If you're ever wondering what a good destination for your vacation would be, try visiting the Cinque Terre, or The Five Lands, as it literally translates.
The Cinque Terre is a magnificent place situated on the Italian Riviera and it consists of 5 different villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. They are all part of the first Italian National Park, since 1999.
The Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its importance and that makes it a very popular destination for tourists from all around the world.
One of the interesting facts about the Cinque Terre is that it is one of the very few places around the World where you can't really use your car. It's inaccessible by car, except for a few very narrow roads. In any case, it's best if you travel by train, ferry, plane and, once you're there, on foot.
The nicest village of all seems to be Vernazza. It is a magnificent place with a breathtaking scenery. Here you can visit the Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia, the Sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio or the Doria Castle and, if you think you've seen it all, try spending a day on the beach, you won't regret it.
Monterosso is not that far away from Vernazza. There's a 3,5 kilometer footpath linking the two villages. The path goes through vineyards and citrus orchards, it takes you over a beautiful small stone bridge and, for whoever is able to climb up the path to the end, there's a wonderful panoramic view of Monterosso
The "Via dell'Amore" is one of the most important attractions the Cinque Terre has to offer. It links Riomaggiore and Manarola and is a wonderful place to take a romantic walk. Despite the fact that a lot of tourists have scribbled their names on rocks, the path is still a romantic place you can enjoy with your loved one. The statue of lovers is also special. Couples often write their names on a small lock and leave the lock by the statue. Afterwards, they throw the key into the sea and promise to love each other forever. Key throwing is an old local tradition
If you're looking for good food, don't miss the Il Gigante. "The Giant" is a very large statue of Neptune, sculpted in 1910. Unfortunately, with the years passing, the statue is now almost ruined but it still makes an interesting attraction for tourists. The restaurant right beside it isn't bad either, the food here is quite enjoyable and the local wines as well.
As far as some interesting facts go, there are some worth mentioning.
In Riomaggiore, all houses have two entrances. This is a consequence of the numerous attacks in history. By having two entrances, the people were guaranteed an escape route.
In Manarola, one Christmas tradition is hard to miss. Over 200 live sized statues, made out of recycled materials, are placed on a hill and are illuminated by light bulbs. This nativity scene may be the biggest one in the world.
If you have the opportunity to visit Italy, don't miss out on what the Cinque Terre has to offer.
The Cinque Terre is a magnificent place situated on the Italian Riviera and it consists of 5 different villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. They are all part of the first Italian National Park, since 1999.
One of the interesting facts about the Cinque Terre is that it is one of the very few places around the World where you can't really use your car. It's inaccessible by car, except for a few very narrow roads. In any case, it's best if you travel by train, ferry, plane and, once you're there, on foot.
The nicest village of all seems to be Vernazza. It is a magnificent place with a breathtaking scenery. Here you can visit the Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia, the Sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio or the Doria Castle and, if you think you've seen it all, try spending a day on the beach, you won't regret it.
Monterosso is not that far away from Vernazza. There's a 3,5 kilometer footpath linking the two villages. The path goes through vineyards and citrus orchards, it takes you over a beautiful small stone bridge and, for whoever is able to climb up the path to the end, there's a wonderful panoramic view of Monterosso
The "Via dell'Amore" is one of the most important attractions the Cinque Terre has to offer. It links Riomaggiore and Manarola and is a wonderful place to take a romantic walk. Despite the fact that a lot of tourists have scribbled their names on rocks, the path is still a romantic place you can enjoy with your loved one. The statue of lovers is also special. Couples often write their names on a small lock and leave the lock by the statue. Afterwards, they throw the key into the sea and promise to love each other forever. Key throwing is an old local tradition
If you're looking for good food, don't miss the Il Gigante. "The Giant" is a very large statue of Neptune, sculpted in 1910. Unfortunately, with the years passing, the statue is now almost ruined but it still makes an interesting attraction for tourists. The restaurant right beside it isn't bad either, the food here is quite enjoyable and the local wines as well.
As far as some interesting facts go, there are some worth mentioning.
In Riomaggiore, all houses have two entrances. This is a consequence of the numerous attacks in history. By having two entrances, the people were guaranteed an escape route.
In Manarola, one Christmas tradition is hard to miss. Over 200 live sized statues, made out of recycled materials, are placed on a hill and are illuminated by light bulbs. This nativity scene may be the biggest one in the world.
If you have the opportunity to visit Italy, don't miss out on what the Cinque Terre has to offer.
