In addition to their UNESCO status, the Cinque Terre also
constitute a protected marine area and a national park. As such,
exploration on foot is the best and most popular way to gain an
appreciation for the uniqueness and beauty of this region of the
Italian Riviera.
Numerous footpaths and hiking trails traverse the hills and
terraces between the villages, although at any particular time some
may be closed or inadvisable to follow due to the ever-present risk
of landslides. Nevertheless, there are always likely to be trails
available for walkers of all abilities and any opportunity to
experience the magnificence and diversity of the Cinque Terre's
landscapes and sea views should not be missed.
Thanks to their long history, the five villages possess many
fine historic buildings, monuments and churches. Of particular note
are the Gothic-styled Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia which
overlooks Vernazza's harbour and which dates back to 1318, the tiny
but beautiful Church of San Lorenzo in Manarola and the
seventeenth-century Church of San Francesco in Monterosso which
features a wooden altar and choir, several artistic masterpieces
(one attributed to Van Dyck) and a vaulted refectory.