Cinque Terre - Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)

Cinque Terre is a breathtaking coastal region located in the province of La Spezia, in the region of Liguria, Italy. Its name, which translates to "Five Lands," refers to the five small villages that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. This area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human presence dating back to the Neolithic period.

The villages of Cinque Terre are perched on the rugged cliffs of the Italian Riviera, surrounded by terraced hills and vineyards. The unique landscape, with its colorful houses and picturesque harbors, has attracted visitors for centuries. However, the region gained global recognition in 1997 when it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural and natural value.

Riomaggiore, the southernmost village, is known for its pastel-colored houses and charming harbor. It is also home to a castle, the Castello di Riomaggiore, which was built in the 13th century to protect the village from pirate attacks. From Riomaggiore, visitors can take a scenic hike along the famous Via dell'Amore (Lover's Lane) to Manarola.

Manarola is the second village in Cinque Terre and is said to be the oldest of the five. It is famous for its picturesque harbor and the Church of San Lorenzo, which dates back to the 14th century. The village is also known for its production of Sciacchetrà, a sweet dessert wine made from local grapes.

The third village, Corniglia, is the only one of the five not directly connected to the sea. It is situated on a rocky hilltop, surrounded by vineyards and terraced gardens. The village can be reached by climbing 382 steps from the train station or by taking a scenic hike through the vineyards.

Vernazza, often considered the most picturesque of the five villages, is known for its colorful houses, narrow streets, and small harbor. The village is dominated by the Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia, a Gothic-style church dating back to the 13th century. Visitors can also hike to the Doria Castle, a 15th-century fortress that offers stunning views of the village and the sea.

The northernmost village, Monterosso al Mare, is the largest and most visited of the five. It is divided into two parts: the old town, with its narrow streets and medieval buildings, and the new town, which is more modern and touristy. The village is famous for its beautiful beaches, including the Golden Beach, one of the few sandy beaches in the area.

Cinque Terre is not only known for its picturesque villages but also for its unique agricultural landscape. The steep hills of the region are covered with terraced vineyards and olive groves, which have been maintained for centuries by the local farmers. These terraces, built with dry-stone walls, are considered an outstanding example of human interaction with the environment.

Visiting Cinque Terre is like stepping back in time, with its traditional way of life and untouched natural beauty. It is truly a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Italy.

Weiterführende Links

• Riomaggiore
• Manarola
• Corniglia
• Vernazza
• Monterosso al Mare
• Sciacchetrà

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  The Ligurian coast between Cinque Terre and Portovenere is a cultural landscape of great scenic and cultural value. The layout and disposition of the small towns and the shaping of the surrounding landscape, overcoming the disadvantages of a steep, uneven terrain, encapsulate the continuous history of human settlement in this region over the past millennium.