Cinque Terre, Liguria

Town of Vernazza, Cinque Terre National Park

Explore the Cities and Towns of Cinque Terre

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Overview

The Cinque Terre is Italy's most famous famous national park.  It is one of the most unique coastlines in the world with a unique rugged landscape consisting of sharply defined mountains, steep valleys, daunting cliffs and narrow beaches, is located within the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre" and it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

Modernity in all its dubious glory has not managed to impinge itself too heavily because the Cinque Terre is well off the main highways and rail lines that give life to modern industry and create the usual activity that a growing population demands.  Not only that, but steps have been taken to protect the natural - and man-made - environment from over development.

There are a few cars within Cinque Terre, and a small network of roads used by local people, or by the drivers who bring goods to the place, but for travelers and tourists, it is mostly inaccessible by car and it is on our list of places you can read about on our BLOG list of "Places in Italy You Definitely Do Not Want to Drive."  

It is much better when planning a trip to the Cinque Terre national park to take the train (or a coastal ferry) from Spezia (south), or Levanto (north), and get to your hotel - or arrange transfer to your hotel directly from train or the ferry landing.  We can of course help you do this.  

In terms of hiking in the Cinque Terre national park:  

There are a number of well-worn paths in The Cinque Terre, but the Via Dell'Amore - the lover's walk -  strings all five villages, winding its way along beaches, and through the many olive orchards, vineyards and chestnut woods on the terraced seaside slopes.

The easiest part of the route is from Riomaggiore to Manorola, but things get more difficult from Corniglia to Vernazza, and very difficult from Vernazza to Monterossa, as the hills become steeper and more challenging.  At some points you will be 1000 feet above the level of the sea.

During the summer months, along the beaches one can take the sun at one of several Lidos, or perhaps find a small stretch of beach.  If you want to be more active, you can hire a boat, swim in the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, or go snorkeling or scuba diving in the Riomaggiore area.  The local waters team with fish, so you can hang a line from pier, rock or boat.

Strolling through the medieval villages you will encounter many churches, including the oldest in Manorola, whose cornerstone dates to 1060 AD.  When you are hungry, and perhaps tired from your wanderings, each of the villages has its share of cafes and restaurants. 

It will not surprise you that Ligurian fare is heavily oriented to sea food with pasta running a close second.  The the sauces, many of them based on basil, pine nuts and other local produce, are sensational.  If you are a lover of wines, then eat your meal with one of the delicious local wines.

The Cinque Terre is the ultimate in the paradox which confronts the veteran and novice traveler alike: avoiding the most heavily touristed places means not seeing the places that are most heavily touristed because of their profoundly attractive virtues.  In the case of Cinque Terre - we suggest you submit yourself to the experience.

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Stories That Stay With You

Here's what our guests share about their unforgettable journeys

“In September of 2018 I brought a group of 12 from Venice to Sicily and organized all of my services with the Italy Vacation Specialists. Being a travel agent and in the business, I know how complicated organizing travel arrangements can be in Italy and the IVS team took a huge burden off of me! I would like to start of by saying "THANK YOU" both for the amazing job you did on our trip. There was n”
[Read More] Ann Brownell, KHM Travel Group
“Dear Guiseppe and Jesse, We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future. Hotels 1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were p”
[Read More] Ron and Deb Crosby
“Jesse, There are no words to describe the fabulous time we had in Italy. Everything went as you promised. Absolutely no problems! The venues were fabulous. The guides were punctual and helpful. It couldn't have worked out better. You and your staff deserve high praise for the quality and efficiency of your work. BTW, Guiseppe was an absolute delight. We enjoyed his informative and effervescent per”
[Read More] Jo Ann West
“The trip was great; we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details, in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.”
[Read More] Leon and Michele
“This company really knows their stuff and recommended our family to stay longer in each location. We didn't listen to them, but wished we had in every single place we went. They recommended Sestri Levante over the Cinque Terre which was our favourite destination on our entire trip. We visited Rome where we stayed in the outstanding Hotel Locorno where they know the owner there, like in every place”
[Read More] Sean & Veet Chapman, CGA
“We're home now from the most amazing trip to Italy! I can't thank you enough for your efforts and coordination of what was without question the finest vacations I've been on to date.”
[Read More] Carol Carson
“Jesse & Giuseppe, Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.”
[Read More] Bob & Sandy
“I traveled with JoAnn West through your services, guided by Giuseppe, in July of this year. What a wonderful experience; your service is really top notch! If I return to Italy for a tour, I will absolutely use your services again and recommend you to my friends!”
[Read More] Lucretia Brower
“I am a travel agent with All About Honeymoons and I would highly recommend Italy Vacation Specialists. Jessica was wonderful in helping us plan in a last minute anniversary vacation during high season without any issues. She even checked on our clients while on vacation to make sure things were going well. I plan on using them again soon for all my future bookings!”
[Read More] Tammy Joyce, All About Honeymoons
“I am a travel agent from Lebanon and have organized several group tours as well as individual tours of Italy with Italy Vacation Specialists. I highly recommend them as one of the very best tour operators in Italy to work with, given their professionalism and work ethic which I feel is second-to-none in the travel industry. All of the staff, the guides, the coaches and even the meals we enjoyed we”
[Read More] Nicole Haddad, Lebanese Travel Agent

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