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If you’re planning a holiday to visit Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance, you’ll be privileged to be able to discover one of the most culturally rich cities in Europe. But beyond the magnificent galleries, museums and architecture of this stunning city, its location puts you in the perfect place to explore further afield, in Tuscany and beyond. One very popular day trip is to go from a base in Florence to Cinque Terre, the collection of five beautiful villages strung along the coastline in the region of Liguria. Getting from Florence to Cinque Terre takes around 2.5 hours and the journey itself is highly picturesque. Whether you choose to walk the cliff side path or take the train between the villages, there are many ways to enjoy the beauty of this dramatic location. Ways to Enjoy the Beauty of Cinque Terre Bearing in mind that, actually, the most wonderful thing to do in this enchanting part of the world is simply to take in the views and ambience, here are a few suggestions for how to do it. Go Kayaking The waters around this area are designated a Marine Protected Area, and getting out in a kayak and exploring the coastline under your own steam is an absolute joy. You can rent a canoe or kayak from the harbour at Riomaggiore and paddle around taking in the views, or join a guided tour from Monterosso if you prefer a more structured approach. You’ll discover sea caves, idyllic beaches and marine life along the way and this is a very relaxed way to enjoy your sightseeing. One guided kayak tour option allows you to go on a sunset excursion, stopping for wine on a deserted beach. Get Out on the Ocean by Boat Seeing the five villages from the vantage of the ocean gives you an entirely different view and underscores the incredible engineering feat of these communities built right into the edge of the rugged cliffs. There’s a public ferry that leaves from La Spezia and Portovenere, which hugs the coastline and stops at all the villages except for Corniglia – which has no access from the water. You can also head out on a variety of private boat trips, which give you more scope to stop at secret coves and anchor up to go snorkelling. Either way, getting out on the water is an extremely rewarding way to explore this picturesque place. Sanctuary Walks Aside from walking the trail that connects the five villages, you can also undertake other hikes and walks in the landscape that surrounds them. One wonderful way to immerse in some culture as well as enjoy some invigorating exercise is to explore the ‘sanctuaries’, which are associated with each of the villages. These ancient religious retreats are situated further up the hillsides and today can be reached by well-trodden paths (in the past they were undertaken as a penance). While they’re very steep, the paths are not too strenuous and vary between just 20 minutes and up to three hours each way. Naturally, the views are nothing short of spectacular – both along the way, of terraced vineyards and olive groves, and at the top, with a far-reaching panorama over the ocean. Don’t Miss a Trip from Florence to Cinque Terre While there is so much in Florence to see and do, if you miss a visit to explore the magical landscape of the Cinque Terre you really are missing out. Even if it’s just a day trip, find time to squeeze in an excursion to this enchanting location and you’ll create memories to last a lifetime. 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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