Cinque Terre

- January 08, 2011

Vernazza

Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore (plus Levanto and Portovenere)

These are considered to be the (five) Cinque Terre villages. They're a must-see in Italy. There are castles, beaches, shopping and great foods featuring the olive oils and pestos that originate from the Ligure region.

I suggest starting in Levanto, a pretty town where you stay and travel easily by train to Portofino, the Cinque Terre, Nice, France and other areas.

Levanto

The main town of Levanto is in the distance. Walking distance is several hours by path to the first of the Cinque Terre towns but just a few minutes by train.

We stayed at the Villa Margherita for it's location. This B and B is an easy walk to the station where you can catch the trains to the Cinque Terre villages. Proprietor Federico will help you figure out the best of the best places to go depending on how much time you have.

Say Ciao to Federico at the Villa from me!

The Villa has changed colors to this rich yellow...

Not on the sea but Villa M has views of it.

The Villa Margherita's staircase.

The villa patio and lush grounds (Nina)

Monterosso

There is a good hiking path from Levanto to the first village, however, it took us over 2 hours to get there. It goes right along the Mediterranean Sea. Take plenty of drinking water and some of the path has steep cliffs. Once you reach Monterosso, you can take a boat or walk on the seaside pathway to the other villages.

Monterosso is the Northern most town of the five villages.

Shop in the village

One of the cute shops in this town.

Castle in Monterrosso al Mare right off the beach.

Vernazza

A lovely village to stroll.

Easy walk from the treni.

Riomaggiore

Portovenere

Although not considered one of the Cinque Terre villages, it's located just to the south. There is a wonderful large castle and much larger village to visit.