The Cinque Terre Park
The beautiful beaches, the high cliffs and the crystalline seawater make the Cinque Terre one of the most appreciated places of the eastern Ligurian Riviera. Thanks to the enchanting small beaches among the rocks and to the wonderful inlets with a dark blue sea this is certainly one of the most appealing areas in Liguria.
MONTEROSSO al Mare is situated in the middle of a small natural bay protected by a low artificial reef, east of Punta Mesco on the Riviera in the province of La Spezia. It is the most western of the Cinque Terre.
On the west side of the village there is the neighbourhood called Fegina which represents the more recent settlement with a typical touristic seaside character; the ancient centre of the village can be reached walking through a short tunnel , beyond the hill of the Cappuccini friars. In Fegina there is the railway station and beaches which are quite wide with respect to the other villages.
is the second village of the Cinque Terre and is situated in a bay between the districts of Monterosso and Riomaggiore; its territory includes the following village, Corniglia.
Corniglia is right in the middle of the Cinque Terre, east of Monterosso and Vernazza (to which it is connected by a panoramic footpath running between the peak and the sea) and west of Manarola and Riomaggiore. It differs from the other villages of the Cinque Terre because it is not situated near the seashore but on top of a promontory about 90 metres above the sea level, surrounded by vineyards cultivated on the typical terraces overlooking the sea. It is possible to reach the centre of the village from the railway station by a long stairway, called Lardarina, consisting of 33 flights with 382 steps altogether or by a crooked street.
Riomaggiore, like the other Cinque Terre, is situated between the Ligurian Sea and the steep mountain chain which stretches from the Apennines , near Mount Zatta, towards the South-East thus dividing the Vara Valley from the coast. The historical centre, the original nucleus of which dates back to the 13th century, is situated the valley of the small river called Rio Maggiore, the ancient Rivus Major after which the village is named. The village consists of various parallel series of typical Genoese tower houses along the riverbank.
Manarola is characterized by a series of typical colourful Genoese tower houses, built one next to the other on the main street, called Via Discovolo, and obtained by covering a river. The village developed climbing up the rocky promontory overlooking the sea thus creating a web of narrow alleys running parallel on various levels connected by uneven slate stairs. Manarola lies east of Monterosso, Vernazza and Corniglia and west of Riomanggiore and is the smallest village after Corniglia.
+ Monterosso al mare
+ Vernazza
+ Corniglia
+ Riomaggiore
+ Manarola
Portofino is one of the most famous resorts of the Ligurian Riviera. As a matter of fact it is the seat of important touristic and cultural events which see the participation of international celebrities. It is a unique must-see destination for those who decide to spend a holiday in this wonderful area of the Ligurian Riviera because, at the same time, it offers the possibility to enjoy the typical atmosphere of ancient fishing traditions.
Santa Margherita ligure is the Perl of Tigullio , situated between Portofino and Rapallo; considering its environment and its quality of life, S. Margherita is one of the most beautiful town of Liguria. It is mainly developed near the seaside and offers to the visitors a particular panorama with various inlets characterized by picturesque ancient houses overlooking the sea. It is not surprising if Santa Margherita Ligure is considered as the Perl of Tigullio; beside being a famous seaside town with many seashore structures and luxury hotels, this resort is also an important destination for many international cruise passengers.
Rapallo is a feast; this is the image which immediately comes in mind when speaking about Rapallo and not only for its spectacular fireworks which, every year in July, make it bright with many vivid colours. Rapallo is very alive and has got a particular atmosphere which confers to Rapallo a distinct aspect. Maybe this is the reason why there are always many visitors in winter, too. Rapallo combines history, architectural treasures and a wonderful landscape. It is a pleasant town where it is possible to find interesting monuments not only the beautiful centre but also in the surroundings and where the hills and the small rivers complete the picture.