Liguria

Liguria is a long, thin coastal strip found in the north-west of Italy, nestled against vine-covered mountains. Its main city is the port of Genoa.



The rest of the region has small but beautiful villages like the major attractions of the Riviera Levante where the seaside towns of Portofino and the five villages of Cinque Terre lie.



Cinque Terre, meaning 'five lands', is the name given to the part of the eastern coast of Liguria around the five small towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the five fishing and wine-producing villages connected by hiking trails. The beauty of the area is that visitors can hike from village to village through lush green areas with wild blueberries and apricots growing trailside. The trail is now a national park so there is a minor fee to hike but it is well worth it. The real beauty of Cinque Terre is that no cars are allowed in the area with the towns connected by train, making commuting back and forth very easy.



Monterosso is home to the famed, heavenly-sweet dessert wine, Sciacchetrà as well as limoncino liquor.



Corniglia offers birds-eye views from its perch on the rocky cliffs high above the Ligurian Sea. It is home to many of the vineyards growing the famous white wines typical of the Cinque Terre.



Manarola is home to the beautiful baroque church of San Lorenzo.



Riomaggiore, with its buildings seeming to tumble off the cliffs above is the most authentic and real Italian village. A little time spent there will give you a good indication of the true Italian lifestyle.



The best way to visit the Cinque Terre is just to go without a plan. Find the town you like best, wander the streets and take a day trip to the next village along the coast. Don't forget to take your swimsuit and take advantage of the crystal clear waters that stand unmatched with any others in the world.



The Ligurian coast has many other fine attractions to offer too:


- Dolceacqua - See its 33m/108ft medieval bridge over the river Nervia


- Albenga - What was once a roman port is now an inland village


- San Remo - Try your luck at the famous San Remo casino.
Monastery Stays are a chance to experience a true slice of Italian life - warm hospitality as the guest of monks or nuns. This bed and breakfast accommodation will leave you with a lasting holiday memory of Liguria. Peaceful and welcoming to all, monastery and convent guest houses in Liguria have long provided hospitality, yet been notoriously difficult to book, Monastery Stays opens the door to travellers from around the world, with assured reservations and support. Book your stay in a monastery or convent in Liguria.