The Riviera di Levante, in Liguria, holds a jewel: five villages ripped off to the sea and the rugged hills that stand against the blue of the horizon. Since 1997 they are part of the Unesco World Heritage List with the following motivation: “The Ligurian Riviera of the Cinque Terre is a cultural landscape of exceptional value that represents the harmonious interaction between man and nature, which shows a traditional millennial way of life and continues to play a leading socio-economic role in the life of society. ” That is why they host a constant flow of Italian and international tourism that does not know seasonality. Let us see together the convenience of organizing the visit of the Cinque Terre from the nearby La Spezia.
1) Discover La Spezia
La Spezia is a coastal town that is not beaten by mass tourism but it is no less fascinating. The nineteenth-century historic center is crossed by Via del Prione, a traditional alley with shops and clubs that leads right to the waterfront. Here, Tripadvisor has rewarded as one of the inevitable attractions the Thaon Bridge, linking the seafront with the Mirabello Harbor. The naval tradition of the city has given birth to the renowned Naval Museum, which carries relics and reproductions of vessels.
2) Stay spending less and in a quiet environment
The Cinque Terre villages, very small, are invaded by a multitude of people and can be noisy and crowded for those who prefer a more laid back holiday environment. That’s what La Spezia offers us, just 14 km from Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the Cinque Terre, with a very diverse touristic proposal for type of accommodation and price ranges.
3) Reach the Cinque Terre by train
The streets of the Ligurian Riviera are narrow and winding, not to mention the small parking spaces of the Cinque Terre; why not opt for the train? Each of the villages of the Cinque Terre boasts a small central railway station, from where you can take a walk to explore the alleyways and the marina. Due to the proximity of the villages each other (3 to 10 minutes by train, with a frequency of about half an hour), in one day it is possible to visit several villages. Tickets can be purchased at the station, at the office or at the ATM. For timetables and prices, the reference is the official website of Trenitalia. A great solution even for those who have difficulty walking a long time.
4) Reach the Cinque Terre by sea
It is right from the sea that the Cinque Terre will astonish us with their colors and the imposing cliffs designed by the agricultural land terracing. Boarding is at Porto Mirabello from 9.15 with last landing at La Spezia at 18.45. The service, managed by the Consorzio Marittimo Turistico Cinque Terre with a small fleet, allows, by purchasing the daily ticket, to climb and descend from the boats in order to visit the Cinque Terre freely. Departures take place every day from March 25th to November 1st.
Ready to go? By sea or by land, the Cinque Terre are waiting for you!