Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Monterosso al Mare:
This village ofTheCinque Terreisthelargest ofthefive,andisprobablyyourbest betwhen
looking for a place to stay since it has the most hotels and restaurants. It also boasts some
great beaches for sunbathing and swimming, as well as wine and artisan shops. Sometimes
shortened to just Monterosso, it's divided into two sections, the old town and new town. You
can visit the lovely church of Capuchin Father and from there admire the gorgeous panor-
ama view of the whole village as well as other areas of The Cinque Terre.
Travel Tip:
In most of The Cinque Terre villages, aside from
the new town part of Monterosso, remember that the streets can be
very steep as they rise up from the harbors and train stations. It may
be wise to carry minimal luggage or pack lightly to spare yourself
the daunting task of walking up these hilly streets weighed down.
What to See and Do:
Since The Cinque Terre's main attraction is its landscape, seeing and doing seem to go hand
in hand while exploring the five picturesque villages that make it up. It's the perfect des-
tination for travelers looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of the typical tourist attraction
cities of Northern Italy and relax while enjoying the beauty of nature. Hiking and walking is
a must when visiting here and it's also highly encouraged, as you won't find too many cars
in the area. Also, depending on what time of the year you decide to visit, there a variety of
things to see and experience.
In winter, Manarola has the privilege of having the world's biggest lighted nativity. It's lit
up from early December into late January. Sea storms are also frequent during the winter
months in The Cinque Terre. So if you're brave enough to endure the winter weather, you'll
have a front row seat to the awesome power of Mother Nature.
In late May until late August, all of the five villages celebrate with patron festivities, which
means an interesting mix of religious ceremonies and festive parties. Also in the summer,
the town of Vernazza has a celebration recognizing the town's successful defense against a
pirate attack that happened during the Middle Ages. And in September, travelers will experi-
ence harvest and wine making time with methods still being the same as they were hundreds
of years ago.
