On Italy’s north-west coast, five villages cling to steep cliffs above the sparkling Ligurian Sea. Together they are called Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands,” and they look like something out of a storybook. Rows of houses painted in pink, orange, yellow, and green tumble down hillsides, while narrow lanes twist between old stone walls.For centuries, life here was shaped by the sea and the mountains. Fishermen set out at dawn while farmers carved terraces into the rocky slopes to grow grapes and olives. With no roads or easy paths, the villages remained isolated for much of their history. People moved between them by boat or on foot, climbing steep trails that still exist today. This isolation helped preserve their unique charm.Modern visitors arrive by train, winding through tunnels cut into the cliffs, or by boat, with colourful villages appearing suddenly like jewels against the coastline. Cars are almost absent — making the area feel like a step back in time. Tourists explore pastel alleys, taste fresh seafood, and hike between the villages on trails with breathtaking sea views.Cinque Terre is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protected for its blend of natural beauty and cultural history. The terraced hillsides, carefully maintained for centuries, show how humans adapted to a difficult landscape. Each village has its own character — from Riomaggiore’s bustling harbour to Vernazza’s castle ruins and Monterosso’s sandy beach..Cinque Terre means Five LandsThe name refers to its five villages — Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore..It was once very isolatedUntil the 20th century, the villages were linked only by footpaths or boats..The train is the lifelineToday, most tourists travel between the villages by a railway that runs through tunnels in the cliffs..No cars allowedVehicles are restricted, making the area mostly car-free and pedestrian-friendly..Houses glow with coloursThe pastel-painted houses are said to help fishermen spot their homes from the sea..Terraces carved into cliffsFarmers built stone terraces to grow grapes and olives on steep rocky slopes..A UNESCO World Heritage SiteCinque Terre was recognised by UNESCO in 1997 for its cultural and natural value..Each village has its flavourMonterosso is known for beaches, Vernazza for castles, and Corniglia for vineyards..Hiking trails connect themThe Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) lets visitors walk between all five villages.
