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.
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