can stay in the typical houses, made available by the “landlords” and the Bed and Breakfasts.
You will thus have an authentic experience of life in the Cinque Terre, in the typical Ligurian seaside houses, renovated with particular attention to detail.
You certainly love spending a few days in this local atmosphere!
