Flip-flops are Banned in This Stunning Italian Destination

 

Cinque Terre is a colourful string of five coastal villages on the rocky Italian Riviera. This UNESCO world heritage site receives a whooping 2.5 million tourists every year. However, hiking the picturesque trails of this paradise might just come with a cost.

The Cinque Terre National Park authority has imposed a new rule regarding the inappropriate footwear while hiking trails. The mountain rescue units have shown concern that travelers often go on these rugged walking trails without suitable footwear and have to be rescued. In order to keep up with the safety of the tourists, wearing any kind of inappropriate footwear including flip-flops, sandals, and pumps is strictly prohibited and disregard for this rule would mean paying a hefty fine that can costs as much as €2,500.

So, don’t forget to pack those trekking shoes with you on your trip to Cinque Terre. Here’s a list of all the five villages of Cinque Terre containing all the details you will need to explore this seaside heaven.

 

5 Villages of Cinque Terre

Monterosso

It is the largest and the oldest of the five villages if the Cinque Terre. The biggest beach of the whole coast is in Monterosso making it the most popular among all the villages.

Top attractions in Monterosso

• Capuchin Monastery
• The Aurora Tower
• The Giant or Neptune
• Soviore Sanctuary
• Chapel of Mortis et Orationis

Walking Trails near Monterosso        

• The Blue Path, 2d
• Path to the Cape of Mesco
• Path to the Soviore Temple and Path #1

Where to eat?

• Ristorante Belvedere
• La Voglia

 

Vernazza

This is the prettiest of the Cinque Terre’s villages and a lovely treat to the eyes. If you want to have the best view of Vernazza, walk up to the glade on the Path #2 of Vernazza-Monteresso route. The village has two beaches where you can relax and enjoy the sand and the sea.

Top attractions in Vernazza

• Church of San Francesco
• Palace with porticoes
• Belforte Tower and A. Doria Castle
• San Bernardino and Our Lady of the Graces (the Corniglia Sanctuary)
• Church of St. Margaret of Antioch

Walking Trails near Vernazza

• The Blue Path, 2c
• The Blue Path, 2d
• Route to Reggio or San Bernardino

Where to eat?

There are plenty of restaurants on the square in the vicinity of the sea where you can enjoy a yummy meal.

 

Corniglia

Corniglia is the smallest as well as the highest village of the Cinque Terre. This village is inaccessible by car and the only way to reach is through train or on foot but it’s worth it.

Top attractions in Corniglia

• Monument to the Fallen
• Church of St. Peter
• Ruins of Genoese Fortress
• Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces
• Chapel of Saint Catherine flagellants and the monument

Walking Trails near Corniglia

• The Blue Path, 2b
• The Blue Path, 2c
• The Way to Path #1 or Volastra and Manarola

Where to eat?

Osteria a Cantina de Mananan

 

Manarola

Manarola lies on the side of La Spezia. This small but beautiful coastal village is a perfect visit for a day. 

Top attractions in Manarola

• Presepe in Manarola (open only in winter)
• Church of San Lorenzo
• Fortress ruins
• Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Health

Walking Trails near Manarola

The Way to Volastra, Groppo, Path #1 or Corniglia

Where to eat?

• Restaurant Il Porticciolo
• Da Billy
• Marina Piccola

 

Riomaggiore

It’s the first village in Cinque Terre on the side of La Spezia. It is divided into 3 parts: railway station, old town, and wharf. The wharf has a rocky beach as well as a mooring.

Top attractions in Riomaggiore

• Castle of Riomaggiore
• Sanctuary of Montenero
• Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
• Church of St. John the Baptist

Walking Trails near Riomaggiore

• The Way of Love
• The Riomaggiore Ring
• The Way to Portovenere

Where to eat?

• La Grotta
• Via Dell’Amore

 

How to reach Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is a mountain terrain but is well connected by trains from Milan, Rome, Venice, Rimini, Genoa, Florence, Pisa, and Nice. You can also hire a car from these places if you don’t want to go by train. You can book a flight to any of these places and from there board a train or hire a car to reach your seaside destination.