The jagged area of coastline that reaches from Punta Montenero and Punta Mesco is home to the Cinque Terre, National park since 1999 and UNESCO Heritage Site.

The five towns that make up the unique Cinque Terra are: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
It is possible to visit them by train or on foot by way of a charming path called the “Sientiero Azzurro” that links the five towns.

A visit to the Cinque Terre has to include a visit to the areas around the villages. Behind each village there is a sanctuary that is testimony to the local traditions and folklore. The hills around the villages are covered with chestnut groves and dotted with curious little, circular villages.

In contrast with the classical image of Liguria as being a seaside region here the everyday goings on are very much defined by the seasons of rural life. It is a landscape that at first glance seems “ ancient” but a visit to Varese Ligure shows exactly how tradition forms a perfect partner with innovation.