Walking Holidays in Italy - The Cinque Terre
If you are a fan of active walking holidays then you should consider Italy as a destination. Walks in Italy can take you from rolling Tuscan hills to the rugged mountains, but The Cinque Terre in the north-western Ligurian region is widely considered the most beautiful and romantic walking routes. Linking the villages of Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Manarola and Corniglia, the trail leads along cliff edges, past vineyards, olive groves and old farm houses.
If you want to walk the full Cinque Terre you will end up at Monterosso, but less energetic visitors choose to stop at other villages along the way, seizing the opportunity for a nice lunch and to explore the village in question.
Riomaggiore
Most people who walk the Cinque Terre begin in Riomaggiore. With wide pedestrian streets and a colourful town centre, Riomaggiore is the most tourist-focused of the villages, but retains charming history with ruins of a fifteenth century castle among other tourist attractions.
Manarola
The part of the route between Riomaggiore and Manarola is the most famous part of the Cinque Terre - the Via dell’Amore. History goes that lovers from the two villages would meet at the Via dell’Amore to have love affairs, and today’s tourists love to soak up the romantic atmosphere.
Corniglia
Corniglia is the highest of the villages, clinging to cliffs around one hundred metres above the sea, while most of the other villages reside in sheltered ports. Corniglia certainly has some of most breath-taking views of all five villages.
Vernazza
Vernazza is an old fishing village, and is largely untouched by tourism. The most popular attractions in Vernazza are the Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia dating back to 1318, as well as Doria Castle, which was built in the 15th century to protect against pirates. It’s also the home of the Shrine of Santuatio di Nostra Signora di Reggio, with great views of hillside vineyards, the water below and several statues of biblical figures.
Monterosso
Monterosso is the most westerly village on the route, and the village where most walkers choose to end their adventure. Monterosso is well-known for having one of the best beaches in Italy, and a ferry can be taken back to the starting point in Riomaggiore.
Walking holidays are a great way of staying healthy and active while on holiday and Italy is one of the most beautiful walking holiday destinations in the whole continent. Combine fine food and wine with some invigorating physical activities and you could be next to recommend walking holidays in Italy to your friends.
Bill Weston writes on a number of subjects including Cinque Terre walking holidays, walking holidays in Italy and walking Cinque Terre.