Cinque Terre

One of the most sought-after charter destinations along the Ligurian coast, Cinque Terre, aka “Five Lands,” is a group of five fishing villages set into the rugged cliffs by the Mediterranean Sea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage Site, the region is home to a national park and protected marina area. Consisting of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, these villages are renowned for their pastel-hued building, terraced vineyards and lack of direct roads connecting them. As many of these historical villages are only accessible by rail, mule track or water, a Cinque Terre tour is the best way to experience them. Every village has its distinct character; for example, the biggest, Monterosso, offers sandy beaches, with a beautiful old town and the striking cliffside sculpture known as the Giant. Vernazza, said to be the most picturesque of the five, is built around a tiny natural harbour that is overlooked by the Gothic Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia and the medieval Doria Castle. Corniglia, the only village that does not have direct access to the sea, is perched high up a rocky promontory, but the climb up the stairs from the water offers a peaceful retreat and sweeping views. The village of Manarola is said to enchant all visitors with its romantic array of colourful houses and famous seafood, while the southernmost village of Riomaggiore has roots going as far back as the early 13th century. Ideally located between the Italian Riviera and Tuscany, the Cinque Terre is a mesmerizing stop along an extended charter by Italy’s north-western coast.