The Cinque Terre represent one of the most pristine and largest natural and semi-natural Mediterranean areas in Liguria; this is mainly due to historical and geomorphological reasons which have prevented excessive building expansion and the construction of main roads (which instead run more internally through the Val di Vara). Human activities and especially viticulture have contributed to creating a unique landscape in the world in which the development of the typical “dry stone walls” overall reaches that of the famous Chinese wall. All this, together with the characteristics of a crystal clear sea, valuable architectural evidence, a network of paths among the richest and most enviable in the Mediterranean areas, has made the Cinque Terre an increasingly popular destination for Italian and foreign tourists. This is not so much the result of a successful promotional campaign as a spontaneous recognition of the uniqueness of a place, of its beauty, of the pleasantness that one gets from staying or visiting it.

From the tourist’s point of view: It is important to underline that the Cinque Terre are not identifiable as a classic tourist destination…in particular in Manarola and Corniglia everything has remained as it once was, not at all adapted to the new tourist vocation of these places; the life of the inhabitants is only marginally influenced by tourism. This is undoubtedly the strength of the Cinque Terre: a different dimension, far from the stress of the city and at the same time far from the “all inclusive” tourist paradises where everything is carefully planned and organised. Naturally this uniqueness requires sacrifices: the difficulty of getting around, the inconvenience of parking, the lack of services, the tiring ups and downs… Ultimately the Cinque Terre are not for everyone; not for those who love only a comfortable and served holiday (and this is a very respectable point of view)… we don’t want to run the risk that the tourist might expect something different from reality; however, we know that those who truly love the Cinque Terre would not want them to be different from how they are!
(fonte: www.cinqueterre.com)