Cinque Terre, a man-made landscape between sea and sky

Throughout the years man has laboriously hewn out a living in hostile surroundings moulded by distant geological events. The Cinque Terre present a singular landscape of both spirit and harmony.

The hamlets that are perched on rocky heights have only recently become reachable by road and they have certainly maintained every vestage of their original charm.

Leaving La Spezia the coast road takes one to Riomaggiore and Manarola where the sea, the hills, the vineyards, the old fishing villages and the Genovese style churches add together to result in enthralling scenery from Riomaggiore to Manarola there is the renowned Via dell'Amore (lovers' pathway) cut out of the coastal rock.

Corniglia winding up the hillside and Monterosso spreading out at sea level both have notable artistic scenic references. At Monterosso are the Medieval "Torre Aurora" (the Dawn Tower) which divides the old part of the town from the new part (Fegina), and the Van Dyck Crucifix in the San Francesco church. 

Another delightful corner is Vernazza, where the parish church once again repeats the Romanic Genovese themes.  A picturesque walk along the Cinque Terre hillside connects the Sanctuaries sheer down to the sea: Soviore, Reggio, San Bernardino, Volastra and Montenero.  The trip along the footpaths through the terraced vineyards sustained by drywalling is a sight not to be missed.

The Cinque Terre area as far Portovenere has been made into a park for marine life together with the flora and fauna.

Panoramic foot paths that have been cared for and clearly indicated by the C.A.I. Association, are well used by walkers and trekkers alike, and along some paths one is likely to meet up with horse riders.