Located in the northern part of Italy, the Cinque Terre National Park is one of the youngest national parks in Italy, established back in 1999. The Cinque Terre is also the nation’s smallest park which covers only an area of 4,300 hectares. Another interesting fact regarding the park is that it is also home to more than 5,000 lucky permanent residents.

There are a total of five towns that form the Cinque Terre National Park – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

Cinque Terre National Park with the town of Corniglia on the hill, Liguria, Italy by Bernd Gehrmann

These towns are located along the cliffs on the Ligurian coastline and you can access them via train, hiking or by boat. Access by car is not possible. There are also two communes within the park’s borders, the Levanto and La Spezia.

Monterosso al Mare by EpicV27

The Cinque Terre is a well known tourist destination hot spot and much energy has been dedicated to ensuring that anyone who visits the park will be able to fully enjoy every moment they are there. The historical and cultural significance of the region is prominently displayed throughout the park and surrounding countryside.

It is here where the Appennino Ligure Mountains meet with the Liguiran Sea. The towering cliffs that over look the scenic water below is what the region has become most well known for. Every year countless people make their way to the Cinque Terre National Park simply for the views that are afforded to them.

Vernazza by chensiyuan

Because of more than 3 million people that go to the Cinque Terre every single month during the height of the season, there is a growing need for safeguarding the national treasures found within the park’s borders. However, that does not mean access to any of the sites in the park will be closed.

The Cinque Terre national park is well-known as an eco-tourism hotspot. But there are also many historical sites located throughout the surrounding region.

Anyone who takes the time to visit the park should also stop by the nearby archaeological sites. There are also a number of vineyards in the surrounding countryside.

Riomaggiore by Luca Volpi

Only at the Cinque Terre national park can some one find a smooth integration of the tourism and agricultural industries intertwined so seamlessly.

It is one of the most beautiful places in all of Italy and if you are planning your vacations in Italy, then consider this place as well.

Manarola by Pank Seelen

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