The Cinque Terre form one of the most unspoilt areas of the Mediterranean and one of the most extended areas in Liguria. They are a kingdom of nature and wild scents maintained as in the past.
A territory in which sea and land are founded forming a unique and evocative area. 18 kilometres of rocky coastline abounding with abundant bays, beaches and deep sea, surrounded by mountains running parrellel to the coast. Terracings cultivated with vineyards and olives, kept under control by old dry stone walls.
All this makes the Cinque Terre an increasingly sought after location among Italian and foreign tourists. Who visits Cinque Terre can choose between a dive in the sea or a hike on the hills, between a walk in the narrow alleys called "carruggi" or a boat trip, a pilgrimage to a sanctuary or a seafood lunch.
It is a landscape unique in the world in which man and nature live together in harmony since the beginning of time.

Riomaggiore is the first town arriving from La Spezia. Located in the valley of the Rivus Maior stream, now covered. According to the tradition, the town dates back to the VIII century, when a group of Greek fugitives from the persecution of Leone III Isaurico, found shelter here.
The houses, painted with typical traditional colours, follow the scheme of the tower houses. They are structured in three or four plants. The access is possible to the main entrance and from behind, at the upper floors height.

Manarola has very old origins. It was founded by the inhabitants of the probably Roman settlement of Volastra. Its name derives from the Latin "Manium arula", that means a small altar dedicated to the “Mani”, Roman gods of the house.
Manarola is characterized by tower houses defending the village. The town is located on a sharp promontory of dark rock, and it is structured around the course, now covered, of the Groppo brook. The square is situated on the higher part of the village.
Among the houses, stands the white pyramid of cement, a sign for the sailors.
Manarola is the calmest of the Cinque Terre, later discovered by the tourists. It is possible to enjoy the nature with relaxing walks, above all the “Via dell' Amore” that leads to Riomaggiore.

The origin of Corniglia dates back to the Roman time. Its name derives from "Gens Cornelia", the Roman family owner of the place. Corniglia is located on a hundred of meters high steep promontory, close to a hill with many vineyards, from which it is possible to admire all the other four towns of the Cinque Terre.
To reach the city centre, it is necessary to climb up the "Lardarina", a long stair formed by 377 steps, or down the street from the train station.
Corniglia has agricultural vocation and has an urban typology close to the rural centres of the interior with lower houses.
The old village develops along Via Fieschi. There are ruins of a XVI century rock. The parish church dedicated to San Pietro is a beautiful example of the peculiar Gothic style of the region.

Vernazza was founded around the year Thousand. Its name comes from "Gens Vulnetia", a Roman old family. To them belonged the slaves that, once liberated, founded the town. Vernazza was once the most prosperous village of the Cinque Terre. The historical centre conserves beautiful architectural elements as lodges, arcades and portals. It develops on a rocky spur along the Vernazzola brook, now covered. Vernazza presents a big number of side streets connected by steep stairs and it is dotted by defensive constructions, tower houses, the Turret and the castle of the Doria family, symbol of its old economic importance. Next to the port stands Santa Margherita d'Antiochia parish church with the octagonal belfry of 40 meters.

Monterosso al Mare is the most western town of the Cinque Terre. The village is protected by hills covered with vineyard and olive groves. Monterosso has beautiful beaches, steep rugged cliffs and crystalline waters.
The Aurora tower, on the hill of San Cristoforo, divides the old medieval hamlet, from the new part of the village, developed along the Fegina beach. Old Monterosso is dominated by the ruins of the castle and characterized by typical tower-houses crossed by the "carruggi", narrow medieval streets.
In the church of San Francesco are conserved important works of art as the Crucifixion, attributed to Van Dyck. In the XVI century Monterosso was defended by thirteen towers. Today only remains the three towers of the castle, the medieval tower converted into San Giovanni church bell tower and the the Aurora tower.
The beach of Monterosso is the biggest of the Cinque Terre and therefore the town has a strong tourist vocation.