The Cinque Terre literally means "The five lands", in this case, the villages of Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore and Vernazza, along with the slightly larger Monterosso.
The northernmost of the five, Monterosso is the tourist hub of the region, with traffic, crowds and a more contemporary urban vibe. The other four are inaccessible by car, and as such, have retained their authentic rural character set amidst a natural and agricultural setting. Set on rocky terrain overlooking the vast blue sea, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and chestnut trees, all five of the Cinque Terre are a sight to behold.
Though difficult to reach by car, the Cinque Terre are easily accessible by train. Once arrived, you can spend the day hiking along the coastal paths and admiring the gorgeous sea views. We recommend planning your walks over more than one day, and using the frequent trains that pass by each town when your legs tire out.
This whole area is a food lover’s paradise. Traditional dishes are based on products from the surrounding forest, fields and sea. The land yields an incredible variety of mushrooms and an abundance of herbs such as oregano, borage, rosemary and sage.
Pine nuts, an essential ingredient in pesto, are gathered from the hillsides, as are chestnuts for making flour, and olives that are pressed to make fresh green oil - the foundation of Ligurian cuisine. Garlic and leeks form the essence of sauces, and beets appear in homemade ravioli and other typical fare. Fishing boats add their rich daily catch of anchovies, mussels, squid, octopus and shellfish to menus in each town.
To wash it all down, the Cinque Terre’s vineyards produce a wonderful Sciacchetra, a unique sweet wine that perfectly tops off a meal.
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