Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre — Five Lands — is UNESCO World Heritage and one of Italy's most photographed coastlines: five pastel-coloured fishing villages (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) clinging to vertiginous terraced cliffs above an impossibly blue Ligurian sea. From Versilia, the journey by sea is the most spectacular approach — watching the villages emerge from the cliffs as your boat rounds each headland is genuinely breathtaking. Monterosso is the largest, most beach-friendly village with a proper sandy beach and the best restaurants. Vernazza is considered the most beautiful — its natural harbour backed by pastel towers and a 12th-century castle is one of Italy's iconic images. Riomaggiore is the most accessible (direct train from La Spezia in 8 minutes) and makes a good entry point. Corniglia sits highest of all five, requiring a climb of 382 steps — but offers the most extraordinary cliff-top views. The famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) hiking path connecting the villages was partially damaged by landslides — check conditions before arrival. The Via dell'Amore (Lovers' Path) between Riomaggiore and Manarola has reopened after years of restoration. The Cinque Terre National Park charges an entry fee of €7.50–18 depending on season, which includes use of designated trails. Book boat excursions from Versilia well in advance in summer.