Spectacular day hikes from town to town offer travelers an overview of the five charming seaside villages with their harbor plazas, ancient facades and picturesque vistas.

The recommended starting point, Vernazza is central to the others: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia and Monterosso. Vernazza's town center is a hilly but leisurely 5 to 10 minute walk from the train station and serves as a good place to establish accommodations. Look for the signs "Rooms Available" that many shopkeepers post on their front doors or ask restaurant hosts in any plaza if they know of any rooms. For an authentic flavor of life in the Cinque Terre, stay at a locals' home.

Sensational sunsets set the backdrop for enjoying crisp local white wines, the freshest varieties pastas and piquant seafood. In Monterosso, a tranquil beach with minimal waves is a welcome respite from the daily attraction of hiking between the towns. Stunning vistas, lead you from Monterosso to Vernazza. Weaving along the edge of cliffs punctuated
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with homes and vineyard terrain, one quicklyexperiences the hilly local lifestyle. Water taxis and trains brings the visitors back to their place of origin.

Heading into the opposite direction on the following day, the visitor takes the southeast route towards Corniglia, Manarola and eventually, Riomaggiore. The flora of this route conjures up the images of Monet.

Tips: (Don't forget good walking shoes and bottled water) Transportation: For those who don't feel like hiking the steep cliffs between the five towns of the Cinque Terre, the rail connects to each. For more information, call 1-888-382-7245 or check the internet at www.raileurope.com.