Cinque Terre (The Five Hills) is a world heritage listed national park on the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region.
The walking trail between the five villages winds its way along the cliff faces over 18 kilometres. The walking tracks originate from the 15th centruy footpaths cut into the hillsides and offer some of the finest coastal scenery you will see anywhere. They wind their way along narrow pathways flanking small farms and descend into delightful villages where you can stop for refreshments before continuing. Conveniently a railway and ferry links all of the five villages so you can choose which track you wish to hike on. Some of the tracks are pretty steep with lots of steps like the 368 steps up to or down to Corniglia depending on which way you are walking. The flatest and most user friendly track is the well paved walk between Manarola and Riomaggiore. Accommodation is available in the all the villages but private vehicles are not allowed. The train runs a regular schedule to Cinque Terre, the nearest large town is La Spezia where we stayed overnight but I wouldn't rank this highly as a place to stay, rather suggesting you obtain accommodation in one of the delightful and very authentic Italian villages, the biggst of which is Monterosso.
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| If you decide to laze on the beach |
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| Spectacular views |
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| Cliff side track |
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| A narrow track through a small farm |
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| The lovely village of Vernazza |
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| A refreshment stop along the way |
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| Flat track |
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| Vernazza |
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| Wonderful crafty shops with something different to take home. |
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| Waiting for the train |
