Cinque Terre

The villages originated in the Middle Ages and came under the rule of the Republic of Genoa in the 13th century. In Vernazza, the Castello Doria fortification is preserved, its round tower being the oldest part. Only with the construction of the Genoa–La Spezia railway line in the second half of the 19th century were the settlements connected to the rail network.The terraces with their dry stone walls are the work of many generations, with wine and olives being cultivated primarily. On October 25, 2011, severe weather with floods and landslides caused extensive damage in Vernazza and Monterosso, and nine people lost their lives.

The La Spezia–Levanto railway line stops in all five villages. During the season, approximately from mid-March to early November, the Cinque Terre Express runs frequently. The Cinque Terre Card is available as a Trekking Card (without train) and as a Card Treno MS (with regional trains between Levanto and La Spezia); both include ATC buses within the villages. The card is checked on the coastal path between Corniglia and Monterosso. For the Via dell'Amore, you need a separate ticket.Ferry boats operate between the villages and to Porto Venere; Corniglia has no landing stage. By car, you can only reach the village outskirts, and parking spaces are scarce. The hiking trails are partly steep and rocky; sturdy shoes are required. Sections are closed after heavy rain and landslides; the Manarola–Corniglia section has been closed for a long time. The national park website shows the current status of the trails.