Cycling the Via delle Cinque Terre is an unforgettable adventure

The itinerary starts in La Spezia, the easternmost part of Liguria, a few kilometres from the Tuscan border. The city stands on a natural gulf called the Gulf of Poets because it inspired romantic artists from all over Europe in the 19th century. After leaving La Spezia, a gentle slope begins that leads to Riomaggiore, one of the most romantic villages of the Cinque Terre with its colourful houses leaning against each other in a harbour carved out of the rock.

Let the sea fill your eyes and distract you from fatigue as you cycle through hills covered with vineyards and olive trees to Manarola. The village is built on a rock that rises 70 metres and its colourful houses look out towards the sea. The alleys are steep and narrow and all descend towards the water.

From the village of Manarola, take the panoramic path that leads to Corniglia via Volastra. The road here begins to climb in earnest, it is the most challenging section of the route but also the most fascinating because it passes through typical terraced vineyards with dry stone walls. Corniglia, on a promontory 100 metres above sea level, is the most difficult to reach village in the Cinque Terre and therefore the most genuine.

As far as Vernazza, you can rest your legs along a slightly downhill stretch. Once in the village, the view opens up to a beautiful natural harbour in the shape of an amphitheatre. Vernazza is the most photographed village in the Cinque Terre, a real jewel set between the sea and the rock.

The last climb, short and easy, will take you to the crossroads that turns towards Monterosso, the last village in the Cinque Terre and the final destination of the itinerary. Monterosso is the largest town on this stretch of coast, with a sandy beach and sea promenade. On a promontory overlooking the water stands the statue of the sea god Neptune. On the opposite side of the promontory is the old port and the old town with its inevitable colourful houses.