The best things to do in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, which means “Five Lands” in Italian, is a beautiful coastal region located in the northwest part of the country. The region is made up of five picturesque villages, each with their own charm and character. The villages are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The region is known for its stunning scenery, delicious food, and friendly locals. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an action-packed adventure, Cinque Terre has something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do in this beautiful region.
Explore the villages
Each of the five villages in Cinque Terre has its own unique character and charm. Monterosso al Mare is the largest and most popular village, known for its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere. Vernazza is often considered the most beautiful village, with its colorful houses and picturesque harbor. Corniglia is the only village not located directly on the sea, but it offers beautiful views from its hilltop location. Manarola is known for its wine production and picturesque fishing boats. Riomaggiore is the southernmost village and is known for its beautiful sunsets and hiking trails.
Hiking trails
Cinque Terre is a hikers paradise with its many trails that offer stunning views of the region. The most famous trail is the “Sentiero Azzurro” which connects all five villages. The trail is about 11km long and takes around 5 hours to complete. There are also many other trails that offer different levels of difficulty and different views. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, there is a trail for everyone in Cinque Terre.
Relax on the beach
Cinque Terre is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. Monterosso al Mare is the most popular beach in the region and is known for its white sandy beach and crystal clear water. Vernazza also has a small beach, while Manarola and Riomaggiore have rocky beaches that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Wine tasting
Cinque Terre is known for its delicious wine, and there are many opportunities to taste the local wines. The region produces two types of wine, the white wine “Sciacchetrà ” and the red wine “Cinque Terre”. The wines are made from grapes grown on the terraced vineyards that are a characteristic of the region. There are many wine shops and tasting rooms in the villages where you can sample the wines and buy bottles to take home.
Visit the churches
Cinque Terre is also home to many beautiful churches that are worth visiting. The most famous church is the “San Giovanni Battista” in Monterosso al Mare, which is known for its beautiful frescoes. The “Chiesa di Santa Margherita” in Vernazza is also worth visiting, with its beautiful frescoes and stunning views from the bell tower.
Enjoy the local cuisine
Cinque Terre is known for its delicious local cuisine. The region is known for its seafood dishes, such as “trofie al pesto” and “baccalà alla cinque terre” which is salted cod. There are alsomany other delicious dishes to try, such as “panigacci” which are a type of fried dough, and “farinata” which is a type of chickpea flour pancake. The local wines are also a must-try, and can be paired with the local seafood dishes for a perfect culinary experience.
Take a boat tour
Another great way to see Cinque Terre is by boat. There are many boat tours available that take you around the coast and give you a different perspective of the villages and scenery. You can also rent a boat and explore on your own. With the boat, you can see the coastline and the terraced vineyards, which are difficult to see from land.
Visit the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is also home to a national park, the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre. The park was established in 1999 to protect the natural beauty of the region. The park offers many hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the region. The park is also home to many different species of plants and animals, making it a great place for nature lovers to visit.
In conclusion, Cinque Terre is a beautiful and diverse region that offers something for everyone. From relaxing on the beach to hiking in the national park, from tasting delicious local cuisine to visiting charming villages, Cinque Terre has it all. Make sure to plan a visit to this beautiful region and experience all it has to offer.
