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Italy’s Cinque Terre is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in Europe, and even the world. The five villages, connected by the same precarious location clinging to the rugged and beautiful coastline, are equally charming in their own way and everyone who visits probably secretly has their favourite For those considering a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre, there’s actually no need to do any research to choose a favourite, but if you’ve never been to this gorgeous area you might want to know what joy you’re in for… Five Villages, Five Moods If you’re holidaying in Tuscany, the opportunity to take a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre is one that shouldn’t be missed. Whether you undertake the entire walk (and train ride) between all five of the villages or not, however much or little you do see will be truly memorable. Here’s what you have to look forward to. Monterosso As the largest of the five, Monterosso is naturally the busiest as well. It’s very well facilitated with lots of hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops. The beautiful sandy beach is the biggest and best of all five and there are deck chairs and umbrellas to hire. Monterosso has a lively and very friendly ambience and is quite clearly defined by its old and new sections – so it’s both touristy and historically preserved. Mood: lively. Vernazza Vernazza is considered by many to be the most picturesque of all the villages, with its lovely cove protected by a natural rock pier. Rather than hotels, the accommodation is mainly in bed and breakfasts and private houses. There’s a gorgeous piazza encircled by bars, cafes and restaurants, and the pastel-coloured houses that creep up the steep hill from the port make this a much-photographed little place. Overlooking the village is the medieval Belfort castle. Mood: romantic. Corniglia Corniglia is the least touristy, but don’t think that means it’s not as gorgeous. Unlike the other four, it’s not actually built jutting out into the ocean, but on a hillside – with no access from the sea. It has a long history of agriculture dating back to the Roman times, with the surrounding landscape defined by terraces of vineyards and olive groves. While it feels (and looks) more like an inland town than a seaside one, Corniglia is charming in its preservation of traditional life. Mood: local. Manarola Manorola sits high on the rocks of the coast, with its jumble of houses wedged in tight. It seems almost plucked from the pages of a picture book, with its miniature harbour, tiny central piazza and steep, winding streets leading down to the sea. While the ‘beach’ is virtually non-existent, the water in the harbour is deep very close to shore, so it’s wonderful for swimming. Mood: enchanting Riomaggiore Riomaggiore is reached by the ‘Via dell’Amore’ (Lover’s Lane) from Manarola and is a fitting finale to the journey along the cliffside trail. It’s the quietest and most laidback of the villages, characterized by traditional stone houses with their aspects facing out to the ocean. The small natural harbour curves in between the rocks and pretty coloured houses are perched right on the edge of the sea. Mood: laidback. Travel from Florence to Cinque Terre So there you have it: a village for every mood! The good news is you can experience all those moods on a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre. When you’re planning your holiday, whatever you do, don't leave this off the itinerary. Author Plate Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering unforgettable tours and excursions around Italy including day trips fromFlorence to Cinque Terre. 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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