It is a beautiful stretch of coastline inset with five tiny villages perched between the Mediterranean and a range of steep coastal hills that maintain the charm and character of Italian villages of the past: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. This zone is characterised by the presence of typical steep slopes cultivated with vines. The suggestive kind of coast falling sheer to the sea, with cliffs which are often vertical, alternated with small creeks and enchanting beaches among rocks, with depths rich in fish, make this territory a real Natural "work of art". Awarded by UNESCO the title of World Patrimony of Mankind, the Cinque Terre are a National Park and Protected Marine Environment. Monterosso al Mare, the westernmost of the Cinque Terre, is protected by hills covered with vineyards and olive groves and is surrounded by vegetation. Its beautiful beaches, steep rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters, make this one of the most charming resorts on the Ligurian Riviera of the east. A path with breathtaking views winding along Mediterranean groves and partly deserted fields and vineyards, reaches its peak on the route leading to Vernazza. This village has a natural pier with a amphitheatre shape making it perhaps the most picturesque village of the Cinque Terre. Placed on the ridge of a rocky promontory at the foot of a terraced vineyard, with two exclusive small beaches at its sides, Corniglia is very similar architecturally to inland agricultural villages. The ancient village of Manarola, placed on a promontory of dark rock, is surrounded by vines. The very beautiful footpath called the Lovers' Pathway, "La Via dell'Amore" starts here: an easy to walk, paved path along the coast which connects Manarola to Riomaggiore. Riomaggiore is the easternmost of the Cinque Terre and is located in the narrow valley of the "rio Maior", along whose course the village was born. Though maintaining its fishing and agricultural roots, tourism has become very important to the economic life of the village over the last few decades, partly due to its easy access from La Spezia.

Further information at: www.cinqueterre.com