For those seeking that elusive peaceful spot in which to unwind, a tranquil and charming place to escape the constant demands of life in the fast lane, the Cinque Terre, located on the glorious Italian Riviera on a rugged section of the Liguria region is the ideal destination.
La Cinque Terre, (which translates to five lands), dates back to the 11th century and consists of the five small Medieval villages of Monterosso al Mare, Manarola, Vernazza, Riomaggiore a, d Corniglia. Recognized as a ?cultural landscape? and awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1997, the Cinque Terre is a protected national park, linked by a series of meandering paths and the railway line, which was built in the 1870s, cuts through a series of coastal tunnels. The area, known for its lush vineyards, citrus orchards, and olive groves, is partly inaccessible by car and the best way to travel is by train from Rome, Genoa or Pisa or drive to La Spezia and then board the local train.  An area of outstanding natural beauty, the Cinque Terre attracts hardy souls keen to hike the seven-mile coastal trail linking all five villages. Water babes seeking solitude will find a surprising number of coves and bays dotted along the coastline and a leisurely dip in the glittering waters of the Mediterranean is sure to soothe those aching limbs at the end of a day?s arduous explorations. Riomaggeore vineyard. Photo courtesy of Agenzia Regionale In Liguria
Riomaggiore is the Cinque Terre?s most famous ...