CINQUE TERRE: THINGS TO SEE


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The walking trail that links the five towns is the best way to experience all of the sights and sounds of the Cinque Terre and is traversible in just one day. The walking trail starts at Via Dell’Amore from Riomaggiore to Monterosso. It’s 12km one way and can be finished in about five hours. Monterosso to Vernazza is the longest stretch of 4km and the most difficult.


Monterosso
Huge statues embedded into the rocks over look the beach.
Try some of the local liquer specialties like Sciacchetra or limoncino which are made locally.

Vernazza
This town has a wide promenade and piazza that overlook the water.
Castello Doria is an 11th century castle which offers good views from the tower. It is open 10am-5.30pm daily, cost 1.05 for entry. Inland are vineyards and lemon groves.
The path here links to Riomaggiore along Lover’s Lane which can be closed during rainy periods.

Corniglia
This town is balanced rather precauriously on a high ride above the sea. But it’s a charming town of four-storey houses, narrow lanes and stairways. All weave into the hill by a medieval lookout known as La Torre. There are good views of the vinews and dry stone walls.

Manarola
This is the wine growing area of the Cinque Terre villages. There is also a 13th century church with a bell tower used as a defensive lookout in the 14th century. There is also an oratory that once served as a leper hospital line the central square.

Riomaggiore
The Via dell’Amore runs between Manarola to Riomaggiore. This houses in Riomaggiore form along the ravine that slides down towards the harbour. Fishing boats line the shore.

It is possible to rent bikes from Mar Mar, Via Colombo 234, tel. 0187 920932.

Torre Guardiola is a nature observation centre on Fossola Beach.

At Cooperative Sub 5 Terre, Via San Giacomo you can rent snorkels and canoes/kayaks, tel. 0187 920596


La Spezia
This town is predominantly a port town so there is still a predominance of sailors which can be a bit disconcerting for female travellers. The main sites include:

Museo Amedeo Lia, Via Prione 234
Open 10am-6pm Tues-Sunday. Tel. 0187 731100, www.castagna.it/mal
Arts museum in a 17th century convent.

Palazzina delle Arti
This adjoins the museum and dates to the 19th century

Museo del Sigillo, Seal Museum
Via Prone 236, inside the Palazzina delle Arti
Open 10am-noon and 4-7pm, tel. 0187 778544. Cost child/adults 5.15/3.60
Seals of letters

Castello di San Giorgio
Via XXVII Marzo, tel. 0187 751142
sangiorgio@castagna.it
Open 9.30am-12.30pm and 2-5pm Tues-Sun in winter, 9.30am-12.30pm and 5-8pm Tues-Sun in summer.
Bronze Age and Iron Age relics and Ligurain statue

Museo Tecnico Navale, Naval Museum
Viale Amendola 1

Museo di Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (Modern and Contemporary Art Museum)
Piazza Cesare Battisti

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