SIX18 TRAVEL

Cinque Terre (pronounced CHINK-weh TAY-reh) – translated as five lands and also known as 5 Terre – is a collection of five towns along Northwest Italy's Ligurian Coast. Formerly remote fishing villages, Monterosso, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia and Riomaggiore are now connected by train, and the rest of the world has taken notice of their laid-back vibe, their delicious olives and wine, and their transcendent trails that weave through the towns and hug the coastline. In fact, the entire region has become so popular that it's a designated national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although you'll only need a few days to explore Cinque Terre, it's definitely a destination worth adding to your Italian vacation itinerary. In fact, many visitors take a few days in Cinque Terre to stretch their legs and clear their heads after intense days touring buzzy Rome or art-filled Florence. Many of the best Italy tours offer organized daytrips to the towns – a great alternative if you don't want to find your own transportation to the area.