Five lands - Cinque Terre

The Five lands are located in Liguria.

To know

They constitute a territory of the Ligurian coast which includes five villages: (from north to south) Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola is Riomaggiore.

They stretch for eighteen kilometers along the coast between Punta Mesco, in the territory of Levanto, is Punta Montenero, located in the municipality of Riomaggiore (Sp).

The coast is rocky, often overlooking the sea, and full of bays. The (sandy) beaches are mainly concentrated in Monterosso, while in the other villages there are few, generally pebble beaches. The seabed is deep, dominated by a chain of mountains that run parallel to the coast.

The terraces, built in ancient times with dry stone walls typical of this area, are mainly planted with vines, olive trees and lemons.

An environment in which the centuries-old work of generations has transformed an inaccessible territory into a landscape of extraordinary beauty.Protected sea area it's a National Park protected byUNESCO since 1997 as World Heritage.

Geographical notes

The orographic complexity allows a variety of microclimates with the consequent diversification of the vegetation. The holm oak woods have been partially replaced with cultivated bands or with other tree species such as maritime pine, Aleppo pine, cork and chestnut trees. In coastal environments, sea fennel and marine dauco grow next to the caper, which was actively cultivated in the past. In the rupestrian environments, next to the marine cineraria, the two-colored senecio, the ruta, and other varieties; in the wider cracks of the rock there are tree spurge and numerous species typical of the Mediterranean scrub. Shrubs such as rosemary, thyme, helichrysum and lavender are widespread throughout the area. Scrub with arboreal heather and mixed scrub, formed by mastic, myrtle, terebinth, spiny broom, strawberry tree, phillyrea and red juniper, create a dense and intricate bush of lianas, including sarsaparilla, madder, flamboyant, asparagus , the Etruscan and marine honeysuckle.

Among the avifaunistic species there are the herring gull, the peregrine falcon and the imperial crow, among the mammals, the dormouse, the weasel, the mole, the stone marten, the badger, the fox and the wild boar. In the wooded areas it is easy to admire the wall lizard, the green lizard and some snakes such as the rat snake, the Aesculapian snake and the viper; near the streams live splendidly colored frogs and salamanders.

When to go

The period of greatest tourist influx goes from Easter week to October 30 of each year. Undoubtedly the best periods are spring and autumn which, thanks to the more moderate climate than summer, allow optimal excursions.

Background

Prehistory

The first evidence of the presence of man in the Cinque Terre and in the surrounding areas consists of the findings in the Grotta dei Colombi on the Palmaria island, where human remains, bones and fossils of animals and some artifacts in flint were found, attributable to the Paleolithic , when perhaps the island was still joined to the mainland.

The Neolithic it is instead testified by the discovery of polished axes made with some varieties of actinolite which suggest the presence of hunters in caves or rocky shelters. In addition, hunting, favored by an extensively wooded environment and very rich in game, probably represented for millennia, and still in Roman times, a primary source of resources.

Other signs of the presence of man in ancient times are the menhirs, found in the Campiglia Tramonti area, near the current Chapel of Sant'Antonio and on the watershed near Mount Capri. According to some scholars, these menhirs had a function linked to the calendar.

With the'Bronze Age the social organization called "pagense", common to other Ligurian sectors, was established: the elementary centers ("vici") were gathered in small districts ("pagi"), headed by the "castellari", located in dominant positions and with prevailing defensive functions. The castle closest to the Cinque Terre is located on Mount Castellaro (Valle di Pignone) and with the excavations a considerable amount of fragments of decorated vases have been found, testifying to a stable and important settlement.

Roman age

The Roman military chronicles tell how the Ligurian tribes represented a strong obstacle to the colonization of the territory, so much so that the Romans settled and concentrated their activities in the Lunense plain in the Val di Magra.

It is assumed that in the Augustan age a part of the Ligurian populations who abandoned the hill towns to join the Roman colonists also arrived along the coasts: an example is the Roman presence in Porto Venere (mentioned by Strabo in 40 BC), with the testimony of the patrician villa of the bosom of Varignano.

No documentary evidence has come down to the present day to demonstrate a possible Roman origin of the Cinque Terre villages as they currently appear. However, the Latin origin of some local toponyms - such as Volastra ("Vicus oleaster", the land of olive trees), Manarola ("Manium arula", small ara of the Mani), Corniglia (Cornelio's estate), Riomaggiore ("Rivus maior" ) and Monterosso ("Mons ruber") - suggests that the ancient prehistoric coastal road layout was used by the Romans and that small posting centers for horses were built there.

The middle Ages

Giant statue in Monterosso al Mare.

The Cinque Terre villages originated, in the structure we observe today, in the eleventh century, when the populations of the Val di Vara crossed the watershed of the coastal chain that separated it from the sea and went to live permanently on the marine coast, with a more mild, forming the five villages and numerous secondary villages such as San Bernardino. The oldest document that recalls the Cinque Terre dates back to March 1056, drawn up in Monterosso, with which the Marquis "Guido di fu Alberto" donated real estate located in the islands of Palmaria, Tino, to the monasteries of Santa Maria and San Venerio. del Tinetto and in Porto Venere.

The reasons for this migratory phenomenon are linked both to the demographic increase and to the liberation of the Mediterranean from the Saracen threat, and to the fact that along the coast it enjoyed a better climate, more suitable for the cultivation of some products such as vines and olives. . The villages of the Cinque Terre were therefore not born as seaside villages, but as agricultural villages, therefore forced to reclaim a territory that was naturally not suitable for agricultural practice: thus the terracing of the mountain sides was born.

Thus it was that the inhabitants of the Val di Vara who had moved to the coast became familiar with the marine element, first as a more convenient and faster way of communication, then as a livelihood resource, thus dividing their activities between work in the countryside and going to sea according to needs and seasons. This is confirmed by the fact that in 1170 a prison of Vernazza, together with others of some villages of the eastern coast, undertook the running war on behalf of the Genoese against the Pisans. Furthermore, in 1182 the men of Vernazza still waged, in peacetime, the running war on their own, against merchant ships bound for Genoa.

Since the Cinque Terre territory was included among the Genoese possessions, it has followed the history of the Republic and therefore of the entire Ligurian territory.

The terracing system was built, starting from the year 1000, of only stones and earth. Nothing was imported. The constituent material of the walls is mainly sandstone, excavated on site and broken only if it is too large. The little land available on site has been carefully sifted and accumulated in the terraces, above a layer of buried vegetation in order to make the soil richer. Such a soil leveling system, as well as allowing to obtain narrow strips of arable land, defined in the dialectal usage ciàn, has allowed for years to regularize the hydrogeological flows and the natural course of rainwater.

The terraced area over the centuries has reached the maximum surface of about 2000 hectares, and has affected a coastal strip up to the height of 450-500 meters above sea level, sometimes starting from a few meters from the shore. Despite the large portions affected by the terraced arrangement put in place in the Cinque Terre, the working conditions to which the farmers of the area were subjected were extremely harsh, also due to the difficult, and often impossible, mechanization of agricultural work. The vine, the olive tree and the citrus fruits, the main crops of the area in question, with a clear prevalence of viticulture, have been cultivated with the ancient knowledge of centuries ago, with very few changes compared to the technological innovations that have instead dominated agricultural sectors of other areas of Italy.

This monumental work of man, who modeled the verticality of the slopes in a huge number of small and tiny plots of land each supported by a dry stone wall, is today threatened by abandonment. A system like this, if it is not constantly kept up and running, undergoes rapid, often irreversible, degradation. To counter this decline, the Cinque Terre National Park, from the moment of its foundation, has launched a dense network of interventions aimed at the protection and conservation of this historical-cultural testimony.

Territories and tourist destinations

Urban centers

All the cities slope down to sea level with the exception of Corniglia, which is perched on the top of a high cliff.

How to get

By plane

The nearest airports are those of:

• Pisa: (90 km) Pisa airport
• Genoa: (km 80) Genoa airport

From Pisa Airport:

From Pisa Airport it is possible to continue either by car or by train.

In piazzale Mario Cobianchi, near the Galilei airport there are some car hire (Piazzale Mario Cobianchi, 54121, Rent a car in Pisa with Europcar).

Follow the branch for Pisa to continue on the link road in the direction of Pisa Centro. Continue on the motorway A12 Genoa-Rosignano in the direction of Genoa: you can exit at La Spezia if you want to reach the town of Riomaggiore first, while continuing to Brugnato-Borghetto di Vara if you want to visit Monterosso first. in the city and follow the signs for the Cinque Terre placed everywhere. The distance of Riomaggiore from the city is 14 km.In the second hypothesis (Monterosso) from the Brugnato-Borghetto di Vara motorway exit, continue for about 4 km towards the town of Borghetto di Vara, after which you continue on the SP1 (Via Aurelia) for about another 7 km, until you reach the town of Pian di Barca. Immediately before this village you will find a crossroads: turn right continuing along the SP38 for another 10 km crossing, along the way, the town of Pignone. Always continuing on the SP38 you reach the junction for the SP51, where you turn in the direction of the Cinque Terre.

From the airport of Pisa with the PisaMover service you can reach the Pisa Centrale railway station, where you have to choose a regional train that, without further changes, arrives at your destination in about an hour and a half. Ticket and seat reservations are not necessary (but are recommended in the summer months).

From Genoa Airport: (km 80)

From Genoa Airport, take the A10 Genoa-Ventimiglia motorway in the direction of Genoa, continue on the A7 Milan-Genoa in the direction of Milan and turn at the junction for the A12 Genoa-Rosignano in the direction of Livorno: at this point the indications are opposite to those of the Pisa airport, that is: you can exit at Brugnato-Borghetto di Vara if you want to visit Monterosso first, while you continue to La Spezia if you want to reach the town of Riomaggiore first. Spice enter the city and follow the signs for the Cinque Terre located everywhere Brugnato-Borghetto di Vara continue for about 4 km towards the town of Borghetto di Vara, after which you continue on the SP1 (Via Aurelia) for about another 7 km, until you reach the town of Pian di Barca. Immediately before this village you will find a crossroads: turn right continuing along the SP38 for another 10 km crossing, along the way, the town of Pignone. Always continuing on the SP38 you reach the junction for the SP51, where you turn in the direction of the Cinque Terre.

By car

Reaching the Cinque Terre villages by car is very difficult, as there is no road that connects them all in a straight line, and not even a coastal road as is the case for the other towns on the coast. Once you arrive, it is also very difficult to find parking and cars are not allowed to enter towns. The best advice is to use the train, which is undoubtedly the best way to reach the Cinque Terre and to move from one town to another, but in this section you will find directions for anyone who still wants to arrive by car.

For information see Motorways website.

The motorway tariffs vary at each tollbooth.For information on tariffs, traffic conditions and any permits for special needs, contact Motorways for Italy.

The Cinque Terre does not have its own motorway exit and it is therefore necessary to exit:

1. at the Brugnato - Borghetto di Vara exit, which is the motorway exit on the A12 Genova-Rosignano closer to the Cinque Terre coming from the north.
2. at the exit of La Spezia if you come from the south.

Coming from the north

From the Brugnato-Borghetto di Vara motorway exit, continue for about 4 km in the direction of Borghetto di Vara, after which you continue on the SP1 (Via Aurelia) for about another 7 km, until you reach Pian di Barca. Immediately before this village you will find a crossroads: turn right continuing along the SP38 for another 10 km crossing, along the way, the town of Pignone. Always continuing on the SP38 you reach the junction for the SP51, where you turn in the direction of the Cinque Terre.

Coming from the south

Once you exit at La Spezia, follow the signs for the Cinque Terre. Riomaggiore, the first village you come across, is 14 km from the city center.

On the highway from Italy

Below you will find the directions to reach the Brugnato - Borghetto di Vara and La Spezia exits by motorway from the main Italian cities.

From Milan

From Milan you can reach the Brugnato-Borghetto di Vara and La Spezia motorway exits via two routes: the first starts from Milan South to take the A1 Milan-Naples in the direction of Bologna. Then continue on the A15 Parma-La Spezia in the direction of La Spezia. From La Spezia to the Cinque Terre see above.

Continuing on the A12 Genova – Rosignano in the direction of Genova, take the Brugnato-Borghetto di Vara exit. From the Brugnato-Borghetto di Vara motorway exit, see above. This route extends for 220/240 km and takes an average of 2 hours and 30 '.

The second route starts from West Milan to take the A7 Milan-Genoa in the direction of Genoa. Continue on the A12 Genova-Rosignano towards Livorno. From the Brugnato-Borghetto di Vara and La Spezia motorway exits for the Cinque Terre see above. This route extends for 205/225 km and takes an average of 2 hours and 20 '.

From Turin

TO Turin take the A6 Torino-Savona in the direction of Savona. Continue on the A10 Genoa-Ventimiglia in the direction of Genoa. Then continue on the A7 Milan-Genoa in the direction of Milan and then take the junction for the A12 Genoa-Rosignano in the direction of Livorno. From the Brugnato-Borghetto di Vara and La Spezia motorway exits for the Cinque Terre see above. The route on the motorway extends for about 235/255 km and takes an average of 2 hours and 30 '.

From Venice

TO Venice Mestre take the A4 Turin-Trieste in the direction of Padua. Continue on the A13 Bologna-Padova in the direction of Bologna. In Bologna continue on the A14 Bologna-Taranto in the direction of A1 Milan-Naples. Then take the A1 in the direction of Milan and then continue on the A15 Parma-La Spezia in the direction of La Spezia. From the Brugnato-Borghetto di Vara and La Spezia motorway exits for the Cinque Terre see above. The route on the motorway extends for about 360/380 km and takes an average of 4 hours.

From Bologna

From Bologna Borgopanigale take the A14 Bologna-Taranto towards the A1 Milan-Naples motorway. Continue on the A1 Milan-Naples in the direction of Milan and then merge onto the A15 Parma-La Spezia. Continue on the A12 Genova – Rosignano in the direction of Genova. From the Brugnato-Borghetto di Vara and La Spezia motorway exits for the Cinque Terre see above. The route on the motorway extends for about 210/230 km and takes an average of 2 hours and 15 '.

From Florence

TO Florence West take the A11 Firenze-Pisa in the direction of Pisa. Continue on the branch Lucca-Viareggio in the direction of Viareggio. At the A12 junction / Lucca branch continue towards the Genova-Livorno-chickpeas flour pie. Then take the A12 Genova-Rosignano towards Genova. From the Brugnato-Borghetto di Vara and La Spezia motorway exits for the Cinque Terre see above. The route on the highway extends for 150/170 km and takes an average of 1 hour and 30 '.

From Rome

From the Grande Raccordo Anulare, take the branch Rome NORTH to the connection towards the Milan-Naples motorway. Continue on the A1 Milan-Naples in the direction of Florence and then on the A11 Florence-Pisa in the direction of Pisa. Continue on the Lucca-Viareggio branch in the direction of Viareggio. At the A12 junction / Lucca branch continue towards the Genova-Livorno-Cecina motorway. Then take the A12 Genova-Rosignano towards Genova. From the highway exits of Brugnato-Borghetto di Vara and La Spezia for the Cinque Terre see above. The route on the highway extends for 420/440 km and takes an average of 4 hours and 30 '.

On boat

It is possible to get to the Cinque Terre by ship disembarking in La Spezia, and continuing by train, with several cruise companies^{[link not working]}.

The Cinque Terre are served by a boat service that dock in all the villages of the park, with the exception of Corniglia as the seabed does not allow passengers to dock and disembark.

On the train

For timetables and information consult Trenitalia.

By train from Italy

For those coming from north the best solution is to reach Genoa, then Sestri Levante, where it is often necessary to change trains and then continue passing through Riva Trigoso, Moneglia, Deiva Marina, Framura, Bonassola, Levanto, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola is Riomaggiore.

During the summer there is an omnibus connection from Levanto to La Spezia Centrale, called Cinque Terre Express.

The Genoa-Monterosso route takes about 1 hour and 40 'over a distance of about 80 km. The Milan-Monterosso route takes an average of 3 hours over a distance of about 180 km. The Turin-Monterosso route takes an average of 3 hours and 30 'over a distance of about 240 km.

A line connects Parma with La Spezia, and therefore Le Cinque Terre, but there is a shortage of trains.

It should be noted that from Milan or Turin it may be necessary to change trains in Genoa or Sestri Levante.

For those coming from the center or the south, you can reach La Spezia from where, with a local train, you can easily get to the Cinque Terre. The La Spezia-Monterosso route takes on average 20 minutes over a distance of about 23 km. The Florence-Monterosso route takes an average of 3 hours over a distance of about 150 km (be careful because you often have to change trains in Pisa).

The Rome-Monterosso route takes an average of 5 hours over a distance of about 400 km (be careful because you often have to change trains in Pisa or La Spezia).

By train from France

From the Pass of Nice (France)/Ventimiglia (Italy) you reach the localities of Sanremo, Imperia, Savona, Genoa, Sestri Levante, Riva Trigoso, Moneglia, Deiva Marina, Framura, Bonassola, Levanto, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola is Riomaggiore. The route lasts an average of 5 hours and extends for about 240 km.

Usually it is necessary to change trains at least once: in Genoa (Porta Principe or Porta Brignole) or in Sestri Levante.

From the border crossing of Modane cross the border with the TGV (Trein Grande Vitesse) to Milan with intermediate stops a Bardonecchia is Turin Porta Susa. From Turin Porta Susa or Milano Centrale you can take any train (Intercity or Interregionale) to Genoa. In Genoa it is usually necessary to change trains to take a regional train with direction Spice, which is located south of the last village of the park, Riomaggiore. The route lasts an average of 4 hours and extends for just over 200 km.

By train from Switzerland

From the Simplon Pass, coming from Bern, you can easily reach Milano Centrale with the Cisalpino train: a EuroCity that reaches Milano Centrale in about 4 hours and 30 'over a distance of about 370 km. From Milan to the Cinque Terre follow the instructions already described above (by train from France).

Through the Pass of noise (Switzerland), passing from Como, you can reach Milan in 1 hour and 30 'with trains from Lugano over a distance of about 80 km. From Milan to the Cinque Terre follow the instructions already described above (by train from France). For those who love breathtaking views, you can also reach Italy via the Bernina Pass: on this line there are also very characteristic special trains that connect St. Moritz to the town of Tirano (in the province of Sondrio, Valtellina) in 2 hours over a distance of about 60 km.

From Tirano then numerous trains leave for Milano Centrale which can be reached after about 2 hours and 30 'of travel. From Milan to the Cinque Terre follow the instructions already described above (by train from France).

By train from Austria

From the Brenner pass, Italy can be reached very easily also by train. For example, there are numerous trains that connect Innsbruck (Austria) to Milano Centrale in about 5 hours over a distance of about 500 km. From Milan to the Cinque Terre follow the instructions already described above (by train from France).

By motorbike or bicycle

For those arriving by motorbike or bicycle, it is advisable to follow alternative routes that are more scenic and exciting than the motorway.

From Genoa

Coming from Genoa you can use the SS1 Aurelia passing through the towns of Bogliasco, Recco, Rapallo, Chiavari, Lavagna and Sestri Levante. This stretch of the Aurelia is very scenic and the road almost entirely overlooks the sea. From Sestri Levante the Aurelia changes location to climb the hills until it reaches the Bracco Pass (615 meters above sea level): this location is known by cyclists for the panoramic ascent between the mountains and also by motorcyclists for the numerous hairpin bends. After the Bracco Pass, continue along the Aurelia passing through the towns of Mattarana, Corrodano, Borghetto di Vara, after which you always continue along the Via Aurelia for about another 7 km, until you reach the town of Pian di Boat. Immediately before this village you will find a crossroads: turn right continuing along the SP38 for another 10 km crossing, along the way, the town of Pignone. Always continuing on the SP38 you reach the junction for the SP51, where you turn in the direction of the Cinque Terre. The entire route from the Brugnato-Borghetto di Vara motorway exit to Monterosso extends over a distance of approximately 32 km.

Alternative

There is a very special alternative which, however, is only suitable for those arriving by motorbike. Once in Sestri Levante take to Riva Trigoso where you continue through the old tunnels of the railway up to Moneglia, again Galleries, Deiva Marina. From Deiva Marina continue in the direction of the motorway on the SP41 first and then on the SP40 until you reach the junction with the SP332 which leads back to Aurelia, through which you can reach the towns of Mattarana, Corrodano and Borghetto di Vara again. From Borghetto di Vara follow the instructions already provided (see above).

This alternative is very suggestive but remember that the Galleries are one-way regulated by a green light every 10 minutes and that access on foot or by bicycle is prohibited (due to poor lighting).

From La Spezia

Coming from La Spezia you can use the SS1 Aurelia again passing through the towns of Riccò del Golfo, Pian di Barca, Borghetto di Vara. From Borghetto di Vara follow the instructions already provided (see above).

From Milan

You can reach the Upper Scrivia Valley and then Genoa through the SS35 dei Giovi Milano-Genova. Along this state road, very popular in the 1950s when the motorway connections did not yet exist, you will find the localities of Busalla, Savignone, Montoggio, Casella, Bargagli, where you continue towards Val Fontanabuona from where you reach Chiavari. From Chiavari you can continue according to the instructions already described (see above).

From Piacenza

From Piacenza you can reach Genoa through the SS45 of the Val Trebbia which passes precisely through the Bisagno and Trebbia valleys. Always through this state road you can reach Bobbio and Marsaglia. From here you can decide to continue to Rezzoaglio, Borzonasca, Marasco and then Chiavari or make a small detour to Santo Stefano d'Aveto, from where you then descend to Rezzoaglio. From Chiavari you can continue according to the instructions already described (see above).

From Parma

From Parma take the SS62 della Cisa that connects Parma to La Spezia through the towns of Fornovo, Borgo Val di Taro, Bedonia, Passo di Cento Croci (1000 m. Altitude), Varese Ligure, San Pietro Vara, Sesta Godano, Brugnato , Borghetto di Vara. From Borghetto di Vara follow the instructions already provided (see above).

Alternative

From Borgo Val di Taro, cross the Cisa Pass (1039 m. Altitude), cross the Val di Magra thus arriving directly at the town of Sarzana, from where you can take the SS1 Aurelia to La Spezia. From La Spezia you can continue along the SS1 Aurelia following the instructions already described (see above).

From Reggio Emilia

Take the SS63 del Cerreto which goes up the Apennines up to the pass of the same name (1260 m. Of altitude). You then cross the towns of Fivizzano and Rosaro until you reach Aulla, in the center of the splendid Lunigiana. From Aulla you can take the stretch of the SS62 that leads to Sarzana and then to La Spezia. From La Spezia you can continue along the SS1 Aurelia following the instructions already described (see above).

From Florence

Take for Pistoia, Montecatini Terme, Lucca, cross the Garfagnana, reach Aulla, La Spezia. From La Spezia you can continue along the SS1 Aurelia following the instructions already described (see above).

Alternative

From Montecatini to Pisa, Viareggio, Carrara, Sarzana, La Spezia. From La Spezia you can continue along the SS1 Aurelia following the instructions already described (see above).

For both routes we recommend using the S.G.C. FI-PI-LI (Highway of Great Communication Florence-Pisa-Livorno) for the first stretch and then continue on the SS1 Aurelia. This highway is however forbidden to cyclists, and is therefore only accessible by those arriving by motorbike.

On foot

From Levanto

From the Levanto station follow the signs for path no. 1 of the Cinque Terre which starts near the Church of Sant'Andrea and initially passes near some houses until it rejoins the paved road; from this point continue for a few hundred meters until you meet, on the right, the signpost to re-enter the path. It always continues along the coast with a beautiful view of the sea; the path winds, with some slight ups and downs, in a wood without ever losing the view of the sea. You arrive, after about 1h45 ', to meet the path number 10 which will lead to Monterosso and, in the same point, another short detour allows you to arrive in a few minutes Punta Mesco which is the point where the territory of the National Park actually begins. You return to the intersection of the paths to descend to Monterosso in about 60 '; along the descent you can admire all the villages that are part of the Cinque Terre.

How to get around

On the train

The best way to get around, and by far the most used, is by train, which connects all five villages almost hourly. Each route costs € 4 (May 2017). You can also go there with the "Cinque Terre Treno MS" card which costs 16 € per day (May 2017) in high season (April-November). The "Cinque Terre Trekking" card costs € 7.5 per day (May 2017) and is like the previous one, except that it does not include trains, so to move from one location to another you can only do it on foot in the CAI paths . Over 70s, under 11s, families and adults in the low season, enjoy reduced rates.

The line that passes most frequently is that of Sestri Levante-La Spezia, but it is also possible to use the Turin-La Spezia and Milan-La Spezia lines, but these two lines generally do not stop in Corniglia or Manarola.

In the various information offices in each station it is possible to request the updated Cinque Terre train timetable free of charge, indicating all the trains that stop there.

What see

The Cinque Terre National Park offers countless opportunities, first of all the possibility of taking breathtaking excursions along the various paths.

The most famous, and by far the most popular, is the famous Blue Path (Cai nº 2), which crosses all the five villages along the coast.

In official site of the National Park numerous information on the possibilities offered and above all the percorribilità dei sentieri, a volte chiusi a causa di frane e smottamenti.

Si ricorda che la percorrenza sui tracciati del Parco nazionale delle Cinque Terre dovrà sempre avvenire in condizioni meteo climatiche buone, con calzature adatte e da parte di persone dotate di buona pratica escursionistica.

L'attrazione principale delle Cinque Terre è il paesaggio. Le erbe e gli alberi mediterranei crescono spontaneamente dalla sommità delle colline fino al livello dell'acqua. Ben incastonato in questo magnifico scenario naturale, si può ammirare l'intensa attività umana del passato, quando furono costruite le terrazze vinicole. Un enorme (e in qualche modo folle) lavoro di trasporto, portando pietre pesanti sulle spalle di uomini e sulla testa delle donne. Un lavoro lungo i secoli, infatti si stima che ci siano voluti circa 200 anni per realizzare l'intera rete muraria. La sua lunghezza totale è stata calcolata essere almeno uguale alla Grande muraglia cinese.

Potete godervi il ​​paesaggio e l'atmosfera locale, passeggiare per le città (o tra di loro) o fare escursioni sui sentieri.

Events and parties

• Attacco dei pirati, Vernazza. metà estate. Celebrazione della riuscita difesa della cittadina da un attacco saraceno avvenuto nel medioevo. 
• Vendemmia. inizio / metà settembre. Vendemmia e vinificazione con trasporto sulle spalle degli uomini e le teste delle donne come centinaia di anni fa 
• Luci della Natività, Manarola. 8 dic -6 gen. Il presepe illuminato più grande del mondo. 

What to do

È possibile fare il bagno nel mare in ciascuno dei villaggi. Quasi ogni anno la Riserva Marina delle Cinque Terre compete per la lista delle spiagge Bandiera Blu d'Italia. Ci sono due grandi spiagge sabbiose a Monterosso, una piccola spiaggia sabbiosa al porto di Vernazza e spiagge di ciottoli vicino a Riomaggiore e Corniglia. Fuori dai sentieri battuti ci sono spiagge di ciottoli a Framura e Bonasola a soli 20 minuti di treno. Si può nuotare sugli scogli presso i porticcioli di Manarola e Riomaggiore. Il porticciolo di Corniglia è raggiungibile tramite una lunga scalinata che scende al mare. Per questo motivo è probabilmente il punto di balneazione più tranquillo di tutte e cinque le terre.

Shopping

La valuta utilizzata è l'euro ma spesso vengono accettati anche dollari, sterline ed altre valute. È bene informarsi presso il rivenditore prima di effettuare un acquisto o una spesa, specie al ristorante.

How to have fun

At the table

Il vino e l'olio sono d'obbligo sulle tavole. Si rivelano ottimi compagni delle acciughe salate di Monterosso condite sott'olio oltre che delle tante specialità di pesce, autentiche delizie gastronomiche.

La cucina delle Cinque Terre conserva quasi perfettamente le caratteristiche di un tempo; il rispetto dei sapori e dei profumi degli ingredienti primari. The Trofie sono un tipo di pasta a base di farina di castagne o grano ed è uno degli antenati della pasta moderna e più sofisticata. Il suo condimento è ancora il pesto. The Tagliatelle, una pasta larga fatta a mano, si usano con sughi che contengono funghi, cavoli e patate, fagioli, ceci o talvolta con il pesto.

The torte di verdura sono preparate con un ripieno a base di borragine (borago officinalis), prezzemolo, maggiorana, altre erbe locali che crescono spontanee, carciofi, bietole, zucchine, patate e porri si uniscono a uovo e ricotta o con pane raffermo ammollato nel latte o besciamella (secondo le tradizioni di ogni famiglia) e parmigiano. La crosta della torta è molto sottile, perché la farina era un bene molto prezioso.

There torta di riso è una specialità di ogni nonna della regione. A Monterosso al Mare questa torta di riso è stata resa ancora più golosa aggiungendo al ripieno un po' di funghi secchi. A Manarola la tradizione è quella di preparare questo piatto per la festa del patrono San Lorenzo il 10 agosto.

Le "frittate" all'uovo, o frittate piatte, sono popolari oggi poiché la "frittata" è stata riscoperta come gustoso antipasto. Un altro piatto importante sulle tavole della popolazione delle Cinque Terre era la cotoletta di acciuga, acciughe farcite con un ripieno a base di pangrattato e poi fritte. Molto apprezzate anche le "frittelle di bianchetti", frittelle di acciughe o sarde appena nate. Seguendo la tradizione gastronomica dei marinai, altri piatti includevano seppie in umido, calamari ripieni e polpo speziato.

The cozze, altro prodotto a denominazione di origine protetta del Golfo di Spice, vengono preparate in diversi modi: farcite, in umido, al forno.

There Farinata, come una focaccia ma fatta con farina di ceci. Una specialità regionale.

Drinks

La fama delle Cinque Terre è in gran parte dovuta ai suoi prodotti, il vino bianco secco, chiamato semplicemente Cinque Terre and it Sciacchetrà, un pregiato vino da dessert ottenuto da uve pregiate appassite al punto da trattenere solo poche gocce di dolce succo. Un'aggiunta colorata ai prodotti delle Cinque Terre è il "limoncino"; un vino da dessert ottenuto facendo macerare le bucce di limone in alcool puro e poi aggiungendo zucchero e acqua per ottenere un liquore fragrante e fresco. I limoni, altro famoso prodotto delle Cinque Terre, sono in bella mostra nei tanti limoneti e all'annuale Sagra del Limone che si tiene ogni anno a Monterosso durante la stagione di Pentecoste.

I Sentieri dell'Uva sono ancora come una volta con alberi di fico piantati in posizioni strategiche per dare ombra durante le pause di lavoro, agavi piantate per delimitare i confini, per allineare i sentieri lungo ripidi gradini pietrosi e per indicare la ferrovia terminali delle monorotaie che sono le uniche strutture verticali che emergono da questo paesaggio apparentemente completamente orizzontale. Molti muretti a secco sostengono questo paesaggio terrazzato.

Lungo la "posa" (muretti, larghi come tavoli, costruiti esclusivamente a questo scopo) sono disposti i grandi cesti di vimini dell'uva (corbe). Questi includono Albarola (Trebbiana), Biancorotto, Bruciapagliaio, Piccabon (Pizzamosca). Per la produzione di vini bianchi da tavola si utilizzano: Fiore di Bosco, Rappolungo, Fogiaccia, Ruspara e Sesagra. Le ceste piene di Magnagra (Albarola), da cui si ricava il famoso Sciacchetrà Nero, vengono maneggiate con estrema cura e messe da parte.

Le tracce dell'uva delle Cinque Terre arrivano fino al mare. In passato si ancoravano piccole barche da pesca chiamate "gozzi" immediatamente sotto i vigneti terrazzati. Le ceste cariche di uva venivano poi calate dall'alto in queste piccole barche che poi facevano il giro del villaggio altrimenti inaccessibile.

Al giorno d'oggi questo metodo non è altro che un lontano ricordo, ma visitando le Cinque Terre si è ancora in grado di degustare alcuni dei vini più pregiati del mondo che sono stati creati da secoli di esperienza massacrante.

Where stay

Average prices

• San Giacomo Casa Vacanze, Salita San Giacomo, 8, Levanto, ☎ 39 328 575 5701, @[email protected]. A Levanto, chiamato anche "La porta delle cinque terre", potrete ammirare la nostra Casa Vacanze, composta da un antico campanile e ampio giardino, circondata dalle mura medioevali e da due antiche chiese. I nostri appartamenti sono completamente ristrutturati, molti dotati di vista su mare e paese e completi di tutti i servizi. Da Levanto sono facilmente raggiungibili in pochi minuti di treno le cinque terre. 

Safety

Borseggiatori

Il Parco nazionale delle Cinque Terre, come tutti i luoghi molto affollati, è frequentato da diversi borseggiatori.Prestate attenzione soprattutto ai luoghi affollati come le stazioni e percorrendo scalinate: sono questi i luoghi preferiti per effettuare il borseggio: le stazioni per via del grande affollamento e le scalinate perché, essendo generalmente strette, permettono loro di aprire gli zaini posti sulle spalle senza che altri possano osservarli.

Raccomandazione: non lasciate mai il portafogli nelle tasche esterne degli zaini ma inseriteli nella parte più profonda, meglio se ricoperti da altri oggetti o indumenti, in modo da rendere più difficoltoso estrarli a vostra insaputa.

Nota: i borseggiatori non agiscono a caso. Vi osservano durante i vostri acquisti al bar, nei negozi, nei mercatini per cercare di scoprire dove tenete il portafogli. È questo il momento più importante per evitare di essere borseggiati: se metterete il portafogli in una tasca esterna sarete certamente presi di mira, se invece inserirete il portagli in una zona inaccessibile dello zaino verrete certamente scartati dalle loro attenzioni.

Spiaggia di Guvano

La spiaggia di Guvano (famosa per essere frequentata da nudisti), situata proprio sotto Corniglia, un tempo era accessibile da una diramazione del Sentiero Azzurro che partiva dopo l'abitato di Corniglia in direzione Vernazza ma dopo l'alluvione del 25/10/2011 il sentiero è diventato impraticabile: si sconsiglia assolutamente di percorrerlo.

La spiaggia di Guvano si poteva raggiungere anche attraverso un vecchio tunnel in disuso delle Ferrovie dello Stato. Da qualche tempo non è più così, ma nonostante il divieto alcuni individui hanno sfondato le recinzioni e si sono stabiliti abusivamente nella spiaggia, costruendo baracche e ambienti di fortuna.

Ogni anno numerosi hippie sono attirati a Guvano da questa situazione di anarchia, grazie anche alla difficoltà di raggiungerla da parte delle forze dell'ordine.

Spesso si verificano risse, furti, episodi di ubriachezza molesta e quasi ogni anno vengono effettuate delle retate con conseguenti arresti e sequestri di sostanze stupefacenti.

Pertanto se si decide di andarci comunque è bene farlo di giorno e prima del tramonto andare via.

Nota: il tunnel che conduce a Guvano è lungo 1 km ed è completamente al buio!

Non vi sono stazioni della Polizia alle Cinque Terre e i Comandi dei Carabinieri sono solo due in tutto il Parco nazionale: a Riomaggiore tel: 0187 920112 e a Monterosso tel: 0187 803684, 0187 817524.Questo implica che il territorio sia piuttosto sguarnito. Tenetelo a mente.

Vigili

Importante: contrariamente a quanto si crede le amministrazioni comunali alle Cinque Terre non sono cinque, ma tre: Monterosso, Vernazza e Riomaggiore.Corniglia e Manarola sono frazioni, rispettivamente, di Vernazza e Riomaggiore.Questo implica che i vigili urbani debbano spostarsi di diversi chilometri per raggiungere le frazioni di Corniglia e Manarola col risultato che questi due borghi siano piuttosto sguarniti anche dal punto di vista della presenza di questi pubblici ufficiali.

• Vigili urbani Monterosso - tel: 0187803428
• Vigili urbani Vernazza - tel: 0187821147
• Vigili urbani Riomaggiore - tel: 335 7872737 - 335 7872736 – 335 1412504

Emergency numbers

• 112 - Numero unico di emergenza
• 114 - Emergenza infanzia
• 1515 - Corpo Forestale dello Stato
• 1530 - Numero Blu - Emergenza in mare

How to keep in touch

Around

Itineraries

Le spiagge di Tramonti sono raggiungibili dalla strada Litoranea lungo un percorso a piedi di 2-4 km fra i vigneti, e scalinate fino al mare, di media difficoltà:

• località "Tramonti di Biassa": Albana (scogliera "Le Rosse") e Muzzerone (scogliera "Le Nere"), Fossola, Monesteroli e Schiara.
• località "Tramonti di Campiglia": spiaggia del Persico e Navone.
  

Esistono 12 località di Tramonti, con altrettante discese a mare, da est a ovest sono: Albana, Persico, Navone, Schiara, Cantun, Monesteroli, Fossola, Punta Merlino, Gambassa, Pineda, Punta Castagna e Canneto.

Da Riomaggiore parte il sentiero per Campi - Bozi (in dialetto locale: "piccole piscine") a Punta Pineda, fino a Punta Castagna; e il sentiero n. 3 del CAI di La Spezia (Colle del Telegrafo - Palestra nel Verde).

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Cinque Terre
• Commons contains images or other files on Cinque Terre