What is cinque terra?

Cinque Terre is a rugged stretch of coastline located in the Liguria region of Italy, featuring five picturesque villages (or "cinque terre") that hug the cliffs overlooking the sea. These villages are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Cinque Terre is known for its colorful homes, hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, vineyards, and seafood cuisine. The area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected as a national park. Visitors can explore the villages and surrounding hillsides on foot or by train, and can swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.