The Cinque Terre: Lovely Liguria (from Florence)

Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park, the Cinque Terre landscape is as unique as it is stunning. Each village sits on the sides of sheer cliffs, a strategic location historically to protect the villages from military and pirate attacks.

Since at least the 11th century, man has forged out farmland, olive groves and vineyards throughout this tough terrain, as well as constructing quaint houses, historic forts and defense towers, arresting churches and panoramic piazzas and terraces throughout.

Legend has it that the rich iconic colors of the houses allowed fisherman to easily distinguish their own homes from the sea – and to check that their wives were behaving in their absence! The locals have developed a rich array of local delicacies, including seafood dishes, anchovy recipes, focaccia, “farinata” chickpea pancake, and pesto. A dry white wine, the Sciaccatrà dessert wine, grappa and Limoncello have also evolved in the Cinque Terre.The five lands are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. Corniglia sits atop a promontory and requires climbing up 382 stairs to reach (the reason why we happily settle for viewing it from afar only!).