The small towns built on the coastal rocks are the centre of the Cinque Terre Nature Park and are famous all over the world, but the area has less famous sights that are well worth seeing. The hillside terracings that were built with great effort and often come right down to the cliff edge are where the vineyards producing some very special, superior wines are cultivated. From the far western promontories to the three islands to the east, the coastal rocks are dominated by Mediterranean maquis, which gives way to olive groves and vineyards and, even higher up, to ilex trees and oak trees cultivated for cork. The panoramic promenades with a view over the sea are of great natural interest: it is here that the seagulls build their nests and many rare floral species can be found. A marine reserve is also due to be opened here very soon. By car
Highways:
From the A12, between Genova-La Spezia, you can exit at the toll booth in Carrodano and then go ahead to Levanto-Monterosso. In the opposite direction, exiting at the toll booth in Brugnato, you can reach Monterosso. Coming from La Spezia you can take the Litoranea road, and reach Riomaggiore and Manarola. A narrow and winding street, called "dei Santuari", links the five quarters one to the other.
By train
Railway stations:
It is the ideal means of transport to go to the Cinque Terre. The runs are very frequent, especially during the summer. The terminus is in La Spezia, on the Pisa-Genova line, where all the long-distance trains stop.
Ospitality in this area:
Stages of other paths