Best Places to visit in Cinque Terre

Famous for its many varieties of Lemon vegetation, the trees of which are spread across the place, Monterosso al Mare is a small Italian commune and one of the Villages of Cinque Terre. Located at the center of a small natural gulf this village is known for its delightful natural expanse.  This village is also known for its production of White wine, grapes and olives.

• Highlights: 

• Old Town (Centro Storico): This historic center of Monterosso with colorful buildings, quaint shops, and traditional trattorias. The old town also houses several churches with divine architecture incorporating striking features like black and white strips, impressive rose shaped windows,and  dark interiors with a gothic vibe. 
• Spiaggia di Fegina(Public Beach); Enjoy your vacation time under crisp sun as you sun bathe on the perfect sand beach of Monterosso which is perfect for swimming and relaxing. This beach is of utmost significance as it forms a platform for a major monument. The beach is a partying hub and hosts fun nights and barbeques. 
• Monterosso Giant: This Giant statue of Neptune situated at the beach of Fegina was created by a famous Italian sculptor Arrigo Minerbi. This fourteen meter high structure stands as a war memorial after being bombed during World War II and the advances of sea activities. 
• Monterosso Castle; This grand Castle today stands in Ruins after being partially damaged during an ancient war which offers a spectacular view of the entire village and the majestic Ligurian Sea. Here we get to wander amongst the remnants of medieval walls and towers. 
• Santuario Nostra Signora di Soviore: This Sanctuary sits 465 meters above the mainland of Monterosso on a hill, since 740 CE. The shrine is dedicated to the Lady of Savior incorporating a wooden statue of the blessed Virgin Mary holding the Dead Christ in her arms, which dates back to the 14th century. 

This is one of the oldest villages of Italy aging about 5 grand centuries. This marine area houses some very colorful hutments, some sharp edged cliffs with medieval castles. Known widely for its ports and the majestic town square which encompasses a wide spectacular array of romanticized restaurants. 

• Highlights:

• Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church: Set amidst a unique picturesque setting, this 14th century chapel is located right by the seaside. Its stunning interior is enhanced with the presence of a gigantic octagonal bell tower. 
• Castello Doria: Get on top of this magnificent 15th century castle and take in the most breathtaking view of the entire village of Vernazza and the expanse of the Ligurian sea.  This castle is a fortress that stands tall to protect the entire region. 
• Vernazza Harbor: Located at the heart of the village, this harbor is lined with colorful houses and fishing boats. Traditional fishing boats are often used to take out for a nice fishing time. This area is also very pleasant for an evening stroll.
• Vernazza Belforte Tower: This watchtower from the medieval era is a structure that provides an enhanced, magical and sweeping view of the entire village and the expanse of the panoramic sea ahead. 

Corniglia accounts for being a Frazione within the commune of  Vernazza Village. This thinly populated region is situated at a significant height of about 100 meters from the sea level providing mesmerizing views of the picturesque natural bounds of the region and the sea ahead. Popular for its narrow roads, Corniglia has a rock terrace from which all the villages of Cinque Terre can be seen. 

• Highlights:

• Piazza Largo Tarago;  The main hub of culture, this town center has many colorful shops selling different varieties of things, small cozy buildings, confectionery and grocery shops making it a charming stop for all tourists to gather. 
• Church of San Pietro: This beautiful medieval church incorporates a perfect blend of Ligurian Gothic architecture and was built during the 14th century. Its stunning rose windows are carved out of Carrara Marble, giving it a much sophisticated look. Inside, we can find notable artwork like frescoes and special altarpieces. 
• Terrace of Santa Maria: This place lets you experience the most spectacular views of the liguria sea and its coastline making it one of the best viewpoints in Corniglia. Here we get the perfect opportunity to engage in photography.
• The Lardarina: As we climb this long staircase made entirely of bricks, we are met with the stunning view of the sophisticated Vineyards and the beautiful expanse of the seaside. The 337 steps of this staircase connect Corniglia to its train station.

Famous for its world class wine making industry and experienced handsy fishing techniques, Manarola is a small commune within the region of Cinque Terre that is Renowned for its wine varieties like Sciacchetra. Ancient roman writings are also found full of praise about the high quality of wine produced in the region. With its excellent natural beauty, Manarola is considered the most beautiful of all the regions of Cinque Terre by the visitors.
 

• Highlights: 

• Manarola Harbor: Located in the Heart of Manarola, this busy harbor has boats docked where tourists and locals gather to enjoy Scenic views and boat and ferry rides. This harbor also has a small area dedicated for swimming and a place where you can engage in diving from the cliffs above.  
• Church of San Lorenzo: This beautiful Church, dedicated to St. Lawrence is a stunning masterpiece with Gothic-Style architecture dating back to 1338. This church is adorned with beautifully carved rose windows out of Carrara Marble and features a belltower and several other ancient religious artifacts. 
• Cemetery of Manarola: This Place offers a peaceful surroundings amidst stunning picturesque views of the sea ahead. This place has some of the important figures of history buried here. Located on a hill, the altitude of this place has some crisp breeze flowing through it that provides tranquility and reflection of thoughts. 

Best known for its Vibrant houses, busy Harbor and dramatic cliffs, Riomaggiore is the southernmost village of Cinque Terre. Offering a blend of natural beauty, history and splendid cuisine this place is filled with sites that the tourists can enjoy at. The experience at this village is unparalleled.

• Highlights:

• Via dell’Amore: Famously known as the Lover’s Lane, this scenic walking path connects Riomaggiore with Manarola offering stunning vistas of the ligurian sea of pristine blue waters and a vast coastline. This path is perfect for couples to spend time and engage in some aesthetic photography. 
• Church of San Giovanni Battista: This chapel is a historic testament of Cinque terre dating back to 1340 with its native Gothic Architecture and an excellent interior decor featuring a mesmerizing pulpit made of white marble and some intricate artwork. 
• Castello di Riomaggiore: Take a guided tour to this Castle from the medieval era and learn about its glorious history and significance in present times. Much to tourist benefit, it offers mesmerizing views of the panoramic sea side and landscape ahead. A Perfect place to create photography aesthetics and beautiful scenery. 
• Guardiola Tower: This is an ancient watchtower standing at an excellent height to keep an eye out. Getting all the way up to its top can lead us to a scene so beautiful that it becomes a boon for eyes to watch panoramic views of the Cinque Terre landscape and the expanse of Liguria sea. The view is more enhanced if visited after sunset. 

Comprising five towns, this national park is a protected area in Italy identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Located in the province of La Spezia, in the Liguria region in northern Italy, this region is spread over 4,300 acres. Its natural beauty is enhanced by the presence of the Liguria sea with its pristine blue waters.

• Your To Dos:

• Explore the five villages of Cinque Terre.
• Engage in wine tasting and sampling.
• Try different food and local cuisine in local eateries.
• Stay in Family-run guest houses. 
• Make sure to go for a hike. 

This beautiful and protected area in Italy is definitely worth a visit when in Italy. Its natural landscapes of panoramic beauty and its seaside location overlooking the coastline is unmatched. Offering a perfect blend of natural experience, stunning views and spectacular style of architecture topped up with some amazingly delicious varieties of food from the local cuisine this place is a fully packaged deal for the tourist planning to visit.

This marks the end of our detailed account of some of the best places to visit in Cinque terre for you to get a glimpse of what all to expect from the place and how to plan your trip to this amazing location.