The last of the five villages along the Cinque Terre strip, Monterosso al Mare is the most visited, largely because it has the only sizable sand beach and the biggest hotels. Though it can get very crowded with tourists during the peak summer months, Monterosso is still delightful. The old town area, separated from the more modern resort area by the Aurora tower, is home to the ruins of a medieval castle and San Francesco church, which houses an important Van Dyck painting of the crucifixion.
With Cinque Terre’s only proper harbor, Vernazza has a long history as a fishing village. While there is a small beach, sightseeing is more common in this astoundingly beautiful cliffside town. Highlights include the 16th-century Belforte Tower (which offers incredible views of the area), the 11th-century Doria Castle and the 14th-century Santa Margherita d'Antiochia church. It involves a steep hike, but the shrine at Nostra Signora Di Reggio (Our Lady of Reggio) is well worth it.
Just north of Cinque Terre, Levanto is often used as a gateway to those less easily reached villages, but has much to offer on its own in the form of sand, sea and sights. Its great waves make Levanto very popular with surfers. Hikers love the surrounding hills, gorgeously covered in pine and olive trees. The town’s medieval castle is perfectly preserved, and several beautiful old churches are here. Many of Levanto’s most important buildings are centered on Piazza della Loggio, the town square.
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