Cinque Terre and Riviera
The open sea, rocky coves, terraced vineyards, olive trees and typical Ligurian houses, all set against a backdrop of steep mountains, make up the unique scenery of the Cinque Terre.
The Cinque Terre, Five Lands, are actually five villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso They are located between and the sea and the hills which span from Capo Montenero to Punta Mesco. Because of the rare flora and fauna and the uniqueness of its position, the Cinque Terre has become a national park, a marine reserve and a World Heritage of UNESCO since 1998.
The Cinque Terre National Park and Marine Reserve were established in 1997 and in 1999. They include the “comuni” of Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Monterosso, part of Levanto and La Spezia. The park and marine reserve area consists of 4,226 hectares of land and 2,784 of sea. The park and the reserve were established to protect the unique natural and historical environment of the Cinque Terre.
The fragile rocks which rise from the sea have been moulded by man into dry stone terraces. These terraces contain vineyards which produce the famous white wine, “Sciacchetra.” The ancient villages, clinging to the rocks, have small ports and enchanting, but often steep footpaths. Small beaches and coves line the coast. There is a rich and varied sea life. This area of the Ligurian Sea is part of the International Cetacean Centre.
The Cinque Terre offer excursion possibilities for everyone. There are many footpaths with various degrees of difficulty. It is also possible to go horseback riding and mountain biking. Sand and pebble beaches can be reached on foot or by boat. All the five villages are served by railway
During the summer there are efficient ferry boats which connect the Cinque Terre to other Riviera, Gulf and Versilia towns.
The “Via dei Santuari” (the Sanctuary Way) follows a high s crest above the villages of the Cinque Terre. Once a footpath, today it has become Provincial Road 51. This path has existed since medieval times. It was a branch of the “Via Francigena”, a pilgrims’ path that went from Rome to Santiago de Compostela.. Today this road still connects the five sanctuaries. These sanctuaries originated from devotion to the Virgin Mary and still preserve holy images and ex-voto. The sanctuaries are clearly visible from the sea. They overlook and protect each village of the Cinque Terre. They are places where one can pause, rest and pray. Many footpaths start from the Sanctuary Way. They go along the whole Riviera and also to the Val di Vara.
