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'A Man Made Landscape Between Sky and Sea' is the line used by the regional authorities to promote the five villages of the Cinque Terre along this stunning Liguria coastline and one of Italy's most sought after tourist destinations.
Although referred to collectively, they are in fact the small hamlets of 'Monterosso a Mare', 'Vernazza', 'Corniglia', 'Manarola' and 'Riomaggiore'.
They can be reached from Levanto and Portovenere and are linked by 18 km of coastline representing the spirit of Ligurian culture; that combination of sea and steep sun drenched terraces.
Of the five, Corniglia is the one built the furthest up the hillsides and offers fine views of the 'Mar Ligure'. It also leaves room for a large beach below the town which is suitably protected by the cliffs behind. Certainly spectacular, yet a punishing place to live.
The legacy left by the original inhabitants of steep terraces, paths cut out of the rocks, drystone walls, are so beautiful that it is easy to forget what hardship it must have been.
Try the walk which links Saviore to Reggio, San Bernardino, Volastra and Montenero or the paths below.
PATH ONE - Sentiero del Crinale
This is the route from Portovenere along the ridge which divides the coastal side from the internal zone as far as Levanto over the 'punta del mesco'. It is considered the path of the Cinque Terre 'par excellence'. It is smooth but long (over 40km) half of which is the stretch which includes the Cinque Terre. It is recommended only for groups of prepared mountain bikers.
Nevertheless, it's possible to to cover only a stretch by taking the handful of routes which lead to one of the Cinque Terre villages themselves.
The Cinque Terre stretch takes around 7 hours and is 20km long and reaches 516m above sea level.
PATH TWO - Sentiero Azzurro
This connects all the villages of the Cinque Terre and is the most popular. In fact, the stretch Riomaggiore - Manarola is known as the Via dell'Amore.
It takes 5 hours to do but the fatique is repaid by fabulous views of the sea, all set against classic Mediterranean hills which drop sheer to the water.
You'll be amazed at the scent of herbs and plants as well as small coves and isolated inlets. Of course, pauses for food and wine are essential along the way.
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