Another delightful itinerary is the one that leaves from La Spezia and goes through the Cinque Terre as far as Levanto, Bonassola, Framura and Deiva. The coast road takes one to Riomaggiore and Manarola where, the sea, the hills, the wineyards, the old foshing villages, and the Genovese style churches add together to result in enthralling scenery. From Riomaggiore to Manrola there is the renowned Via dell'Amore (lover's pathway) cut out of the costal rock.

A unique characteristic of the area are the terraced wineyards sustained by dry walling, a perfect example of landscape architecture created by man in inaccessible surroundings. The rare and disappearing species of flora and fauna are protected throughout the Cinque terre as far as Porto Venere in a park that is both nature and marine. Panoramic foot paths that have been cared for and clearly indicated by the C.A.I. Association, are well used by walkers and trekkers alike, and along some paths one is likely to meet up with horseriders.

Corniglia, (see picture) winding up the hillside and Monterosso spreading out at sea level both have notable artistic scenic references. At Monterosso are the Medioeval "Torre Aurora" (the Dawn Tower) which divides the old part of the town from the new part (Fegina), and the Van Dyck Crucifix in the San Francisco church and on the hillside the 18th century Sanctuary of Soviore.

Another delightful corner is Vernazza, (see picture) where the parish church once again repeats the Romanic-Genovese themes. A pictoresque walk along the Cinque Terre hillside connects the Sanctuaries amid fairy tale scenery above the villages which are above the sea. The route along the paths amongst the greenery is particulary pleasant.

Levanto on the otherhand is a modern and inviting town where one can admire the 18th century Parish Church and the castle with above it the delightful hillside villages.

The peace and silence is a noticeable characteristic throughout the Riviera. Bonassola spreading out at sea level, and Framura with its picturesque small villages are both worth a visit from the tourist with time to spare.
Deiva, with its sandy shoreline and charming scenery completes the Province.

Numerous "trattorias" can be found throughout the Riviera offering various local dishes.

Famous since ancient times the wines: dry white and "sciacchetrà" (a sweet dessert wine) from the Cinque Terre and the dry whites from Levanto, Bonassola and Framura.

Tourist Information

Monterosso
phone n. 817506

Levanto
phone n 808125

Bonassola
phone n 813500

Deiva
phone n 815811

Mountain Comunity Centre "Riviera Spezzina" - Levanto
phone n 807290

Permanent Ethnological Exhibition
Levanto, p.za Massola 4

The Cinque Terre permanent exhibition
(in preparation): Riomaggiore