The Cinque Terre National Park
Cinque Terre — literally 'five lands' — refers to five villages clinging to the Ligurian cliffs: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The whole area has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.
The National Park protects a landscape shaped by human hands for centuries: kilometres of dry-stone vineyard terraces carved into the cliffside, linked by a network of hiking trails offering some of the most spectacular views on the Mediterranean.
The famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path) links the five villages along the coast, while more demanding routes climb up to the inland hamlets, Camedone among them. Each village has its own character: the colourful houses of Manarola, the small harbour of Vernazza, the elevated position of Corniglia.
The park also protects a marine reserve along the coast, ideal for diving and swimming in unspoiled coves. The best way to discover the Cinque Terre remains on foot, early in the morning or late in the day, away from the crowds.
