Cinque Terre (Liguria): what to see in 1 day


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What to see in the Cinque Terre, one-day itinerary to discover the 5 villages in the natural park, once called Terre, which characterize this picturesque stretch of jagged coast of the Ligurian Riviera.


Tourist information

It is a coast characterized by steep slopes and multiple terraces, above which are cultivated olive trees, citrus fruits and vines, capable of producing the exceptional grapes used to obtain the famous wines typical of this geographical area, characterized from optimal climatic conditions.

Riomaggiore it is an agricultural center located in a steep valley located at the eastern end of the Cinque Terre route.


A popular legend says that the village was founded by some refugees who survived the iconoclastic struggles of the Byzantine empire in the eighth century.

In the thirteenth century it was acquired by the Republic of Genoa.

From the Castle of Riomaggiore, which represents the most suggestive place in the country, it is possible to enjoy a vast panorama of the coast.


Located on Colle Cerricò, the castle was built in the period between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

Also worth seeing is the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Montenero, dating back to the fourteenth century but renovated in 1800.

It is not far away Manarola, the second village of the Cinque Terre for those who start their journey from the east, easily reached on foot by following the so-called "way of love", or the romantic path carved into the rock, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea.


What see

Vernazza, which is located on the banks of the Vernazzola stream, is enclosed in a rocky amphitheater.

With remote origins, dating back to the eleventh century, the village was initially a possession of the Fieschi, before passing, in 1276, under the rule of the Republic of Genoa, which commissioned the construction of the port and the various fortifications deemed necessary.

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The church of Santa Margherita, which is located in an excellent position in front of the port, was built in Gothic forms in the fourteenth century, including an octagonal bell tower.

There is also the medieval church of San Pietro, with a remarkable portal surmounted by sculptures and a refined white marble rose, created by Matteo and Pietro da Campiglio.

Going up the steps of a staircase you come to Corniglia, a small hamlet perched on a rocky outcrop with a splendid view of the sea.

Monterosso al Mare, a place well known for the production of sciacchetrà, which is a very fine white wine, is located in a picturesque protected inlet bordered by Punta del Mesco.

In the past, after being a medieval fiefdom, it became a possession of the Republic of Genoa in the thirteenth century.

The church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the fourteenth century but rebuilt in the Baroque period, has a facade where a refined marble rose window stands out.

From the castle, located in an elevated position, it is possible to enjoy a panoramic view comprising all the five lands.


Itineraries on foot

The pedestrian path that connects Riomaggiore to Monterosso al Mare is about 12 km long and reaches a maximum altitude of 220 meters near Prevo, with frequent alternating stretches of light ascent and descent.

The itinerary includes about 8 km of path, in addition to a cobbled mule track and a two 2 km long staircase, while the remaining part is made up of the 900 m long via dell'amore (between Manarola and Riomaggiore) and further short stretches on internal roads.

The total travel time, excluding stops in the various villages, is about 5-6 hours.

The itinerary can be divided into four parts, corresponding to Riomaggore-Manarola, 2 km, Manarola-Corniglia, 2.8 km, Corniglia-Vernazza, 3.4 km, and Vernazza-Monterosso, 3.8 km.

To reduce the time to be covered on foot, it is possible, according to preference, to travel by train for some sections.

CINQUE TERRE TRAVEL GUIDE 2019: Monterosso, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Corniglia (February 2024)


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