Visit Torre Guardiola On A Cinque Terre Hike

A Cinque Terre hike is one of the most sought after experiences for those who visit Italy.This spectacular coastal trail that links the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia,Manarola and Riomaggiore is famous throughout the world for its magnificent views andromantic ambience.

The overarching experience is that of the walk itself – the act of conquering the distancebetween all five villages – but there are also numerous individual attractions that can beenjoyed along the way. One of these is the beautiful Botanical Gardens of Torre Guardiola,at Riomaggiore, the most southerly of the villages.

Discover the Torre Guardiola

The nature reserve and Botanical Gardens of Torre Guardiola are wonderful places to enjoysome quiet contemplation and enjoy the presence of a multitude of plants, flowers and birds.Located just a short walk from the marina in Riomaggiore, above Fossola Beach, it’s popularwith visitors who want to get up close to nature while on their Cinque Terre hike.

A Natural Haven

The thirteenth-century ruins of the fortress of Riomaggiore Castle preside over the town andtoday the site provides a superb vantage for birdwatchers. It’s a very easy place to find onceyou arrive in the village: simply look for the tower – or as the locals call it, the ‘Batteria’.You’ll have to pass through a longish tunnel after the train station and then veer away fromthe town in the direction of the beach to gain access.

Top tip: This is a wonderful place to take a cooling dip in the sea if you have the time andinclination.

The pathways that lead up from delightful pebbly Fossola Beach through the botanicalgardens are lined with a diverse range of plantings, which still manage to thrive in their rockycliffside position. It’s an easy walk to navigate the paths and you’ll be able to wander aroundthe gardens at your leisure, listening to bird calls and the wind gently rustling the foliage.

And a Manmade Fortress

The WWII naval installation ‘La Batteria Racchia’, which served to protect the village so wellduring the conflict, is now in use as an Environmental Educational School. Both locals andvisitors make use of it, not only as a prime place to observe the plethora of local andmigratory bird life, but also a valuable site to learn more about the local flora, fauna andnatural environment. Overlooking the Botanical Gardens it’s a lovely place to rest a whileand take in the views. Even before you make it to the top of the tower lookout, though, you’llbe able to capture absolutely gorgeous panoramas back out to sea.

Enjoy the Delights of Riomaggiore on a Cinque Terre Hike

This lovely natural site is not the only appeal of Riomaggiore. If you can drag your eyesaway from the outstanding views of the Ligurian Sea, a wander through the charmingthirteenth-century village will take you along steep cobblestoned streets and past pastel-coloured houses and hole-in-the-wall restaurants and shops. Keep an eye out for the Churchof St. John the Baptist and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

There are so many attractions to take in along the trail on a Cinque Terre hike but, for naturelovers, Torre Guardiola is one of the most delightful.

Author Plate

Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offeringunforgettable tours and excursions around Italy including a magical Cinque Terre hike. Whether you want to ride aVintage Vespa, try the famous Chianti wine or get cooking with fresh local ingredients,Mauro`s company promises excitement, adventure and above all, fun. If you`re keen toexperience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tourguides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for your next getaway.