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Any trip to Italy should include stops in Rome, Florence and Venice. But Italy is more than just big cities, cathedrals and famous works of art. The country is jam-packed with good food and beautiful scenery, especially in Cinque Terre, the Five Lands. These five lovely hillside towns, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso, sit high above the Italian Riviera. You can take a train or the local ferry to get to each one, but hiking is the best way to experience them. The trails that connect them are spectacular.
Riomaggiore
This is the southernmost village of Cinque Terre. The Castle of Riomaggiore, perched on a hill above the village, is the best place to enjoy a view of the sea. The Via dell’ Amore, Lovers’ Lane, begins in Riomaggiore. This kilometer-long romantic path is famous for its magnificent views and leads to the next village, Manarola.
Manarola
Here colorful houses face the sea, and steep narrow alleys lead you down to it. Once there, you’ll find a small square, or piazza, with seafood restaurants where you can try delicious octopus or mussel dishes.
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