Cinque Terre

Cliff-Hugging Beauty

One of Liguria’s most beautiful areas, the Cinque Terre are 5 UNESCO World Heritage-listed villages dramatically positioned on the Mediterranean coastline.

Each has a train station, but the most exhilarating way to visit the Cinque Terre is on foot. It’s not easy at times, but is definitely rewarding. The route starts (or finishes) at Riomaggiore, the southern-most village, home to a range of accommodation including a few Cinque Terre hotels on the beach.

The easy road between here and Manarola is called the Via dell’Amore, or Lovers’ Lane. Colourful Manarola houses hug the rocky cliffs overlooking the turquoise water below. The next village along is Corniglia, the only one not by the beach, but which offers panoramic views from its hilltop position.

Next is Vernazza, arguably the most picturesque of the 5, spread over a narrow promontory jutting into the sea and with a castle tower at its tip. Still very much a fishing village, it is centred around its small harbour and beach.

The longest beach is at Monterosso al Mare, the last town on the trail. Due to its location and easy access, it is home to what are possibly the best Cinque Terre hotels for families on Booking.com. However, whichever village you choose to stay in, you can expect wonderful views and fantastic food.