Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands
Italy ·
Description
Cinque Terre is where humanity and nature signed a pact of beauty. Five villages of multicolored houses spill down vertical cliffs falling to the Mediterranean Sea. Terraced vineyards, carved over centuries into rock, produce white wine that tastes of effort and salt. Walking between Riomaggiore and Monterosso is crossing postcards that become reality.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Cinque Terre represents an exceptional example of harmonious interaction between humans and nature. UNESCO recognized the cultural landscape created over a millennium of agricultural terraces in an extremely difficult coastal environment, preserving a unique traditional way of life.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
Two days minimum to walk between villages and enjoy without rushing. One can be enough if you use the train between villages.
Manarola and Vernazza are most photogenic. Corniglia sits high without a harbor; Monterosso has the best beach.
Yes, there are small beaches and rocks for swimming in each village. Monterosso has the largest sand beach.
They range from easy to moderate. The Sentiero Azzurro (blue trail) is most popular but some sections may be closed.
Yes for the trails; it includes unlimited trains between villages. Essential if you plan to hike.