Buzz
Italy, renowned for having the most World Heritage Sites globally (51 out of a total of 1,031 as of July 2015), annually draws millions of international tourists to iconic destinations like Rome, Milan, Florence, Pisa, Venice... After exploring these top-tier locations, groups of travelers often venture to lesser-known gems such as Assisi, Genoa, Verona, Napoli, San Gimignano, Siena, Turin, and... Cinque Terre.
Experience Cinque Terre in Italy: A Soul-Stirring World Heritage Journey
In true Italian spirit, Cinque Terre is a cluster of five ancient villages adorned with eye-catching colors perched on the hillsides, nestled along the rocky shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Situated in the Liguria region, northwest of Italy, Cinque Terre traces its roots back to the early medieval period. Residents of Monterosso del Mare, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarola primarily engaged in fishing, grape cultivation for wine, vinegar production, and olive cultivation for oil.
Their ancestors strategically built homes on steep cliffs to escape invading armies and Greek settlers in search of a new life.
Life in Cinque Terre unfolded peacefully and serenely over the years until the advent of color photography, tourist boats, and waves of visitors. Tourist arrivals surged, especially during the summer, after UNESCO designated Cinque Terre as a World Heritage Site in 1997.
Connecting through ancient footpaths, the five villages have trails etched over thousands of years by the footsteps of locals. Most pathways follow steep cliffs, occasionally disappearing into lush greenery. In modern times, a well-functioning railway has been established here, primarily transporting tourists from afar.
Among these five villages, only Corniglia lacks a direct connection to the azure coastline. To visit Corniglia, one must ascend a narrow, winding path resembling both a horizontal and meandering staircase, comprising no less than 400 steps. Meanwhile, Manarola boasts numerous vineyards and holds the title of the 'elder sister' as it dates back to the year 1261.
Vernazza is a tranquil, small harbor—the gem of the Cinque Terre cluster. Monterosso features a stunning beach and abundant gardens of fragrant oranges and lemons. Riomaggiore stands out with its enchanting, vibrantly colored houses, forming a captivating masterpiece for visitors to savor as the sun gently fades away. It is the largest village in Cinque Terre.
As Cinque Terre gained fame, it attracted leisure travelers and eventually fell victim to its own popularity. In 2015, the fishing villages of Cinque Terre collectively hosted a staggering 2.5 million unfamiliar faces. The excessive influx disrupted the local way of life, harmed the natural environment, prompting the residents of Cinque Terre to voice their distress. Consequently, Italy's authorities decided in 2016 to limit the annual tourist count to 1.5 million.
To admire Cinque Terre, tourists must secure tickets in advance (purchasing the Cinque Terre Card online). Visitor counts are monitored through a system of counters on the paths leading to the villages. Once the predetermined limit is reached, Cinque Terre instantaneously transforms into a 'restricted zone.' Even the influx of tourists from large cruise ships is regulated.
Thus, Cinque Terre, a truly 'bellissimo' (beautiful) destination with its charming, closely knit houses, has joined the elite club of the world's top tourist spots that enforce visitor limits. Similar to the Taj Mahal in India, Machu Picchu in Peru, and Venice in Italy, it is a melancholic but necessary measure.
According to Saigon Businessman
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourAugust 16, 2016
