The Cinque Terre are a rugged stretch of coast on the eastern Ligurian Riviera, located in the territory of the Provincia della Spezia, between Punta Mesco and Punta di Montenero, where the five villages now known worldwide are found: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.

Becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Le Cinque Terre represent one of the main tourist attractions of Liguria, thanks to the geographical and anthropomorphic characteristics of this hilly, rugged, and steep territory, softened by the work of man who created terraces sloping down to the sea for the cultivation of vines, olives, and other horticultural species.

Monterosso, the westernmost and most populous of the Cinque Terre, is located at the center of a small natural gulf, protected by a modest artificial reef; compared to the other seaside villages that make up the Cinque Terre, Monterosso has the relatively largest beaches, due to the width of the gulf on which the village faces. Moving from west to east, after Monterosso al Mare, you find Vernazza. The village rises on a small promontory that juts into the sea; its small harbor has provided a safe haven since the time of the maritime republics, in a natural inlet that allows the docking of boats and makes it even more characteristic and charming, being considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Corniglia is centrally located compared to the other inhabited towns of the Cinque Terre, a peculiarity that differentiates it and makes it the only village that does not directly overlook the sea. Corniglia is located on top of a promontory about one hundred meters high, surrounded by vineyards placed on characteristic terraced strips except on the side facing the sea. Manarola, situated on a promontory high above the sea, develops in the gorge, closed between two rocky spurs, that descends towards the sea hosting a small landing. After Corniglia, it is the smallest of the five villages. Riomaggiore is the easternmost of the Cinque Terre.

The historic center, whose original nucleus dates back to the 13th century, is located in the valley of the Rio Maggiore stream, the ancient Rivus Major from which the village takes its name. The settlement is composed of several parallel rows of Genoese tower houses that follow the steep course of the stream. The valley of Riomaggiore is overlooked by Monte Verugola (Verügua), whose three peaks, depicted in the municipal coat of arms, have always been the symbol of the village. In 1998, the Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area was established, encompassing Punta Mesco and Punta di Montenero, both classified as zone A. The reserve aims to protect flora and fauna, which, due to the rocky conformation of the coast, present unique characteristics even at shallow depths not common in the rest of the Mediterranean. In 1999, the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre was established for the conservation of ecological balances, landscape protection, and safeguarding of the anthropological values of the place; the park is unique in Italy in being aimed at the protection of an anthropized environment, one of its goals being the preservation of the terracing and the dry-stone walls that support them.

The Cinque Terre are a rugged stretch of coast on the eastern Ligurian Riviera, located in the territory of the Provincia della Spezia, between Punta Mesco and Punta di Montenero, where the five villages now known worldwide are found: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.

Becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the Cinque Terre represent one of the main tourist attractions of Liguria, thanks to the geographical and anthropomorphic characteristics of this hilly, rugged, and steep territory, softened by the work of man who created terraces sloping down to the sea for the cultivation of vines, olives, and other horticultural species.

Monterosso, the westernmost and most populous of the Cinque Terre, is located at the center of a small natural gulf, protected by a modest artificial reef; compared to the other seaside villages that make up the Cinque Terre, Monterosso has the relatively largest beaches, due to the width of the gulf on which the village faces. Moving from west to east, after Monterosso al Mare, you find Vernazza. The village rises on a small promontory that juts into the sea; its small harbor has provided a safe haven since the time of the maritime republics, in a natural inlet that allows the docking of boats and makes it even more characteristic and charming, being considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Corniglia is centrally located compared to the other inhabited towns of the Cinque Terre, a peculiarity that differentiates it and makes it the only village that does not directly overlook the sea. Corniglia is located on top of a promontory about one hundred meters high, surrounded by vineyards placed on characteristic terraced strips except on the side facing the sea. Manarola, situated on a promontory high above the sea, develops in the gorge, closed between two rocky spurs, that descends towards the sea hosting a small landing. After Corniglia, it is the smallest of the five villages. Riomaggiore is the easternmost of the Cinque Terre.

The historic center, whose original nucleus dates back to the 13th century, is located in the valley of the Rio Maggiore stream, the ancient Rivus Major from which the village takes its name. The settlement is composed of several parallel rows of Genoese tower houses that follow the steep course of the stream. The valley of Riomaggiore is overlooked by Monte Verugola (Verügua), whose three peaks, depicted in the municipal coat of arms, have always been the symbol of the village. In 1998, the Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area was established, encompassing Punta Mesco and Punta di Montenero, both classified as zone A. The reserve aims to protect flora and fauna, which, due to the rocky conformation of the coast, present unique characteristics even at shallow depths not common in the rest of the Mediterranean. In 1999, the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre was established for the conservation of ecological balances, landscape protection, and safeguarding of the anthropological values of the place; the park is unique in Italy in being aimed at the protection of an anthropized environment, one of its goals being the preservation of the terracing and the dry-stone walls that support them.

The Golfo della Spezia, also known as the Golfo dei Poeti due to the frequent visits of poets and writers like Shelley, Byron, Petrarch, and Montale, is a wide and deep inlet on the eastern coast of the Ligurian Sea. The Gulf is named after the city of La Spezia, centrally located at the end of the gulf, where there is an important commercial port; it hosts one of the main arsenals of the Italian Navy.

At both ends of the Gulf are the villages of Porto Venere and Lerici, both places of great tourist interest.

Lerici, located in the easternmost part of the Golfo della Spezia, has ancient origins and was an important port where travelers and pilgrims landed, connecting through Sarzana to the Via Francigena towards Rome or northern Italy. Lerici still shows its original medieval structure, with characteristic houses lined along narrow alleyways. Within the village, the Jewish ghetto, the castle, and the Poggio squares are of interest.

At the foot of the castle is the relaxing promenade along the Vassallo waterfront. In the village, there are also the Roman-era San Rocco tower, transformed into a bell tower in the 16th century, the parish church of San Francesco d'Assisi, the oratory of San Bernardino, and nearby the Doria palace, an ancient medieval hospital dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.

In the territory of Lerici, other notable places include San Terenzo, with its castle and Villa Marigola, offering a wonderful view of the Venere Azzurra beach, and Tellaro, a typical fishing village where boats can still be seen in the little square by the sea. Fiascherino is an ideal spot for cliff diving: deep waters, easy ascent, and varying heights.

In the westernmost part of the Gulf of La Spezia is the stunning village of Porto Venere, named after a temple erected in honor of Venus Ericina in Roman times, built on the current promontory of San Pietro.

In front of Porto Venere is the archipelago with the three islands, Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto, part of the "Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere."

Palmaria Island, separated from Porto Venere by a narrow strip of sea called "Le Bocche," is the most visited by tourists, with interesting Mediterranean natural features. Due to the beauty and interest of the places, it is recommended to circumnavigate the island via the main path (travel time about 2 hours).

Tino and Tinetto preserve ancient remains from the 11th century and the 6th century respectively; Tino is a Military Zone and is accessible only on the feast day of San Venerio, on September 13. Nearby is Le Grazie, a small fishing village that preserves the archaeological site of the Roman Villa of Varignano.

Source: Terre di Lunigiana – www.terredilunigiana.com

A vast green area in the hinterland of the Province of La Spezia, the Val di Vara is characterized by a remarkable variety of natural environments whose particular physiognomy has been influenced by the millennial shaping action of the river of the same name that crosses it.
The territory, with its particularly mild climate, is rich in mixed spontaneous vegetation including both typical Mediterranean scrub species (broom, heather, strawberry tree) and species characteristic of higher altitudes (chestnut, ash, alder, oak).

5 km from the farm is the medieval village of Calice al Cornoviglio, dominated by the imposing Castello Doria-Malaspina (13th century) which, in its recently renovated rooms, houses an Environmental Education Center of the Parco Magra-Montemarcello, the art galleries dedicated to David Beghé and Pietro Rosa, and the Museum of Beekeeping.
From the farm, it is also possible to reach on foot the charming small village of Madrignano with its castle.
Other villages and towns with medieval structures worth visiting include Brugnato and Varese Ligure, with their characteristic round villages.
The Val di Vara offers numerous opportunities for walking and horseback riding and the possibility to practice sports such as fishing, hunting, and canoeing.

The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, an important and ancient communication route with France, is a long hiking trail, obtained by connecting ancient ridge paths, which stretches for 440 km along the high ridge of the mountain watershed, from Ceparana (Province of La Spezia) to Ventimiglia.

In the Province of La Spezia, the Alta Via winds from the Passo delle Cento Croci towards Monte Gottero (1639m) and from there descends towards the Passo del Rastrello.

One of the recommended stages is the one that starts from Ceparana (municipality of Bolano) and continues towards the Passo dell’Alpicella (4 km from Calice al Cornoviglio), Passo dei Casoni (8 km from Rocchetta Vara, 12 km from Brugnato, 4 km from Montereggio, 10 km from Mulazzo) and reconnects to the Passo del Rastrello.

Along the route, in addition to the magnificent panorama, you can admire vast pastures and woods of hornbeam, turkey oak, birch, and at higher altitudes, beech forests.

The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, an important and ancient communication route with France, is a long hiking trail, obtained by connecting ancient ridge paths, which stretches for 440 km along the high ridge of the mountain watershed, from Ceparana (Province of La Spezia) to Ventimiglia.

In the Province of La Spezia, the Alta Via winds from the Passo delle Cento Croci towards Monte Gottero (1639m) and from there descends towards the Passo del Rastrello. One of the recommended stages is the one that starts from Ceparana (municipality of Bolano) and continues towards the Passo dell’Alpicella (4 km from Calice al Cornoviglio), Passo dei Casoni (8 km from Rocchetta Vara, 12 km from Brugnato, 4 km from Montereggio, 10 km from Mulazzo) and reconnects to the Passo del Rastrello.

Along the route, in addition to the magnificent panorama, you can admire vast pastures and woods of hornbeam, turkey oak, birch, and at higher altitudes, beech forests.

To discover this lively and rich city, the best way is to delve into its "carruggi" (narrow alleys).
Arriving by train at Genova Piazza Principe station, you proceed along Via Balbi, where ancient palaces housing the main university faculties overlook.
Worth visiting is Palazzo Reale, the residence of the Kings of Italy, now transformed into a museum.
From Piazza della Nunziata, with the homonymous church, you can continue to the area of ​​the ancient port, where you will find the Acquario di Genova, one of the best-known and most interesting attractions.

Exploring the Acquario di Genova, through its 28 tanks, is an exciting journey for both adults and children, discovering a universe rich in life, curious shapes, and strange creatures: seals, dolphins, penguins, sharks, fish of all shapes and colors, marine species from all over the world.
Also recommended is a visit to the area of ​​the ancient port, with the architectural creations of Renzo Piano: the Cotton Warehouses and "La città dei bambini", the panoramic elevator "Bigo", and the Biosphere (www.portoantico.it).
Leaving the ancient port, a brief stop in front of the freshly restored facade of Palazzo San Giorgio is recommended, and then continue to Via San Lorenzo where you can visit the cathedral of the same name, a typical example of Ligurian Gothic architecture with its characteristic black and white stone facade.
Then you reach the very central Piazza De Ferrari, with its famous fountain, Palazzo Ducale, hosting various exhibitions, and the "Carlo Felice" theater.

Lunigiana, which owes its name to the ancient Roman colony of Luni, founded by the Romans in 177 B.C., is now identified with the Magra valley and that of its tributaries, reflecting the most significant characteristics of the landscape and culture of two regions, Tuscany and Liguria.

Visits to the town of Pontremoli, known as the city of books and the Bancarella prize, are recommended, as well as the village of Filattiera and the parish church of Sorano, the towns of Mulazzo and Montereggio, Bagnone and its surroundings, Fivizzano, also known as the Florence of Lunigiana, and the village of Verrucola, and the castle of Fosdinovo.

Also worthy of a visit are the marble quarries of Carrara.
For centuries, Carrara marble has been recognized as a precious building stone both for its varieties of white and colored marble.
For a visit to the marble quarries, one heads from Carrara towards the areas of Fantiscritti and Campocecina, where there is a wide view of the underlying quarries, and one can follow the phases of marble transport downstream.
A nearly obligatory stop is Colonnata, home of the famous lard.
In the artistic workshops of Carrara, it is possible to closely observe the history and processing of marble. In the historic center of Carrara, in the ancient palace of Alberico Cybo Malaspina, there is also the Academy of Fine Arts which houses ancient, medieval, and modern sculptures (including the edicola of Fantiscrtitti III century A.D.), and which today is famous especially for its prestigious School of Sculpture.
Walking through the characteristic streets of the center, you arrive at the Cathedral dating back to the 11th-14th centuries and in Gothic-Romanesque style. Inside are preserved frescoes and sculptures from the 1300s-1400s and a work by Bergamini. The exterior is embellished with the famous white marble rose window and zoomorphic elements.