Travel guide Cinque Terre
It's easy to enjoy yourself here
The climate in
Liguria is Mediterranean with warm to hot summers and cool, wet winters, with temperatures along the coast generally a few degrees above those of the mountainous interior. In July and August, average temperatures in Cinque Terre range from 21 to 27 °C. The sea breeze provides some relief on hot summer days, and the Mediterranean Sea warms up to 24 °C—perfect for a
Cinque Terre beach vacation. In winter, when a low-pressure system forms over the Ligurian Gulf, it can occasionally be very stormy. Snowfall is rare on the Italian Riviera.
Simple and tasty – Ligurian cuisine with fresh herbs, pasta, and fish
Ligurian cuisine is characterized by the picturesque location between the Mediterranean, the Alps, and the Apennines. The use of wild herbs and spice plants is typical, especially basil. The famous Pesto alla Genovese from
Genoa has gained worldwide fame. The ingredients are fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, salt, and olive oil. Olive oil from Liguria is among the best in Italy. Fish and crustaceans from the Mediterranean include anchovies, sardines, mackerel, shrimp, and langoustines. Luxury fish from the Mediterranean has become scarce and correspondingly expensive due to overfishing. Traditional dishes from the region also include Focaccia (stuffed dough), Farinata (chickpea flour pancake), and Trofie (small twisted pasta made from durum wheat semolina). Wine is traditionally made in Marola, one of the villages of Cinque Terre, mainly white and sweet wines from Bosco, Albarola, and Vermentino grape varieties.
With family and dog on narrow paths through the mountains
Cinque Terre are idyllic valleys situated along the sometimes steep coast, which plunges breathtakingly into the sea. Except for one, all villages lie directly by the sea. Only Corniglia is perched on a rocky spur high above the water. Since 1997, Cinque Terre, along with Porto Venere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto, have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Day trippers and hikers usually gather among the vacationers, as there is only a small sandy beach in Monterosso al Mare. That doesn't mean one can't swim and sunbathe. Sunbathing areas and access to the sea are guaranteed. The Via dell'Amore (Path of Love) connects Riomaggiore and Manarola with beautiful views of the water. The trail with stone benches for resting is dedicated to famous couples in love. From Manarola, it goes through vineyards, olive groves, and the Mediterranean macchia on narrow paths to Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. Only the last-mentioned section is considered challenging. The other stages are suitable for families and make a great
dog-friendly holiday in Cinque Terre. Simply book a cozy accommodation, an apartment, or a house with Wi-Fi, fantastic sea views, and an excellent location and explore the surrounding beaches, coastline, landscapes, and coastal villages with your four-legged friend. There is no dog beach in the province of La Spezia, but plenty of space for exercise is guaranteed. Ship connections also exist from La Spezia and
Levanto to the villages of Cinque Terre. Numerous scenically beautiful areas with hiking trails and picnic spots are ideal for travelers with pets and families. The steep ticket price will be compensated by the stunning views of the coastal landscape and the organically grown villages of Italy's most beautiful region from the water.
Cinque Terre: Monasteries, churches, and castles between heaven and sea
In the individual villages of Cinque Terre, there are numerous castles, churches, old monasteries, and pilgrimage sites to visit. Here is a small selection: Start your tour of Cinque Terre's attractions in the northernmost and largest village, Monterosso al Mare. Here, remnants of the former city fortification, the Torre Aurora, are preserved. Nearby is the medieval three-nave Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, the main church of the village. The Santuario di Nostra Signora di Soviore, a pilgrimage site, is located outside Monterosso on the access road. In the next village, Vernazza, the two churches Chiesa di Santa Margherita and Chiesa di San Francesco with the adjoining monastery building, now an exhibition space and small town hall, are worth seeing. The Castello di Vernazza (Castello Doria), dating back to the 13th century, sits atop a hill 70 meters above the water. Another fortress can be found in Riomaggiore, the Castello di Riomaggiore, also from the 13th century. Rent a Mediterranean-style cozy accommodation or vacation house with all the charm or an apartment, say, in Levanto, with its own stretch of coast, Wi-Fi, picturesque sea views, and an excellent location, and enjoy quality time with your loved ones among beaches, vineyards, idyllic landscapes, and breathtaking national parks.
