Ways To Enjoy A Visit To The Cinque Terre

If you’re planning a holiday to visit Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance, you’ll beprivileged to be able to discover one of the most culturally rich cities in Europe. But beyondthe magnificent galleries, museums and architecture of this stunning city, its location putsyou in the perfect place to explore further afield, in Tuscany and beyond. One very popularday trip is to go from a base in Florence to Cinque Terre, the collection of five beautifulvillages strung along the coastline in the region of Liguria.

Getting from Florence to Cinque Terre takes around 2.5 hours and the journey itself is highlypicturesque. Whether you choose to walk the cliff side path or take the train between thevillages, there are many ways to enjoy the beauty of this dramatic location.

Ways to Enjoy the Beauty of Cinque Terre

Bearing in mind that, actually, the most wonderful thing to do in this enchanting part of theworld is simply to take in the views and ambience, here are a few suggestions for how to doit.

Go Kayaking

The waters around this area are designated a Marine Protected Area, and getting out in akayak and exploring the coastline under your own steam is an absolute joy. You can rent acanoe or kayak from the harbour at Riomaggiore and paddle around taking in the views, orjoin a guided tour from Monterosso if you prefer a more structured approach. You’ll discoversea caves, idyllic beaches and marine life along the way and this is a very relaxed way toenjoy your sightseeing. One guided kayak tour option allows you to go on a sunsetexcursion, stopping for wine on a deserted beach.

Get Out on the Ocean by Boat

Seeing the five villages from the vantage of the ocean gives you an entirely different viewand underscores the incredible engineering feat of these communities built right into theedge of the rugged cliffs. There’s a public ferry that leaves from La Spezia and Portovenere,which hugs the coastline and stops at all the villages except for Corniglia – which has noaccess from the water. You can also head out on a variety of private boat trips, which giveyou more scope to stop at secret coves and anchor up to go snorkelling. Either way, gettingout on the water is an extremely rewarding way to explore this picturesque place.

Sanctuary Walks

Aside from walking the trail that connects the five villages, you can also undertake otherhikes and walks in the landscape that surrounds them. One wonderful way to immerse insome culture as well as enjoy some invigorating exercise is to explore the ‘sanctuaries’,which are associated with each of the villages. These ancient religious retreats are situatedfurther up the hillsides and today can be reached by well-trodden paths (in the past theywere undertaken as a penance). While they’re very steep, the paths are not too strenuousand vary between just 20 minutes and up to three hours each way. Naturally, the views arenothing short of spectacular – both along the way, of terraced vineyards and olive groves,and at the top, with a far-reaching panorama over the ocean.

Don’t Miss a Trip from Florence to Cinque Terre

While there is so much in Florence to see and do, if you miss a visit to explore the magicallandscape of the Cinque Terre you really are missing out. Even if it’s just a day trip, find timeto squeeze in an excursion to this enchanting location and you’ll create memories to last alifetime.

Author Plate

Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offeringunforgettable tours and excursions around Italy including day trips from Florence to Cinque Terre. Whether you want to ride a Vintage Vespa, try the famous Chianti wine or getcooking with fresh local ingredients, Mauro`s company promises excitement, adventure andabove all, fun. If you`re keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for

your next getaway.