By: Kazim Raza Bhatti Pride News Italy Italy is such a wonderful and diverse country to visit; each region seems to have a personality all its own. For instance, Rome is an eclectic mix of ancient and modern, while Florence is a big city with a small-town feel.
I have traveled all over Italy, visiting Capri, Rome, Florence, Venice, and more, but no place has captured my attention and stolen my heart quite like Cinque Terre.
The Cinque Terre is made up of five villages on Italy’s Ligurian coast. Not only is the entire region a national park, but it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The natural beauty of this rugged coastline is unmatched and draws visitors from all over the world. As colorful houses seem to cling to the side of plunging cliff sides, you can’t help but stand in awe of the Italian beauty that surrounds you.
Cinque Terre offers visitors incredible views, a vibrant coastal atmosphere, outstanding hiking trails, and, of course, fabulous Italian food and wine to enjoy.
Let me introduce you to all of the reasons that I fell in love with Cinque Terre, Italy!
Cinque Terre Is Five Destinations In One
Tour The Five Villages of Cinque Terre
A trip to the Cinque Terre means that you get to explore five unique villages while in the area. Made up of Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, and Monterosso al Mare, you get the pleasure of exploring all five during your trip. Of course, you can also choose your favorite to make your home base during your trip.
All of the villages are easily connected via the local train, and most are connected by the hiking trails that wind through the national park. This ease of connectivity allows you to move freely about the area during your visit, thus essentially getting five destinations in one!
Cinque Terre’s History
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The extensive history of Cinque Terre has earned it the label of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This history will envelop you as you begin to explore the five towns of the region.
You can discover medieval castles in both Riomaggiore and Vernazza before checking out the Gothic churches that are present in Manarola and Corniglia. Dating back to the 1200s, the narrow cobblestone streets and colorful houses of Cinque Terre also give you a peek into its historical past.
The Area Is Incredibly Colorful
Get Out On The Water To Capture The Beauty of Cinque Terre
Everywhere you turn in Cinque Terre, you are surrounded by beautiful views. From the turquoise blue water to the pastel-colored houses, the colors of Cinque Terre seem never-ending. Even the gray cliff sides appear to have shades of blue and purple swirled into them.
Cinque Terre Wine Is Famous
Learn About (and Sample) This Famous Wine
During your visit to Cinque Terre, you will see vineyards dotting the hillsides throughout the region. These vineyards are the source of a famous wine created from the grapes harvested here, a sweet dessert wine named Sciacchetra.
Renowned for not only the region it is produced in, but also for its rarity, trying Sciacchetra wine is a must when visiting Cinque Terre. I recommend going to the Cantina della Cooperativa Agricolture delle Cinque Terre headquarters in Riomaggiore, where you can take a guided tour (April-October and December) to learn all about the production of this famous wine.