| Cinque Terre National Park | |
 | |
Location  | |
| Area type | National Park |
|---|---|
| State | Italy |
| Region | Liguria |
| Territory | Riviera di Levante |
| Surface | 3,860 ha |
| Foundation year | 1999 |
| Institutional website | |
The Cinque Terre National Park is a protected area located in Liguria.
 | ATTENTION: Some of the contents shown could generate dangerous situations or damage. The information is for illustrative purposes only, not exhortative or didactic. Use of Wikivoyage is at your own risk: read the warnings. |
To know
In addition to the territory of the municipalities of the Five lands (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza is Monterosso al Mare, the Cinque Terre National Park includes parts of the municipalities of Levanto (Punta Mesco) e Spice (Campiglia Tramonti). The Cinque Terre have been included as a World Heritage SiteUNESCO in 1997.
Here the Park map and the Park guides.
How to get
By plane
By car
- A12 or A15 motorway: exit at La Spezia-S. Stefano Magra. After crossing the city, take the Cinque Terre provincial road 370 (formerly state road 370) and after about a quarter of an hour take the junction that goes down to Riomaggiore. Continuing on the coast road, you will find the junction that goes down to Manarola. Most of the car parks are reserved for residents: when the paid ones are exhausted, the descent to the villages can be prohibited.
- To get to Monterosso it is necessary to exit at the Carrodano toll booth on the A12 motorway and then continue in the direction of Levanto.
- To reach the villages of Vernazza is Corniglia, whether you come from Monterosso or from Riomaggiore, you must use the narrow and winding "road of the Sanctuaries".
In the tourist season, a scheduled boat service regularly connects the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza and Riomaggiore with Portovenere, in turn connected with La Spezia and Lerici. Boats also depart from the ancient port of Genoa.
On the train
Stations of the Five lands: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza is Monterosso al Mare.
Get off at the station Spice Centrale, where all Intercity and other long-distance trains stop, to continue with regional trains. However, some Intercities also stop at the train station Monterosso. The races have a considerable frequency, especially during the summer season. In Monterosso and a Riomaggiorein addition to the regional ones, the interregional Turin-Livorno and Parma-Genoa also stop.
By bus
With bus of Explora 5 Terre: departing from La Spezia, they allow you to visit Riomaggiore, Manarola, Volastra, San Bernardino, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso and all the Sanctuaries of the Cinque Terre.
On foot
Here the guide to the paths of the Park.
- Ridge path number AV5T (High Route of the Cinque Terre (598). This ancient mule track runs along the watershed that separates the Cinque Terre coast from the Val di Vara and constitutes a secondary branch of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, to which it connects at the Monte Zatta. From the ridge path you can then reach the Cinque Terre villages through one of the transverse paths that descend towards the sea following the secondary ridges or the valleys delimited by them.
- The most important are the paths number 509, 508, 507, 506, 502, 501 and SVA.
- Coastal path number SVA (Blue Path (592), which connects Riomaggiore to Monterosso al Mare crossing all the villages of the Cinque Terre and assuming in the stretch between Riomaggiore and Manarola the appearance of the famous Love way. Unlike that of the ridge, the distance of the coastal path is subject to the possession of the Cinque Terre Card, service card of the Cinque Terre National Park.
Permits / Rates
From the 2019 summer season, it is forbidden to wear flip flops, décolleté or sandals inside the national park. Neglecting this can lead to fines of between € 50 and € 2,500, depending on the level of distress and whether a rescue team is needed.
For to walk the paths between the villages you need to buy a pass at information offices near railway stations in any of the five countries, as well as stations in Levanto is Spice. It costs € 16 for an adult for one day (from April 2021) for unlimited train travel between the towns, Levanto and La Spezia on regional trains for the duration of the season ticket. The pass also allows you to use buses within the Cinque Terre, as well as entry to various museums (with discounts in La Spezia). If you only want to use the train between countries, the one-way ticket between all five villages costs € 5 and is valid for six hours one-way.
How to get around
Cinque Terre National Park: full screen map.On foot and by train.
What see
The main cities are: 1 Riomaggiore, 2 Manarola, 3 Corniglia, 4 Vernazza is 5 Monterosso al Mare.
- 1 Sanctuary of Our Lady of Reggio (in the homonymous locality). To get to the Sanctuary it is necessary to take a paved path, about 2 km long, which starts from the railway station and reaches the church square surrounded by centuries-old trees. The road is panoramic and is interspersed with a series of chapels in each of which there is a station of the Via Crucis. It is part of the Sanctuaries of the Cinque Terre together with the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montenero a Riomaggiore, at the shrine of Our Lady of Health in Manarola, the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace in Corniglia and the Shrine of Our Lady of Soviore in Monterosso al Mare.
- The interior has three naves and a Latin cross plan that took the place of the previous basilica style. In addition to numerous ex-votos, it preserves a painting of the Black Madonna with the Child Jesus. The guesthouse, built during the nineteenth century, is now home to a refreshment point and offers the opportunity to stay there.
- 2 Shrine of Our Lady of Grace (in the hamlet of San Bernardino). The sanctuary is part, together with the sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montenero a Riomaggiore, at the shrine of Our Lady of Health in Manarola, to the sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Reggio in Vernazza and the sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Soviore a Monterosso al Mare, of Shrines of the Five lands. According to historical sources, the current building was built during the nineteenth century on the foundations of an ancient chapel built in the late Middle Ages.
- The church, very simple and with a single nave with a rectangular plan, is in Romanesque form, with a facade with square ashlars, the upper crowning with arches and the Romanesque portal with an ogival arch in sandstone, surmounted by a Gothic mullioned window. The bell tower is stocky and robust. Narrow single-light windows open on the hips. The external structure recalls the architecture of the 10th century; the interior, heavily remodeled, is covered by a barrel vault.
- Among the artistic elements preserved is a canvas of the Madonna and Child, crowned in 1874, which was originally assembled together with the two depictions of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and Saint Bernardino of Siena. Subsequently divided, the icon with the Madonna is placed above the main altar, the two saints in the two ovals on the side walls. The feast of the sanctuary is celebrated on 8 September.
- 3 Sanctuary of Our Lady of Soviore. The exact date of construction is still uncertain today; and the only official mention of the building can be found in a document dated to 1244, its construction could therefore be prior to that date. Among the many reasons that led to the construction of the sanctuary there is an ancient popular legend: during the incursions of the Lombards of Rotari, the populations of the eastern coast fled towards the interior of the valley and to steal a sacred image of the Madonna from the probable theft. , the wooden statue was buried; the legend states that it was found a hundred years later by the population, following the flight of a dove that took refuge in a tunnel and thus found the ancient Marian image. Over the centuries, the cult increased among the population, as cites a 14th century plaque, walled up in the presbytery, thus leading to the construction of the "pilgrim's house" and entrusting the care of the hospital of Monterosso al Sea. Two documents of the fifteenth century again mention the now sanctuary of Soviore: the first, dated to 1484, certifies the assignment of the church to friar Simone Fassio on the decision of Pope Sixtus IV, while the second citation, dated 1488, testifies to the concession of the plenary indulgence - by Pope Innocent VIII - on the occasion of the feast of the Assumption of Mary. Since the mid-eighties the Soviore sanctuary has become an important place for a part of Italian scouting: in fact, the Soviore Scout Community came to life here.
- 4 Hermitage of Sant'Antonio del Mesco. A first mention of the ancient medieval building dates back to 1380 even if it is assumed that the church, and annexed hermitage, may have been built in a much earlier period, perhaps in the 11th century. Precisely in this century, as evidenced by various studies on the strata of the structure, the first plant seems to date back, while the second and definitive extension with worked stone dates back to the fifteenth century. The apse, part of the vault and part of the perimeter wall remain visible of the church; of the adjoining convent only a few ruins. The complex was abandoned in 1610 with the relocation of the religious to the new monastic complex of the Augustinians of Levanto, now home to municipal spaces and a youth hostel.
- 5 Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montenero.
What to do
Walk
To walk it is very popular, especially on the main coastal paths, which are subject to park entrance fees. It is worth exploring some of the higher trails to Volastra (above Manarola), Monte Negro (above Riomaggiore) or trails that start outside the park such as the trail between Levanto and Monterosso.
Excursions
The Cinque Terre boasts some of the best coastal hiking trails in the world.
As the Cinque Terre is an area prone to landslides, it is always best to check if the hiking trails are open or closed before setting off. You need to buy a pass if you walk the path number 2 (blue), while for the other paths no pass is required. You can also buy a hiking pass and train in one if you want to take a train to the next city. Trains are frequent but it is advisable to check local timetables especially on Sundays and public holidays as you could wait up to an hour for the correct train.
The route from Riomaggiore to Manarola is called Love way. This is a paved path that is easy to walk for all ages. Only the side departing from Manarola is accessible to the disabled. The side of Riomaggiore begins with 2 flights of stairs. Along the way, passers-by have the opportunity to write their names on the walls of a gallery. Visitors should not scratch their names on trees or cacti as this is harmful to the plants. Halfway down the path, you will come across padlocks, a place to seal your eternal love. This custom follows the Italian fashion that was initiated by the film Three meters above the sky. At this point there is a "sofa" in the shape of a male and female closed in a kiss, where many couples pose.
The next excursion from Manarola to Corniglia is also easy. It takes about 30 minutes. The path is not asphalted. To reach the center of Corniglia there is an uphill hike and a large zigzag staircase with 385 steps which can be a real mission in the midday sun.
The path from Corniglia to Vernazza is longer and the terrain is uneven. The excursion lasts approximately 2 hours.
The trail from Vernazza to Monterosso is the steepest (good physical fitness is required - there are over 250m of climbing on very uneven rocks, around 750 steps), winds through olive groves and vineyards and offers spectacular ocean views. The paths are narrow, with a very real danger of falling 3-4m if you lose your balance. If you try this hike, grab some water and be prepared to sweat very well.
The walk on the path n ° 2 between all the villages lasts the best part of the day. For those who prefer not to walk (or not walk the entire path), a boat ferry service connects all five towns seasonally, plus Lerici. The price is reasonable and offers a nice view of the villages from the water. The regional train that connects all the countries is also a quick way to jump between cities.
If you are a more experienced hiker, take advantage of other trails that climb higher up the mountain. These trails are well-maintained, off the beaten track, and usually have fewer tourists. You can get detailed maps from any park office. Paths 7, 7 / a and 6 / d are particularly scenic and pass through beautiful vineyards and terraces.
In June, July and August, start your walk as early as possible to avoid the merciless midday sun. Suitable sneakers or walking shoes are essential.
- Excursion times along the coastal road
- Monterosso - Vernazza: 90 minutes. - Narrow path, sometimes steep. Nice view on Vernazza.
- Vernazza - Corniglia: 90 minutes. - Stunning views of Vernazza; greener path.
- Corniglia - Manarola: 45 minutes, closed (Dec 2018) - Low panoramic path in front of a beach. Manarola - also has its own beautiful walk through the vineyards.
- Manarola - Riomaggiore: 20 minutes, closed (Dec 2018) The famous Love way, flat paved path carved into the rock.
For the latest news on whether or not the hiking tests are open, consult the website of the Cinque Terre National Park. Other routes may be closed due to adverse weather conditions.
Take a bath
It is possible to swim in the sea in each of the villages. Almost every year the Cinque Terre Marine Reserve competes for the top of the list of Italy's Blue Flag beaches. There are two large sandy beaches in Monterosso, a small sandy beach at the port of Vernazza and pebble beaches near Riomaggiore and Corniglia. Off the beaten track there are pebble beaches in Framura and Bonasola just 20 minutes by train. You can swim from the rocks at the marinas of Manarola (which has a very nice and deep hole) and Riomaggiore. The small port of Corniglia can be reached via a long staircase that descends to the sea. For this reason it is probably the quietest bathing spot in all five lands.
Shopping
Where to eat
To consult here exercises.
Where stay
To consult here the accommodation facilities.
Safety
How to keep in touch
Information in all the reception centers of the Cinque Terre villages.
Around
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Cinque Terre National Park
Commons contains images or other files on Cinque Terre National Park
