LIGURIA is a wonderful strip of land enclosed between the sea and the mountains, with pastel-coloured houses and breathtaking views. With lush unspoilt nature, many small towns to discover and an incomparable culinary tradition, it enraptures the eye and the heart.

CINQUE TERRE an indented stretch of coastline on the eastern Ligurian Riviera, the Cinque Terre are jewels set, in the province of La Spezia. Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, moving eastwards, are the charming towns that enjoy this privileged position on the Mediterranean Sea.The first is Monterosso al Mare, a renowned tourist resort with elegant villas and the beautiful Fegina beach. Its carruggi, the typical narrow streets, lead to the old centre, where you can admire its masterpieces, including churches and monuments.We continue to Vernazza, a village that developed around the small port already used in Roman times. The small square overlooking the sea and the Gothic church are the main attractions together with the Doria Castle, a defence against attacks from the sea.
The third stop goes straight to the heart and leaves you breathless: it is Riomaggiore, the heart of the park of the same name and a picturesque fishing village with tall, narrow houses painted in pastel colours and narrow alleyways.Also worth a visit is Corniglia, a wine-growing village perched on the ridge of the promontory and connected to the beach by a stairway. Lastly, Manarola in the Cinque Terre leaves you speechless: it stands on a large black rock and is known for producing an excellent olive oil and the sought-after raisin wine Sciachetrà.Typical products from the Cinque TerreA holiday in this area must include wine tasting of the Cinque Terre, and in particular the most important productions: the DOC white wine and the Sciacchetrà.The whites, which come from Bosco, Albarola and Vermentino white grapes, are served chilled: perfect for sipping with appetisers, such as the anchovies of Monterosso, fished from June onwards and left to mature in salt, in chestnut barrels or terracotta pots.To accompany a dessert, the gentle, medium-sweet Sciacchetrà delle Cinque Terre, an intense and structured passito wine. Try it with dry pastries, pandolce genovese, blue cheeses and desserts in general.