Paula Stanghetta November 15, 2021Anyone who dreams of going to Italy has a favourite place they’d like to visit. There are the classics like Rome, Florence, and Venice, which most people visit on their first trip to Italy. As anyone knows who has been to Italy, there are numerous other places to experience La Dolce Vita. One of them is called Cinque Terre (Chin-qwe Tehr-reh), which is literally translated as “Five Lands” and is considered one of the jewels of Italy. The question to ask is: What is special about Cinque Terre and why should you visit?
Cinque Terre is comprised of – surprise – 5 little villages in the Liguria Region in the northwest of Italy. Located along what is known as the Italian Riviera, the villages have been described as “breathtaking”, “stunning”, “charming”, and “picturesque”. In 1997, the area was designated a National Park to preserve its unique history and cultural heritage.
What is Special about Cinque Terre?
The villages, from north to south, are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each has a charm of its own, yet they are all linked to each other by their coastal position and history as fishing villages. For those who have never been to Cinque Terre, this is a quick introduction to what makes it sought after by close to 3 million tourists a year.
In ancient times, the villages were only accessible by water and footpaths. Over time, trains and buses improved connectivity from town to town. Today, it is possible to walk on paths that are variably challenging but worth the spectacular views.
Fun fact: Cinque Terre is said to have the same amount of stonework as the great wall of China – close to 8000 km (4000 miles) of stone walls, most of them because of terraced farming.
Monterosso
Monterosso is the biggest of the villages and is divided into two sections: 1) Fegina (the more touristy part); and 2) the Old Town. Fegina is known for its statue called The Giant or Il Gigante, which is in honour of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. The Old Town is known for its carruggi – winding and narrow medieval streets. Like all of the villages, Monterosso’s homes are painted in a variety of colours that make for delightful pictures. In addition to fishing, the village cultivates lemons, olives, and grapes for wine.
Monterosso has a number of sagre (local food festivals) throughout the year. Most famous are the festivals that feature lemons, anchovies, olive oil, and wine. There are also several events that coincide with religious feasts and feature parades, costumes, feasts, and friendly competitions.
Vernazza
Vernazza is often described as the most ‘suggestivi’ or characteristic of the villages and is likely the most photographed. It was founded in 1000 AD and is notable for its natural pier that is shaped like an amphitheatre. One of the aspects that distinguishes Vernazza is its terraced olive groves which are said to produce some of the best olive oil in Italy.
It is impossible to miss the Doria Castle in Vernazza. Built in the 11th century, all that remains of it is the Belforte Tower, situated 70 metres above sea level. The Castle was an important strategic look-out that warned residents of impending invasion, often by pirates. Today, the residents of Vernazza hold a Festival of Pirates every August that celebrates their victory over the invading pirates.
On a more recent note, Vernazza was devastated by a flood in 2011 that caused extensive damage. Ever resilient, the residents have re-built the village and restored much of it – a testament to their love of this area.
Corniglia
Corniglia is the only village in Cinque Terre that is not located on the sea, nor accessible by it, sitting 100 metres above sea level. While it is well-connected to the other villages by footpaths, its position is, shall we say, ‘off-the-beaten-path’. As a result, it is the least ‘tourist-y’ of all the villages and would be the perfect place to escape the crowds that swell the other villages.
It has an impressive staircase of 377 steps that connects it to the local train station, called Lardarina, which will be a serious hike in either direction.
An icon of Corniglia is the church of San Pietro (St. Peter), built by the Fieschi family in the 14th century. The Fieschi family, originally from Genoa, was one of the most influential and wealthy families in Liguria. Owners of vast lands, they were a political powerhouse that align itself more with the French than the Romans. Eventually, feuding between them and the Doria family would see their power decline.
Corniglia is the perfect spot to enjoy the scenery, mingle with the locals, and enjoy a welcome respite from the busier parts of Cinque Terre.
Manarola
Manarola is situated 70 metres up from the sea in a series of winding and narrow streets. Thought to be the oldest of the five villages, it is in Manarola that the famous Via Dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane) is located. Hewn from the coastal stone and seemingly suspended over the sea, it is the most famous part of this village with a history all its own.
Although there was always a rudimentary footpath between the two villages, it was mainly used for transporting local goods between the towns. When a railway was built to replace the footpath, villagers made a case to keep the footpath. Eventually it became the place for romantic trysts, especially for villagers between the two towns. As such, it connected the villages and its residents, fundamentally changing the social dynamic between the two communities.
Something else that Manarola is known for is its sweet Cinque Terre wine, called Sciacchetrà. It is part of the centuries-old tradition of winemaking in this region. Sciacchetrà is best enjoyed with cheese or desserts and is said to be a treat not to be missed.
Riomaggiore
The last village on our short trip through Cinque Terre is called Riomaggiore. It is often where travellers begin their hike through Cinque Terre as they eagerly enter the Via Dell’Amore. Please note: At the time of writing this post (2021), the path is not accessible: it’s undergoing a major re-construction that is expected to finish in 2022 or 2023.
Riomaggiore is one of the quieter of the villages, said to have been founded in the 8th century. It is located a short train ride from La Spezia to the south. Spectacular views of the sea are possible from the Castle of Riomaggiore. The Church of San Lorenzo is a must see for its beautiful rose window dating back to the 14th century.
How to Get to Cinque Terre
There is no direct flight from Canada to Cinque Terre, however you have several options for how to journey to these 5 beautiful villages. Depending on your itinerary, you can enter Italy through many cities, although the Cristoforo Colombo International Airport in Genoa is your closest option at about 100 kilometres distance from Cinque Terre. Chat with your travel agent or visit Google Flights to see what’s available. Once you’ve arrived in Italy you can decide whether to rent a car or take the train to
Curious to See Italy for Yourself?
Words and pictures fail to fully convey the charms of Cinque Terre. It’s a must-experience part of Italy that will leave you breathless in a good way.
MP TOURS invites you to join us on our off-the-beaten track tours to Marche, Puglia, and Sicily. For more information on our tours, check out our Tour Page or send us an email. We look forward to welcoming you to this beautiful place!
