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Florence is a popular choice for couples looking for a romantic and relaxing getaway. The city itself is full of historical and cultural attractions, not to mention the romance of the cobbled streets, hidden alleyways, artisan boutiques and the famous Arno River. But another great thing about using the city as a base is that there are plenty of Florence excursions that take you out into the nearby region to explore. One of these is the stunning Cinque Terre, which, although not strictly in Tuscany, is close enough to experience on a day trip from Florence. Excursions to this wonderful place are popular with everyone, but for couples, it offers something very special. The Views Starting with the obvious, the iconic views of Cinque Terre have been drawing couples in search of romance for decades. The sight of the five tiny coastal villages strung along the dramatic cliffs is truly unique, and the gaily painted houses, terraces of grapes, groves of olives and lemons and glittering ocean backdrop is the stuff of picture postcards – except here, it’s real. The Villages The five towns of Cinque Terre are equally beautiful and each has its own distinct personality. Monterosso is the largest, with some notable historical buildings and the best beach of the five. Vernazza is renowned as being the prettiest, with steep streets and a lovely piazza. Corniglia sits high on the cliffs (no beach) and you need to ascend the 300 steps to get there from the train – but it’s well worth it. Manarola is full of charm and home to a Gothic church with a beautiful rose window. Lastly, Riomaggiore is a favourite of artists and photographers, with its picturesque location nudged in between the rocks. The Ambience All five of the villages are breathtakingly beautiful, that goes without saying, but it’s the ambience that is so appealing for those looking to get away from it all. Out of the way restaurants, tiny artisan shops, walking along the stunning cliffs, swimming in the turquoise ocean and sunset cocktails on the edge of the cliff are just a few of the things that combine to create the unforgettable atmosphere for which this region is so renowned. It’s not fair to play favourites, but Manarola is generally considered to be the most romantic of the five villages. It’s quieter, with a very relaxed vibe, tiny cobbled streets and spectacular coastal views. The Hiking The coastal trail that links the five towns has been named as one of the best hikes in the world and, once seen, it’s definitely never forgotten. For those who enjoy getting out into the great outdoors on holidays, this is possibly the most enjoyable way on the planet to do it! You can hike between the towns along the cliff edge, with the most famous section being the Via dell’Amore, the easy, flat one-kilometre trail that connects Riomaggiore and Manarola. Via dell’Amore is currently closed (scheduled to reopen in 2023), but don’t worry, hiking between the other villages is just as beautiful. There are numerous other hiking trails throughout the national park for those who want to explore the region more thoroughly. The Best Florence Excursions: Explore the Cinque Terre There are so many places to explore from a base in Florence. Excursions to the spectacular region of Cinque Terre allow couples to experience one of the most romantic places in Europe. Memories created in a place like this will live on for many years, so make sure you book with a reputable local tour operator and you’ll be able to enjoy all the highlights with complete peace of mind. Author Plate Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering unforgettable tours and excursions around Italy including the best itineraries for a Florence excursions. Whether you want to ride a Vintage 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 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.
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