Medieval Villages of the Italian Riviera

Located in the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, there are five iconic, brightly coloured medieval fishing villages perched along the rugged cliffs of the Italian Riviera

This car-free park is world-renowned for its dramatic coastal hiking trails, terraced vineyards, and pristine Mediterranean waters

The five villages running from north to south are:

Monterosso al Mare: The largest and oldest village. It features the area’s only extensive sandy beachand a lively resort atmosphere.

Vernazza: Arguably the most picturesque village. It boasts a natural harbor, a seaside piazza, and the medieval Doria Castle overlooking the water.

Corniglia: The only village with no direct sea access. It sits high on a rocky promontory surrounded by vineyards and requires climbing 382 steps from the train station.

Manarola: Famous for its picture-perfect sunset views. It features colorful houses tumbling down to a rocky gorge where visitors swim in the deep harbor.

Riomaggiore: The southern gateway town. It is known for its steep, vertical layout, vibrant nightlife, and a rugged pebble beach.

The Blue Trail, or Sentiero Azzurro, Is the famous coastal path linking the villages. The popular section between Manarola and Riomaggiore, known as the Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane), has fully reopened following major renovations.

The most efficient way to travel Is the shuttle moves between Levanto, the five villages, and La Spezia in just minutes.

Ferry lines run regular seasonal hops between the towns, offering the absolute best panoramic photography angles from the sea.

Destination: Italy