Manarola Italy what to see: buildings, vegetation, vineyards, and wine tasting The first land we’ll reach is Manarola, a tiny jewel that does not have any equal in Italy or worldwide. This place takes its name from the oil mill, underlining the importance of an excellent production still made here by farmers that are real heroes. Olives and extra virgin olive oil produced here are full of smell and taste coming from the sea (that is really close) and the sun, who keeps those lands warm even in the coldest winter. From an architectural point of view, Manarola is a small town showing a unique kind of Genoese style colored buildings, called ‘case-torri’ (house-towers). They rely on a big rock close to the sea, one next to the other, showing their unique pastel colors. Together with the lush vegetation of the Mediterranean coastal area, they form a unique charming landscape. A view framed by vineyards, a view that you’ll be able to capture comfortably on photos, having the possibility to show this spectacular scenery when you’ll be back at home. Manarola is also rich in art and history. San Rocco Hospital and the Oratorio dei Disciplinati are worth the visit. Then, in the upper part of the village you can visit the Gothic Church of San Lorenzo (1338) and its Baroque interiors. Here also relies the Torre Campanaria. The white bell tower, unusually separated from the church, offers a wonderful panorama sweeping down to the sea.

Riomaggiore Italy: the starting point of Via dell’Amore Riomaggiore is one of the biggest villages in the Cinque Terre. Founded by fishermen who have been struggling since the dawn of time to get anchovies from the sea, this natural port is a truly suggestive place. The narrow streets called caruggi are crossed by lights and shadows, creating a unique effect, during summers and winters. Here houses are famous for their double entrance, one is located on the facade, in front of the alley, the other on the back, in correspondence of the upper street. When pirates came to conquer their houses, Riomaggiore citizens escaped from the back door. In this town, you can also visit the castle, located on the Cerricò hill, and the church of San Giovanni Battista. Riomaggiore is also the starting point of the famous Path of Love, the Via dell’Amore, a fantastic road connecting the village to Manarola by foot.

Vernazza Italy: the true colors of Cinque Terre If you are looking to find the true colors of the Cinque Terre, Vernazza is the right place for you. Here the atmosphere is unique and you can lose yourself in a typical medieval village, with its enigmatic alleys and the case-torri, colored in red, yellow and pink. Despite being much frequented by tourists, Vernazza is maintaining its maritime tradition, fishermen and sailors are still active here. Regarding art and history, you can visit the Doria Castle, built to protect the village from pirate raids, nowadays used as an exhibition site. You can also have a look at the Church of Santa Margherita of Antiochia, conserving the relics of the Saint since its construction, after 1318, with its octagonal bell tower.

Monterosso al Mare, the pearl of Cinque Terre Our tour leaders will guide you to visit the pearl of Cinque Terre, Monterosso al Mare. Well-positioned in the center of a natural basin, Monterosso town goes down to the sea, embracing its sparkling waters. People who love to have a bath or to explore the seabed can find here the tight opportunity. Monterosso offers some spacious and easy-to-access beaches made of sand. This is really important for those who don’t like rocks. Monterosso seaside is comfortable and less wild than the other areas of the 5 lands. Monterosso boasts also the Spiaggia del Gigante, the Beach of the Giant, so-called for the statue of Neptune holding up the rocks, created here by Francesco Levacher in 1910. Apart from going to the beach, you have other things to do here. You can visit Monterosso Castle, built by Genoese or the Parish Church of San Giovanni Battista, with the fresco of the baptism of Christ. You can also reach the Cappuccini hill, enjoying the breathtaking views of lemon trees, vines, olive trees, and incredible slopes this incredible territory offers.

Are you still thinking why having a guided tour from Florence to Cinque Terre is useful? You won’t see as many towns coming on your own on a day trip. You won’t get all the useful information our guides are going to give you. A visit to this country, loved by artists, painters, and poets, can restore your soul. This suggestive landscape has inspired the works of great British and Italian writers (P.B.Shelley and Eugenio Montale – just to name a few) and painters.