Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre are five small coastal villages overlooking the Mediterranean and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage. The peculiarity of this paradise? The houses perched clifftop are all colorful and cars are prohibited! To get there, it is necessary to privilege the railroad, the sea or the hike!
This haven of peace, and to live the dolce vita, the time of a weekend. I used my Nikon D750 for all those shots.
1. Postcard photo in Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the first village of Cinque Terre on the side of La Spezia, and not least since it is the one you have certainly already seen on postcards. It was built in the eighth century by Greek refugees. Some very old buildings are incredibly well preserved. It is advisable to go there in the spring or in September / October to avoid tourists. At this time of year, the temperatures are always lenient and you will enjoy your ride. To know: if the hikers are numerous on the spot, it is because it is the best way to visit the Cinque Terre, by means of 7.50 euros a day. This is a small toll that helps regulate the influx and maintain the trails.
2. The vineyards of Manarola
You can continue your visit (on foot or not) by Manarola, often described by tourists as the most beautiful village of the Cinque Terre. Manarola will surprise you with its many vines grown in terraces. Local wine growers join them thanks to a small monorail train built in the 80s, which offers an atypical and quite spectacular spectacle. If you want to see the vineyards more closely, we wish you to have no vertigo …
3. Hiking in Corniglia
You then arrive at the third village of Cinque Terre, which is also the highest. To access it, a magnificent staircase of 377 steps awaits you … You must be prepared and in good physical condition to go there. However, a minibus service has been set up and allows those who have difficulty to move to climb. After the effort, comfort. Corniglia is the only village in the Cinque Terre not to be directly connected to the sea. On the program, an authentic immersion in Italian life, through labyrinths of narrow streets and places for idleness.
4. Wine tasting in Vernazza
Vernazza is said to be the most picturesque village in the Cinque Terre. It takes its name from the family that founded it and was, for a long time, the richest locality in the region. Its history is closely linked to that of fishing. The church of Santa Margherita di Antiocha is the witness and was used to bless fishermen and boats leaving the village. Feel free to push the door of this building and visit it. The Riviera Ligure also hosts one of the most original vineyards in the world, which gives you an excellent reason to visit one of the city’s small wine cellars. You can also make an appointment to taste the famous white wine called « Cinque Terre ».
5. The beach of Monterosso
I suggest you finish your visit with Monterosso, the village that will offer you the largest and most beautiful beach for swimming. It is in fact the only sandy beach of the Cinque Terre, all the others being pebble beaches. The place is perfectly emblematic of Italy and brings together vineyards, olive groves, cliffs and crystal clear water.
