The intriguing and much visited coastal area called Cinque Terre located to the north of Massa Carrara beyond Tuscany's farthest north western tip is a favorite day trip for those spending their holiday in Tuscany. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997, this fascinating area in the border region of Liguria is comprised of a rough and severe landscape where man-made terraces mold the hillsides as the drop rapidly to the sea.
The five small towns, from south to north, are: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare have been categorized as a “living landscape” where the location and its history play an active role in promoting the traditional lifestyles and products. Lemons, honey, extra virgin olive oil, anchovies conserved in salt and wines are just some of the special flavors you can enjoy while visiting these colorful towns. There are more than 120 kilometers of nature trails crisscrossing the hills and towns with panoramic views towards the mountains that isolate the Cinque Terre from the Italian peninsula.
Dedicate a day or more to exploring each little hamlet, venturing in the vast national park, sailing from port to port and cooling off in the refreshing sandy beaches of the Ligurian Sea.
