• Vernazza
  

  
  Vernazza’s splendid and intact medieval architecture is a remnant of the town’s profitable relationship with Genoa. This town is probably the most picturesque in Cinque Terre.
  
  

• Manarola
  

  
  The birthplace of Linibaldo Fieschi, who would become Pope Innocenzo IV and orchestrate a power play between the Fieschi and Genoa in the 13th century that resulted in the loss of the region to the Republic. Manarola started life under the Romans. Then, it was likely the land of a family who had a temple here (Manium Arula) dedicated to the souls of the departed (Manes).One of Manarola’s most striking features is the seafront, where a massive tunnel channels the waters that once ran down the hillside and empties them into the sea.
  
  

• Riomaggiore
  

  
  The easternmost of Cinque Terre’s villages – the name of which derives from Rivus Major, the river (now paved over) running through the middle of town – was founded in the seventh century by Greek refugees escaping religious persecution. It’s the seat of the national park, with an excellent visitors center located in the train station outside town to the east.
  
  

• Monterosso al Mare
  

  
  Monterosso al Mare, the westernmost of the five villages, offers Cinque Terre's only true sandy beach. It is also the most developed, with a distinct boundary between new and old town demarcated by the Aurora Tower. In general, Monterosso al Mare is not as charming as the neighboring villages but, thanks to the rail lines, ferries, and
  hiking trails, this is the most comfortable place for a base to explore other hamlets.
  
  

• Corniglia
  

  
  Corniglia's stone buildings, narrow lanes, and stairways are strung together amid vineyards high on the cliffs; on a clear day views of the entire coastal strip are excellent. On a pretty pastel square sits the 14th-century church of San Pietro. The high perch and lack of harbor make Corniglia the most remote of the Cinque Terre. To reach Corniglia, climb the Lardarina, a long brick flight of steps composed of 33 flights with 382 steps
  
  

• Via dell'Amore
  

  
  Lover's Lane (Via dell'Amore) is the most famous of the Cinque Terre’s trails that connects Riomaggiore with its nearby neighbor, Manarola. It is only 1-km long and takes in some of the coast's most alluring views.
  
  

• Porto Venere
  

  
  Portovenere, on the Gulf of Poets, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its picturesque harbor is lined with brightly colored houses while narrow medieval streets lined with shops lead up the hill from the ancient city gate to the Doria castle. It is famous for its two XII Century churches, sea caves, and Byron's grotto
  
  

• Doria castle, Vernazza
  

  
  The most strategically important of Vernazza’s medieval fortifications was the Belforte, the cylindrical tower rising from the Doria Castle (originally constructed in the 11th century) on the town’s rocky spur. From this vantage one could survey the entire coastline and communicate news of any impending attack.
  
  

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