Cinque Terre

Five coastal settlements cling to precipitous cliffs between Punta Mesco and Punta di Montenero, where pastel-colored buildings descend in tiers toward small harbors and pebble coves. Narrow lanes wind between tightly packed houses built directly into rock faces overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Terraced vineyards and olive groves blanket the mountainsides above each village, connected by footpaths and a railway line that tunnels through the headlands separating them.

Fishing communities emerged along this remote coastline during the early Middle Ages, developing into fortified settlements under Genoese control by the 11th century. Farmers constructed extensive terraces on steep slopes and established trade connections with other Mediterranean ports. The Republic of Genoa built defensive towers to protect against pirate raids, while residents divided their livelihoods between fishing and agriculture until tourism became the primary economic activity in the 20th century.

Local communities preserve centuries-old fishing traditions using hand-crafted boats and nets passed down through generations. Residents maintain agricultural practices on steep terraces where grapevines and olive trees grow in narrow strips carved into mountainsides. Religious processions and village festivals connect the five settlements through shared customs that reflect their maritime and agricultural heritage dating back to medieval times.

Trains run frequently between settlements and connect them to La Spezia and Levanto, with most stations located within minutes of village centers. Hiking paths require sturdy footwear and reasonable fitness due to steep ascents and uneven surfaces. Visitors should consider spring or autumn to avoid summer crowds, and book accommodations several months ahead as capacity remains limited across all five locations.

The protected area contains more than 4,350 miles (7,000 kilometers) of dry stone walls supporting terraced fields built without mortar through centuries of manual labor. Residents continuously maintain these structures to prevent landslides and enable cultivation on slopes reaching 45 degrees that rise directly above sea level, creating one of the most labor-intensive agricultural landscapes in Europe.

Location: Liguria

Part of: Cinque Terre and Portovenere, Riviera Spezzina

Address: 19015 Levanto, SP, Italy

Website: https://parconazionale5terre.it/F

GPS coordinates: 44.12694,9.70944

Latest update: November 27, 2025 19:48