National park Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre are already famous all over the world, but it is essential to understand that they are a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This makes them an extremely fragile environment, with a landscape that must be protected, preserved, and truly understood. For this reason, discovering the Cinque Terre with a guide is especially important.
We will help you understand their history by telling the story of the hard work and resilience of the people who shaped this extraordinary landscape. We will introduce you to both its light and shadow, without ever diminishing its beauty—a beauty that needs no filters and deserves to be experienced, not consumed superficially.
The Cinque Terre are the result of a heroic people, caught between modernity and a deep love for their land, who continue to seek a fragile balance between tourism and the protection of nature.
What does Cinque Terre mean?
The name 'Cinque Terre' refers to five villages perched in an extremely rugged area that, over 1000 years ago, was located far from the sea, high upon the mountain peaks. In the past, the Italian word 'terra' meant home, village, or hamlet, not just soil for cultivation. The Cinque Terre were not built by the sea—which at the time was considered dangerous and ill-omened—but rather in the mountains, sheltered from enemies and pirates. The first inhabitants to settle here were farmers who began to transform the landscape; they built dry-stone walls, defied the gravity of the steep slopes, and painstakingly cultivated those small patches of land reclaimed from both the sea and the wild wilderness
Cinque Terre tours
Whether you want to see the Cinque Terre from the water or by hiking, we provide different types of guided visits.
Hike the Cinque Terre
Hiking through the Cinque Terre
There are numerous trails, not only the popular ones. With a hiking guide, you can discover the less-touristy and more secluded paths, which are equally beautiful. Depending on your requests, we can adapt the trek from easy to challenging.
The Cinque Terre footpaths
Today, the Cinque Terre trails are an ambitious destination for hikers and sports enthusiasts, but perhaps not everyone knows that until a few decades ago (before the advent of the modern railway in the 1970s), they were practically the only way to travel from village to village. Since the roads were only built in 1980, inhabitants moved exclusively on foot for centuries. To go from Monterosso to Riomaggiore, for example, involves a 12 km journey, but it is not flat: it is a series of ascents and descents that takes about six hours. Today, this path is known as the 'Sentiero Azzurro' (Blue Trail) and is very popular. However, there are also numerous trails and mule tracks behind the villages that allow you to reach the Apennine passes.
Visit the Cinque Terre
Sightseeing
Those who wish to visit the Cinque Terre comfortably can opt for a guided tour through the most historic villages such as Monterosso and Vernazza. For travel between villages, your guide will accompany you by train or by boat, the latter offering a complete perspective of the coastline. A tasting of the traditional wine produced here—Italy's oldest DOC—completes the day!"
The Cinque Terre Wine
Cinque Terre wine is protected by a DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin), a certification ensuring it is produced locally using indigenous grapes. To promote it, the Manarola winemakers created a 'social' wine called 'Cinque Terre.' It is affordably priced and pairs perfectly with local cuisine based on seafood and vegetables. These vertical, challenging vineyards are also known as 'heroic,' as tending to vines on such steep slopes has always been arduous. Even today, production represents a challenge between an increasingly modern world and a tradition that must be preserved at all costs.
Cinque Terre for people with reduced mobility
Cinque Terre is not a flat area, so it is essential to choose your itinerary carefully, and the assistance of a Local Guide is crucial! Not all train stations have elevators, and, for example, the historic center of Riomaggiore presents walking difficulties as it involves walking uphill and downhill and navigating many steps.
This does not mean giving up on a visit; it just means planning a few adjustments! Monterosso is the largest village, better connected, and the most accessible. It has a beautiful, flat seafront promenade, can be reached by car, and its historic center is accessible even for those using a wheelchair or walker. The road to Vernazza is more winding, but the village center does not present accessibility issues.
If you have specific requirements, please feel free to contact us, and we will help you find the best itinerary for your visit
Why book a guided tour with an official guide
It is important to understand that today, the Cinque Terre often suffer from 'hit-and-run' mass tourism. As official local guides, our goal is to share the history, soul, and life of these places in a sustainable and respectful manner. This is why we recommend the most suitable itineraries to provide our guests with a truly immersive experience. It is also essential to respect local customs and traditions, striving to create a positive synergy between visitors and residents.