• Cinque Terre and Portovenere

• Nestled in the Liguria region of Northern Italy, to the west of the city of La Spezia, are five seaside villages snuggled at the foot of terraced hills that seem to hang on the walls of the mountain that falls rapidly to the Mediterranean Sea. Known as Cinque Terre, (pronounced CHINK-weh TAY-reh), or Five Lands this territory has been designated by the Italian government as a National Park and Unesco World Heritage site.

• These six villages (Cinque Terre + Portovenere) are from north to south:

Monterosso
Vernazza
Corniglia
Manarola
Riomaggiore
Portovenere

• Cinque Terre Overview

• Whether you are a single person looking for solitude, a pair of lovers who are looking to get away from it all or a family who wants to share time together in the center of what is perhaps the most fascinating historical site in the area, Cinque Terre's cluster of picturesque towns is an awe-inspiring tourist destination that is considered to be Italy's Hidden Riviera. Breathtaking vistas, vineyards and olive groves are accessible for the most part on foot. To enter the most northern city of Monterosso is best done by rail.
  
  Among the most uncontaminated areas in the Mediterranean Sea, the five miles of rocky coast among two promontories are protected by dry-laid stone walls, giving the five small towns castled up on stone spurs in minuscule creeks a fortress-looking quality.
  
  Unlike most tourist destinations, Cinque Terre has not experienced a massive expansion. The vineyards, typical of this area, create a unique landscape with additional dry-laid stone walls and paths that wind their way through the countryside. Clear, beautiful water gently washes between the cliffs and onto the enchanting beaches.
  
  Old castles, churches, diving, and oratories paired with food and wine of the finest quality are offered throughout Cinque Terre. Sheltered from northern winds, the climate is tempered with a Mediterranean Sea winter season of average temperatures between 12 to 14° Celsius. Reaching 30°C in the summer this average temperature is mild and warm. Most frequently their rains arrive in the autumn and spring.

• The History of Cinque Terre

• The name of "Cinque Terre" has been dated to before the 15th century. However, the history of the villages themselves is much older. Pre-historical instruments and bones have proven the presence of primitive people among the archaeological remains that have been found. Because of its' strategic position on the Mediterranean Sea, the ancient Romans managed at one time to conquer this area, although it was often attacked by different empires. Barbaric tribes from northern Europe besieged the area.
  
  The Byzantines and Lombards also made a conquest of Cinque Terre for commercial as well as military interests.
  
  Created by breaking rock from the mountains, the early inhabitants used only the largest of these stones to create a dry-stone wall. Their buildings and homes were constructed as tower-like fortresses to protect against dangers that came from the sea. The smaller stones were cultivated into the earth where scrub and pine needles were added to make the land cultivable.
  
  
• The Terraced Fields of Cinque Terre
  
  Bending nature to his needs, man has over the centuries repeatedly conquered the territory of Cinque Terre. But it is the terraced fields that have contributed to the stability of the slopes of the five lands allowing the region to exist. Their unique, distinctive landscape provide a glimpse into the ingenuity of mankind.

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• The Best Way to Visit Cinque Terre: Cinque Terre Card

• In August 2001, the National Park of the Cinque Terre began new initiatives for tourists that require the purchase of a ticket in order to walk the "Via Dell 'Amore" - the first part of the Cinque Terre trail. Tickets are additionally required for the electric buses that connect parking lots to the centre of the villages and the Center of Naturalistic Observations in Guardiola Tower.
  
  The money collected from ticket sales will help with the maintenance of the Cinque Terre trails and parks. The Cinque Terre Card will simplify your visit by giving you unlimited travel in second class on the trains between Levanto and La Spezia, hiking on "Via Dell 'Amore", and access to all of the services of the National Park.
  
  We strongly suggest "Via dell'Amore" if you are on the time to promise love!
  
  Maps of the walking paths, railway and ferry timetables as well as a directory of the products and services of the park are provided at the time of the purchase of the Cinque Terre Card. A card is also available in a version that includes the cost of using boats.
  
  For additional information on the Cinque Terre Card, call the National Park Cinque Terre: 0187.76.00.00
  

• The Best Way to Get to Cinque Terre

• Boats: Beginning Easter and running through October or later, (weather permitting), a ferry runs between four of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. Traveling from Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore, the ferry doesn't stop at Corniglia because it is the only village without water access. For more information on when and where the ferries are running and what their fees may be, visit: Golfo dei Poeti.
  
  Another way to reach Cinque Terre is through independent boat tours. We suggest to use the above one.
  
  
• Trains: Boarding the train into Cinque Terre is perhaps the most efficient way to arrive. Eurostar (ES), Intercity (IC) or Direct (D) are the faster trains, but The Regional (R) is a local train that stops in every station.
  
  If you are traveling from the North, take the train to Levanto where you will change trains to the regional ("Regionale") train that makes all the local stops in the Cinque Terre. Each of the Cinque Terre towns have their own train station.Traveling from the South, you'll take the train La Spezia, and catch the regional ("Regionale") train making all the local stops in the Cinque Terre.
  
  Almost all trains from La Spezia stop in Levanto, but check your train's schedule carefully for exactly what stops your particular train will be making.
  
  For more complete information on traveling by train, including costs, please visit: Treni Italia Rail.
  
  
• Automobile: Reaching Cinque Terre's 5 villages by car is possible, but isn't recommended by most travelers who've tried it. Once there, as in Venice, there really is no use for a car.
  
  If you must, there is daily parking in Riomaggiore and Monterosso.
  
  
• Plane: If your trip begins by arriving on an airplane, the nearest airports are the "Cristoforo Colombo" international airport in Genova and the "Galileo Galilei" international airport in Pisa.
  On both of them, you can reserve a transfer trough our Airport Limo Service.

• Dining in Cinque Terre

• There are at least 107 restaurants in Cinque Terre providing cuisine from romantic to local cuisine and from child-friendly cafés to wine bars.

• Hotels in Cinque Terre

• Cinque Terre offers virtually every type of accommodation you can possibly imagine. Farm houses, hotels, B&Bs, hostels and rooms for rent are available for tourists, meeting all your needs and requirements and budgets.
  
  Just put your arrival and departure dates on the form above.

• What To Do and See In Cinque Terre

• Each of the five towns in Cinque Terre offer their own unique approach to history, relaxation, and entertainment. Hiking, diving, sunbathing, cuisine and touring local castles, churches, vineyards and terraces will keep you constantly entertained throughout your stay in Cinque Terre.

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• Monterosso

• Beginning to the North, Cinque Terre's first town and commune, Monterosso has been built to accommodate tourists in large and modern hotels and apartments. Divided by a single tunnel into two distinct parts, the old town and the new town, Monterosso caters to pedestrians with very few cars in the town.
  
  Famous for its' many lemon trees, Monterosso is renowned for its white wines, olives and grapes.
  
  Visitors may wish to see the castle that was built by the Genoese that is partially ruined. The beautiful parish church of St. John the Baptist (1282-1307) is of the Basilica-type that includes two aisles and a nave. The main portal is surmounted by a fresco portraying the baptism of Christ.
  
  Located at the end of the beach of Fegina, there is a sculpture representing Neptune decorated in Villa Pastine with a shell shaped terrace that was bombed during the second World War. Created in 1910, this work of Arrigo Minerbi of Ferrara and the engineer Levacher, built by Giovanni and Juanita Pastine, is 14 meters in 1700 quintals.
  
  Following the strong sea in 1966 the Giant of Monterosso, which had been partially restored, no longer has arms, his trident and one of his legs.
  
  While no longer having the same lovely charm as the other four towns, it does have a beautiful sandy beach dotted with cheerful, colourful umbrellas. As with any beach, restaurants and cafés provide a compliment to the water's view with dining to meet every expectation. The side and back streets of Monterosso are not quite as interesting as those in the rest of Cinque Terre.
  
  After a long day of hiking, when you need to rest, "a great place to stop on the way to your hotel" is Enoteca da Eliseo. A romantic bar, in the heart of the old town of Monterosso, it can be reached for additional information at: Telephone 0187.817.308
  
  But, when it t comes to food, Monterosso is perhaps the most diversified of all of the towns in Cinque Terre with over 35 dining venues. An elegant establishment for lunch and dinner, late night and dessert, nothing can beat Ristorante Miky. With excellent service, a friendly staff and the kitchen who pays great attention to every detail, Ristorante Miky is a "must visit" restaurant.
  
  Prices range from 41€ - 51€. Reservations are recommended. Telephone 0187.817.608
  

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• Vernazza

• Founded around the year 1000, the fourth town and commune of Cinque Terre, Vernazza, was named for "Gens Vulnetia", an ancient Roman family. Having been the owners of slaves who, when once liberated, founded the town. At one time the most prosperous village of the Cinque Terre, Vernazza's historical centre conserves their beautiful architectural elements such as lodges, arcades and portals.
  
  Vernazza was developed on a rocky spur along the Vernazzola brook which has since been covered.
  
  Vernazza has a large number of side streets that are connected by steep stairs dotted with defensive construction walls, tower houses, and the Turret.
  
  The castle of the Doria family, built in the 15th century to protect against pirates, remains its' symbol of old economic importance. Santa Margherita d'Antiochia parish church was begun in 1318. with her octagonal belfry of 40 meters and stands next to the port.
  
  About an hour and a half's steep walk behind Vernazza is the shrine of Santuario di Nostra Signora di Reggio. The path, punctuated by Stations of the Cross, opens to a large shady area with expansive views of the water below, hillside vineyards and statues of Mary and Joseph.
  
  With no auto traffic into the town, Vernazza is considered to be one of the last and truest of the fishing villages on the Italian Riviera. The beach of Vernazza is within the protected harbor on the north-western side.
  
  
  • Dining in Vernazza is an experience not to be missed. With incredible views, Ristorante Belforte serves the simple flavors of Ligurian cuisine. Lunch and dinner with local cuisine make for a perfect romantic encounter. Menu prices range from € 3 - € 28. Reservations are recommended. Telephone +39.0187.812.222

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• Corniglia

• A frazione ("fraction") of the commune of Vernazza, Corniglia is unlike the other towns of Cinque Terre in that it is not directly adjacent to the sea. With its name deriving from the Roman family who owned the property, "Gens Cornelia", Corniglia dates back to Roman times.
  
  Rising on 100 meters of steep promontory, Corniglia boasts vineyards and terraces on three sides that are admired by the other four towns of Cinque Terre. It's fourth side plunges to the sea.
  
  Reaching the city center requires climbing a brick stairway formed of 382 steps and 33 flights called "Lardarina". The city center may also be reached from the train station or by the occasional small bus that runs up and down the mountain.
  
  With its' residents mostly farmers, the typography is urban. The homes of the village face the main road, Fieschi Road while the back of their homes face the sea. Set lower, the houses are much more similar to those of the villages inland.
  
  With the land passing through a procession of Counts and Lords during the Middle Ages, Pope Innocent IV gave the property to Nicolo Fieschi in 1254 who held it until 1276 after which the village was then acquired by the Republic of Genoa. There are documents that are dated 1276-1277 that mention the existence of a castle.
  
  However, the ruins of this 16th century castle are unknown as well as the location of the grounds. The ruins in Corniglia are the result of Genoese fortifications that plunged into the sea at or around 1556.
  
  Dedicated to San Pietro, the parish church was built in 1334 on a pre-existing ninth century building. Generally a baroque style with some Ligurian and Gothic elements. the façade is adorned by a Carrara white marble window from 1351. The interior is divided into three aisles with a Baroque vault.
  
  Corniglia dining, while mostly seafood, does present a wonderful dining experience at Enoteca "II Pirun". A great place for local cuisine, this romantic restaurant is described by its patrons as a "surprise". Relaxed and cozy, the service is friendly and welcoming.

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• Manarola

• Probably founded by the inhabitants of the Roman settlement of Volastra, Manarola is a frazione of the commune of Riomaggiore and is the second smallest and possibly the oldest town of Cinque Terre. The name of Manarola is derived from the Latin "Manium arula", meaning a small altar that is dedicated to the "Mani", a Roman god of the house.
  
  Manarola resident's built homes in a tower fashion to defend its' village. Structured around the course of Groppo brook which is now covered, the square is situated on the higher part of the village. It's here that the 1338 Gothic parish church, the oratory and the bell are located. Among the homes, as a signal for sailors, stands a white pyramid made of cement.
  
  It's primary industries have been fishing and wine-making. The Romans wrote of the high quality of wine that is produced in the region with the local being called Sciacchetra.
  
  The most relaxing of Cinque Terre and a popular tourist attraction, Manarola shares a famous walking trail with Riomaggiore known as "Via Dell 'Amore" or "Love's Trail".
  
  When you are ready to eat while in Manarola, be certain to visit Tattoria Dal Billy which boasts a beautiful view with a friendly and welcoming staff who serve breakfast/brunch, lunch, and dinner. Their romantic local menu of desserts, Italian, Mediterranean and seafood offers a delivery service.
  
  Serving romantic dinner daily, the local cuisine prices range from $39-$70. Reservations are recommended. Telephone: 0187.920.563
  

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• Riomaggiore

• Riomaggiore, a village and commune in the province of La Spezia, is the first town when traveling to the north and is the first most Southerly village of Cinque Terre. According to tradition, the town dates from early in the 8th century. It's told that a group of fugitives from Greece, escaping from the persecution of Leone III Isaurico, found shelter there.
  
  Following the scheme of tower houses, the homes of Riomaggiore are painted in typical traditional colors. Access to the homes are possible at the upper floors' height.
  
  It's historic character and the wine that is produced in the vineyards of the town create its ambience. "Via Dell 'Amore" or "Love's Trail" is shared between Riomaggiore and Manarola, the next town to the North.
  
  The Parrish church, San Giovanni Battista built in 1340 by the Bishop of Luni, the 16th century oratory "dei Disciplinati" along with the ruins of the 15th - 16th century castle are in the high part of the town.
  
  Cappun Magru in casa di Marin has consistently been reviewed as having some of the finest Italian cuisine in the area. Family owned, the food and wine is perfect. The menus are multi-lingual and the staff is welcoming and friendly.
  
  Serving romantic dinner daily, the local cuisine prices range from $39 - $70.
  

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• Portovenere

• Located to the south of the Italian Riviera, is the hidden treasure of Portovenere. A port town in Liguria in the province of La Spezia's Gulf of Poets, Portovenere is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated in 1997. Easily accessible by ferry from either Cinque Terre or La Spezia, Portovenere has narrow medieval streets lined with brightly coloured homes that lead to a castle at the top of the hill. Parking in Portovenere is difficult at best and most particularly in the summer.
  
  A bus service is provided from La Spezia to Portovenere to make things easier for you.
  
  The ancient city gate leads you onto the main street that's lined with shops. Upon the promontory is a beautiful church that sits where once the Temple of Venus stood and from which Portovenere gets its name. Close by is the cave named for the poet Byron where he used to swim with other writers such as Shelley and DH Lawrence.

• The History

• Occupied since prehistoric and Roman times, Portovenere was the stronghold of the Genoese during medieval times. It also served as a fortification in defence against Pisa. However, a battle between the Aragonese in 1494 marked the end of its' military importance. In the early 19th century however, it became a popular destination for English poets.

• The Churches

• The San Pietro Church is an early Christian building created in black marble during the sixth century. A Gothic style edition with bands of black and white stone and a bell tower were added sometime during the 13th century.
  
  San Lorenzo Church was built in the 12th century in a Romanesque façade. Cannon fire damaged the church in 1494 requiring the church and bell tower be rebuilt on numerous occasions. There is a small painting of the White Madonna on the 15th century marble altarpiece. Legend tells it that it was brought here by sea in 1204 and miraculously transformed into its present form on August 17, 1399. A torchlight procession celebrates this miracle each August 17.
  

• Portovenere's Hotels

• Staying in Portovenere can easily be booked at the Grande Hotel Portovenere, which is four-star and seafront overlooking Palmaria Island and the Gulf of Poets. The Grande Hotel is located in the heart of Portovenere and is housed in a former 17th century convent.
  
  The Hotel Paradiso is a three star hotel also on seafront overlooking Palmaria Island, the Gulf of Poets and the Alps. The guest rooms are comfortable with breathtaking views and a friendly attentive staff.
  
  Booking Hotels in Cinque Terre and Portovenere go on top.

• Dining in Portovenere

• Throughout the area, local cuisine which includes seafood, pasta and wine are plentiful. Some of the restaurants available are:
  
  
  • Ristorante Elettra
    Serving Italian cuisine, this establishment consistently receives high marks for its atmosphere, value, service and food. Reservations are recommended.
    Calata Doria, 42,
    19025 Portovenere, Italy
    Telephone 0187.792.215
    
    
  • Trattoria Tre Torri
    A romantic yet child friendly restaurant with local cuisine, the menu provides the perfect lunch spot and dinner dining.
    Piazza Bastreri 9/a,
    Portovenere, Italy
    Telephone 0187.790.477
    
    
  • Il Timone
    Serving family fare, chowder, Italian, pasta and pizza this restaurant has excellent service, atmosphere, food and value.
    Via Olivo 29,
    19025 Portovenere, Italy
    Telephone 0187.186.6292

• What To Do In Portovenere

• Some of the places to visit and things to do in Portovenere are:
  
  
  • The Portovenere Harbour contains numerous restaurants and cafés.
    
  • The three island boat trip which takes around 40 minutes and gives fabulous views of Byron's Bay and the islands Palmaria-Tino and Tinetto.
    
  • The narrow roads of Carugio cuts through the main town. Starting at the arched gateway by the Harbour, this road runs uphill to the San Pietro Church.
    
  • The Castello Doria sits at the top of the hill next of the church San Lorenzo.
    
  • The San Pietro Church is an early Christian building created in black marble during the 6th century. A Gothic style edition with bands of black and white stone and a Bell tower were added sometime during the 13th century.
    
  • The arched Medieval Gate which is the official entrance to the town of Portovenere.
    
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