Extending south to Tuscany, Italy’s mountainous western coast on the Gulf of Genoa is Liguria, a picture book area with paradisiacal cliffs, remote villages, bucket loads of sunshine and a region known as, Cinque Terre, that comprises five villages.

Monterosso Al Mare is the first and largest of the five villages that comprise Cinque Terre, on the route south. It extends across two bays and two districts, separated by a rock. The modern district of Fegina has a long waterfront promenade, a well-kept sandy beach and a good range of accommodation.

Vernazza is considered to be the most beautiful of the five villages mainly because of its location within a splendid bay.

Corniglia has no direct access to the sea, but extends along a massive rocky plateau about a hundred metres above the sea. On the hilly outskirts is the San Pietro Church, built in 1334, with an elegant, decorated facade and a rose window of Carrara marble.

The beauty of Manarola is not obvious at first glance. From the station, a narrow street leads down towards the village. Fishermen continue to earn their living here, and there are holiday apartments as well as several souvenir shops that satisfy the demands of the many tourists who visit.

In Riomaggiore, a mighty ledge separates the station from the village and watchtowers still bear witness to its chequered past. According to legend, it was founded in the eigth century by Greeks who escaped to Italy from persecution by Byzantine Emperor, Leo The Third.

Travelling by train from village to village is a relaxing way in which to enjoy the sights and provides exceptional views from the cliffs to the sea and villages. In just a few minutes it is possible to visit these colourful coastal villages that were formerly difficult to access from the outside world.