Why the
Cinque Terre
is special

Villages and terraced vineyards cling to the steep, craggy coastline of Cinque Terre. The villages are blessed with narrow streets, old-time charm, and a strong sense of the sea.

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Cinque Terre
tips & insights

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Cinque Terra was
once difficult to reach

Until recent times, the villages were directly accessible only by boat or mule trail. Nowadays, there is train service to each village. A daily ship-ferry service is also available (with superb views of the Cinque Terre sea-landscape). You can drive to or near some of the villages (but parking is a problem).

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Trails connect
the villages

You can trek between the communities on a narrow, up-and-down, 12-kilometer (7-mile) trail. The panoramic views are awesome. Some sections are challenging and not recommended for the unfit or acrophobic.

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The two
best villages

Vernazza
Most seasoned travelers believe it is the most picturesque of the villages.

Riomaggiore
This is the runner-up. It's also the most touristy village.

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Meanding of
Cinque Terra

The name means "five lands", referring to the area's five fishing villages, which still flourish.

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©2010 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications