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 Introduction
Arrival Plane
The nearest airports to the villages are Pisa “Galileo Galilei” with a 1 to 2 hour trip by car or train or Genova's “C.Colombo” which has a 2 to 3 hour ride by car or train. The closest major international hub is Milan which is a 4 hour ride away from Genoa where one is able to change to the local train line. Flights from North America are made via New York, Atlanta, and Philadelphia. Delta Airlines also operates a flight from Atlanta via New York's JFK International Airport to Pisa's Galileo Galilei Airport.
Train
Cinque Terre is accessible by train from all over Europe. The main cities nearby are Genoa in the north (approx. 130 km) and La Spezia the south, just one stop from Riomaggiore. Each town has a stop on the local rail. All trains are operated by the state carrier, Trenitalia.
From Genoa (Genova), near Nice and Milan:
Take the local train that goes to La Spezia and stops at all stations on the way (ferma in tutte le stazioni) or take an express train to La Spezia and back track.
From La Spezia on the Genova-Pisa line:
take the local train to Sestri Levante that stops at all stations on the way (ferma in tutte le stazioni).
Car
Cinque Terre may be reached by driving from La Spezia along the “litoranea” road or Litoranea delle 5 Terre. The distance is about 14 Km and takes about a half hour. The nearest highway exits are La Spezia-S Stefano Magra on the A12 Genova-Livorno or A15 Parma- La Spezia or the Carrodano-Levanto exit.
Driving within Cinque Terre can be difficult as the routes are confusing and roadways are tight. Parking is another issue, with many of the villages requiring cars to be parked away from the towns and for tourists to walk in. Tourists are encouraged to park their cars in the lots and garages away from the town, and take the train between villages.
City Transport
The most enjoyable way to travel between the villages is by walking the centuries old footpaths that wind above the rocky coast. The path from Riomaggiore to Manarola is called the Via Dell'Amore, “Lovers Walk”, and is fittingly picturesque as well as quite physical. The stretch from Manarola to Corniglia is an easier hike until you reach Corniglia by a flight of 368 stairs. The trail from Corniglia to Vernazza is very steep in places, although the Vernazza to Monterosso path is by far the steepest. It also offers one of the best views of the entire bay.
Since 2001, the National Park of the Cinque Terre has been charging a small fee for the use of the paths. A ticket is required to traverse the “Via Dell'amore” - the first part of the Cinque Terre trail. Tickets are also needed for the electric buses which connect the parking lots to the centre of the villages and the Center of Naturalistic Observations of Guardiola Tower.
To save money, purchase the Cinque Terre Card which offers unlimited travel in second class on the trains between Levanto and La Spezia, access to all the services of the National Park of the Cinque Terre, hiking on the “Via Dell'Amore” and the path for Guardiola tower, a map of the walking paths, the railway timetable, and the ferries timetable. For more information call the National Park Cinque Terre: 0187.76.00.00.
History and Culture
Churches and Museums
Located in Manarola, this church is built in the baroque style. The cornerstone of the church dates back to 1338. The town also holds the world's biggest lighted nativity scene from Dec. 8th till late Jan.
Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia
This church was constructed in 1318 in Ligurian gothic style by the Maestri Antelami in Vernazza. Built upon a pre-existing XI century building, the structure is quite impressive as it rises 40 meters above the rocks right next to the sea.
Church of San Pietro
Corniglia honors Saint Peter with this church hovering over a rocky cliff dropping to the sea. Built on the remains of an older church, the current structure dates from 1334 and has a beautiful rosace.
Church of San Giovanni Battista
Also known as “Church of Saint John the Baptist”, Monterossa al Mare's church was built between 1244 and 1307 in Ligurian Gothic style. The beautiful façade is decorated with white and green marble.
Historical buildings and monuments
Vernazza was already a fortified village in 1080, but the Obertenghi family took it upon themselves to build a castle in this strategic location. The castle houses a bastion and a cylindrical tower of quadrangular base, the Belforte.
Wine Terraces
The impressive stone terraces that run along the paths between the towns are a work of sheer manpower. Throughout the centuries, the stone terraces have been maintained and rebuilt by its citizens. It is estimated that it has taken 200 years to build the entire stone-wall network and its length is said to rival the Great Wall of China.
Torre Aurora or Dawn Tower
This medieval tower separates the old town from new in Monterosso. The tower offers an observation deck that allows visitors to peer out at the bay and surrounding scenery.
Places of Interest
All of the villages besides Corniglia are situated on the water and offer places to sunbath, swim, and snorkel. The largest sandy beaches are at Monterosso, a small sandy beach lies in the harbor of Vernazza, and pebble beaches are near Riomaggiore and Corniglia. Cinque Terre is a consistent contender for the top of the Blue Flag Beach list of Italy. Riomaggiore offers the best snorkeling with tour companies offering lessons for first-timers.
Hiking Trails
This area has been named as a National Park and is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. There are a variety of paths and trails that offer views of the turquoise waters and brilliant foliage.
Food, drink and Culture
Some of the best cafes are Veciu Muin in Riomaggiore, Blue Marlin in Vernazza, and Cantina dello Zio Bramante in Manarola. Pie de Ma Wine Bar is another hang out, perched atop a cliff near Riomaggiore. This bar offers local wines and a variety of DJs in the summer in the bar that overlooks the water.
For something a bit more impromptu, Monterosso al Mare offers beach parties along its sandy shores. Natives and tourist alike relax on the beach as the light fades and enjoy the atmosphere.
Events
In mid summer, “pirates” attack Vernazza to celebrate the towns' resistance of pirate attack in the middle ages. In September there is also a celebration of the harvest and wine-making.
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Cinque Terre Travel Guide
Double room for si - From 65€
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