By Jessica Pierné.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the Cinque Terre National Park is a little slice of paradise where vineyards and colorful villages overlook the Mediterranean. Between the hanging houses, panoramic trails, and fishing boats, the region offers a spectacular setting. All these attractions make it an irresistible destination for a weekend getaway to discover this stretch of the Italian Riviera.
Five villages of medieval origin
About a hundred kilometers southeast of Genoa lies a coastal national park of striking charm. Its name comes from five ancient fishing villages, as picturesque as they are delightful, clinging to cliffsides or nestled at the water's edge. Linked by a dense network of footpaths, a train line, and, from spring onwards, ferry services, these villages offer a playground for exploration that is as convenient as it is spectacular. To fully appreciate the area, it's best to visit in spring or early summer and venture off the beaten track.
Hiking in the Cinque Terre
Between Genoa and La Spezia, the Cinque Terre unfolds across five villages overlooking the Mediterranean. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso comprise this UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, there are no cars: you get around by train, on foot, or by boat. Each village cultivates its own unique character and boasts hiking trails. The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), which connects the villages over about twelve kilometers, winds its way between the sea and the Mediterranean scrubland. Allow five to six hours for the complete hike, with remarkable panoramic views of the Ligurian coast. Some sections, due to fragile conditions, may be closed.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval town of Porto Venere lies upstream from the five legendary villages of Cinque Terre.
The Cinque Terre by boat
From the moment you board, the tone is set. The Ligurian coast unfolds in all its verticality: stacked pastel houses, terraced vineyards, and coves invisible from land. The boat glides from one village to the next, offering a superb perspective on these compact, timeless silhouettes. Riomaggiore appears as a colorful gash in the rock, and Manarola unfolds its amphitheater of intertwined houses. The villages follow one another, each unique. The highlight is the elegant Vernazza, which reveals its full grace as the water approaches: a perfect cove, dominated by a Genoese tower, where boats and terraces create a living tableau. Cruising around the Cinque Terre offers a more peaceful and spectacular way to experience the region. It also allows you to escape the constraints of access, as the Cinque Terre remains largely closed to car traffic.
Crazy Boat Land for a boat trip: http://www.crazyboatcinqueterre.com/
Heading to the wild island of Cinque Terre
East of the Cinque Terre, the island of Palmaria stands out as one of Liguria's best-preserved treasures. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, it is the only inhabited island in the region and attracts visitors seeking authenticity. Its rugged terrain, Mediterranean vegetation, and hiking trails offer a still-wild setting, far removed from the tourist crowds of the nearby coast. But Palmaria is more than just its landscapes: the island also boasts a remarkable military heritage, with several fortifications, some of which are still in use. Facing the picturesque village of Portovenere, in the province of La Spezia, Palmaria cultivates a rare balance between unspoiled nature and strategic history.
The taste of authenticity
Dominated by a fortress, Riomaggiore bears the marks of an ancient past. Loyal to the Republic of Genoa, the village is mentioned as early as the mid-13th century. According to tradition, its origins date back to the settlement of Greek refugees seeking refuge on these rugged shores. Today, Riomaggiore might disappoint those who prefer picture-postcard settings: its small port is often crowded. Yet, simply climbing its steep, narrow streets reveals an unspoiled atmosphere and excellent restaurants. Here, Ligurian cuisine celebrates the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients: marinated anchovies, focaccia drizzled with olive oil, and the famous pesto, made with basil grown in abundance on the surrounding terraces. Local wines, such as Sciacchetrà, with its smooth, amber notes, perfectly complement these specialties. Between rugged land and generous sea, the Cinque Terre offer a culinary experience where the pleasures of the eyes rival those of the palate.
TRAVEL DIARY:
GO THERE:
To reach the Cinque Terre. Return flights from Paris to Genoa starting at €77 with Volotea. https://www.volotea.com/fr/
WHERE TO SLEEP ?
At the Hotel La Spiaggia to enjoy the view of the big blue sea and its location 10 minutes walk from the city centre of Monterosso and the train station.
https://www.laspiaggiamonterosso.com
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