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Cinque Terre
CINQUE TERRE

Cinque Terre

Decades ago the five villages that comprise the Cinque Terre had no road access. Clinging to cliffs overlooking the azure Mediterranean, their houses were an artist’s palette of terracottas and creams. Then the first tourists arrived and now the walking tracks that connect the five are almost always thronged with visitors, though the villages retain their postcard-perfect charm. It is possible to walk between the northernmost village of Monterosso and Riomaggiore in the south in one day, but it’s far better to take your time, stay in one village for a few days and explore the villages on foot. If you don’t fancy the walk, there are roads now (nervous drivers beware!) or more preferably you can ride the local train. For an entirely different view, take to the sea on the ferry.






SOME THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN CINQUE TERRE


Il Gigante IL GIGANTE

Carved into the cliffs in Monterosso is the 14 metre high statue of Neptune holding the waves at bay. Due to wartime bombing and rough seas he lost his arms, trident and the giant seashell he held. 

Riomaggiore Murals RIOMAGGIORE MURALS
 

These striking murals paint a picture of life in the Cinque Terre and are situated outside the train station. The murals are to glorify the unknown workers who constructed all of the dry stone walls and terracing that is so distinctive to the area. 

Walking the Coastal Path WALKING THE COASTAL PATH
 

This links the villages, but be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and carry water as it is not sold along the route. Get an early start to avoid the heat and the crowds. 
Try the best basil pesto TRY THE BEST BASIL PESTO
 

This is the home of pesto and it’s generously served in restaurants with two different types of pasta that are local to the area (trofie – short dense twists or trenette – long flat with a ruffle on the edges) There is also pesto lasagna! 
Rest at one of the spectacular terraced vineyards REST AT ONE OF THE SPECTACULAR TERRACED VINEYARDS
 

Check out the local wine and also the delicious limoncello, enjoy an accompanying antipasto platter while soaking up the atmosphere. 

Sip a Sciacchetra SIP A SCIACCHETRA

A rare sweet white wine unique to the Cinque Terre. It’s delicious especially with creamy gorgonzola cheese. 
Taste the local anchovies TASTE THE LOCAL ANCHOVIES
 

These are caught along the coast, then salted and barrelled in the bay by the woman of the Cinque Terre. 

Swimming on the Cinque Terre SWIMMING ON THE CINQUE TERRE
 

While the Cinque Terre is not famous for its long white beaches, the coastline is full of small bays and the clear Ligurian Sea. Manarola you can sunbathe on the rocks then dive off into the deep waters; Vernazza has a small sandy beach good for kids, or jump off the rocks at the end of the harbour; Monterosso has a sandy, pebbly beach great for families. 
Visit the Portofino for the Day VISIT PORTOFINO FOR THE DAY
 

Take the train to Santa Margherita, then the local bus from directly outside the station



CINQUE TERRE ACCOMMODATION


Here's a taste of some of our favourite hotel and apartment-hotel options in Cinque Terre.
Come in-store or send us an enquiry to help us find the best accommodation for you.

Cinque Terre Hotel
HOTEL 5 TERRE, MONTEROSSO
★★★
Located in the new town, within walking distance to the beach, the lively promenade and the lush green hills and just seven minutes from the train station. Dine out on the promenade or in the old town, which you can easily reach with a lovely stroll along the foreshore.
Hotel Colonnina
HOTEL COLONNINA, MONTEROSSO
 ★★★
In a quiet lane just off the main street in the old town, this is an ideal spot. The seafront is just 100 metres away and the train station is only 500 metres away. The old town has lots of cute little squares and lanes and is the perfect place to try some of the best homemade pesto ever – this area is the home of it after all.
Hotel Margherita
VILLA MARGHERITA, LEVANTO
 ★★★
The heart of the old town is right on the doorstep of this family owned hotel. Step outside and you are in the midst of the vibrant atmosphere with restaurants, bars and shops galore. The walk to Vernazza from here takes about 3 hours but the views are jaw-droppingly beautiful so it is well worth it.








WE'RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU ALONG THE WAY



This is just a taste of the information and advice we have available through our House of Travel consultants.
Enquire below or pop in-store and talk to one of our travel experts today.

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