Cinque Terre translates as five lands, and is a string of jewel like villages set against the rugged backdrop of the Liguria coastline.
Dating back to medieval times these five villages of colourful houses and vineyards seem to defy gravity as they cling to steep cliff-side terraces.
The harbors are filled with fishing boats and local trattorias turn out their seafood specialties along with the Liguria region’s famous pesto sauce.
The Sentiero Azzurro (blue path) is a precarious cliff-side hiking trail that links the villages and offers sweeping vistas.
The five villages/towns that make up the Cinque Terre are, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza; all of which display unique personalities whilst sharing a connection with the sea.
There are number of walking routse which now connect the Cinque Terre, although some routes, particularly the lower paths close to the sea, can be affected by landslides, unstable ground, urgent reconstruction work, etc., which may close them without any notice. There are plenty of alternative routes which take in the stunning vistas from atop the cliffs.
For up to date information check
https://www.bestofcinqueterre.com/en/popular-hiking-routes
There is a small charge for walking most of the popular routes – and there is talk that numbers may be restricted in the future. This will be controlled by an app but details are not finalised.
