This ancient Roman village is situated on an impressive 100m high cliff and is the only one in the C

Located on the western coast of northern Italy the name literally means ‘Five Lands’ and consists of five villages situated on a hillside which has been turned into a nature reserve. The five villages are Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso, Riomaggiore, and Vernazza.
It is considered to be the more low brow alternative to the French Riviera with coastline that appears a little inhospitable because it is so rocky and steep, yet its charming bays, beaches, and wonderful panoramic views soon captivate you. There are also some marvellous trails from one village to the next which is a fantastic way to take in the scenery.
This ancient Roman village is situated on an impressive 100m high cliff and is the only one in the Cinque Terre that can’t be reached from the sea.  Therefore you have the choice of walking up the Landarina which is a flight luxury hotels uk of 377 steps or follow the vehicular road from the station.
The houses of Manarola look almost luxury hotels uk as if they are a natural protrusion from the cliff face. The village has many ancient buildings to explore such as the old mill, the 13 th century Church of San Lorenzo, the White bell tower, San Rocco Hospital and the Oratory of Disciplinati della Santissima Annunziata built in 1400. It also has breaktaking views of the sea.
This was where Eugenio Montale (who won the Nobel prize in 1975) used to spend his summers. It is a labyrinth luxury hotels uk of alleyways with many ancient buildings. There were a total of thirteen towers that protected luxury hotels uk the village from attack by sea and the Aurora tower is the only one still standing. There is also the San Giovanni Church, and the castle which overlooks the sea. Monterossa’s sandy beach is the biggest in the Cinque Terre.
The village rises between two rocky slopes into the sea.  One of the unique features of every house in the village is that they have an entrance at one street luxury hotels uk level with a second one at the upper street level.  This became a necessity during the 16th century when residents wanted a quick escape during a raid. The Via dell’Amore is a path dug into the rock where you can hear the sound of waves breaking on the rocks .
Situated on an impressive cliff it was once the harbour for boats used to protect the coast. The houses are lovely colours of red, yellow and pink connected by little alleyways and tourists from all over the world visit this charming little village as it is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. Some of its most interesting features are the Church of Santa Margherita of Antiochia, the remains of the 11 th century Doria’s castle, luxury hotels uk and ancient watch towers. The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Reggio has a tree-lined square which a popular place to stop and relax.