Top Ten Italy Classic Adventures

Ireland Photos: Walking the Western Isles

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This legendary path, starting near the town of Spezia on the northwest coast, connects the five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. Until a century ago the Cinque Terre, also known as via dell'amore (love path), was this area's only thoroughfare besides the sea. The beautiful trek takes you through varied landscapes; you'll see the pine and oak groves standing near the sea and vineyards growing on terraced fields so steep that grapes have to be carried from the fields on the backs of the grape pickers. The five villages, a few hours walk from one another, are perched on steep mountain slopes facing the sea. I suggest starting at Levanto and heading to Mesco Point then down to Monterosso. The Cinque Terre is an easy path and the mild Mediterranean climate makes it a pleasant walk any time of the year.