The Cinque Terre

In order to fully understand the Cinque Terre, one must read Eugenio Montale, the poet and Nobel Prize winner who drew his origin and inspiration from this spectacular stretch of Liguria, a UNESCO heritage site. These five villages surrounded by lush Mediterranean scrub are a 'place of the soul'. Monterosso, Manarola, Corniglia, Riomaggiore and Vernazza represent a magical itinerary through a national park and a marine protected area. You cannot miss the ancient sanctuaries and, of course, the thousands of kilometres of dry-stone walls on which the vines after which Sciacchetrà wine is named are cultivated. Fantastic gateways to paradise are Levanto, Bonassola, Framura and Deiva Marina: beaches, beauty and crystal clear sea. If you love an active holiday: this is a paradise for trekking all year round and diving; while the cycle path from Levanto to Framura is a story to be told.