5 Wineries That You can Visit Around Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, or the “Five Lands”, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. Situated in the northwest region of Liguria, this string of five picturesque villages along the dramatic coastline of the Italian Riviera is a must-see for any traveler to Italy.

While all of the villages in Cinque Terre are worth a visit, here are five of the best wineries to check out on your trip:

Cantina Sociale Cinque Terre

This cooperative winery was founded in 1938 by a group of local wine growers and currently has over 300 members. Cantina Sociale Cinque Terre produces a wide variety of wines, including white, red, and rosé, all made from grapes grown in the Cinque Terre vineyards. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and vineyards, followed by a wine tasting.

Enoteca Internazionale

This family-run winery is located in the village of Monterosso al Mare and specializes in producing top-quality white wines. The Enoteca Cinque Terre tasting room is located in an historic building in the heart of the village, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea while sampling the wines.

Cantina Cheo

Located in the village of Vernazza, Cantina Cheo is a small, family-owned winery that produces a limited number of high-quality wines. The vineyards of Cantina Cheo are some of the steepest in Cinque Terre, and the wines produced here are some of the most acclaimed in the region. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and vineyards, followed by a tasting of the wines.

La polenza

This small, family-run winery is located in the village of Corniglia and specializes in producing white wines. The La Cantina dei Ciliegi vineyards are located on a terrace high above the village, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and vineyards, followed by a tasting of the wines.

Terra di Bargòn

Located in the village of Manarola, Terra di Bargòn is a family-run winery that specializes in producing red wines. The vineyards of Terra di Bargòn are located on a steep slope overlooking the town, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and vineyards, followed by a tasting of the wines.

What is the typical wine there?

Sciacchetrà is a dessert wine from the Italian region of Liguria. It is made from the grape variety Moscato Bianco and is typically very sweet and high in alcohol. The wine is often served as an aperitif or after a meal, and is also used in the preparation of some traditional Ligurian desserts.

Sciacchetrà is made using the passito method, whereby the grapes are dried on mats or racks for several weeks before being pressed. This concentrates the sugars in the grapes and results in a wine with a high level of sweetness. The fermentation process is then halted early, leaving residual sugar in the wine. Sciacchetrà typically has an alcohol content of around 15%.

The wine is usually golden in color, with a rich, honeyed flavor and aromas of apricot, peach and citrus. It is often served chilled and pairs well with desserts that are not too sweet.

Is Lerici Worth a Visit?

Actually you will be better off Vs Cinque Terre.

When tourists think about visiting the Italian Coast, their minds almost automatically wander to the Cinque Terre. While the towns in this national park definitely have a certain charm to them, the question arises whether other Italian places aren’t worth visiting as well. For example, what about Lerici? Is this picturesque coast-side village worth your time?

Well, the answer is a resounding yes! Even more so, Lerici has certain qualities that make it the better option in comparison to the Cinque Terre. If you’re not yet convinced, now follows a quick, concise overview of the most prominent reasons why you should absolutely visit Lerici if you have the time.

1. Better Location

First and foremost, Lerici has the better strategic location. It’s located near the south of La Spezia on the Ligurian coast. Lerici sometimes gets called “La Perla del Golfo”, which roughly translates into the pearl of the Golf. This reputation is due to Lerici’s breathtaking views and beauty. Additionally, even though Lerici isn’t significantly big, it’s still larger than towns of the Cinque Terre and most importantly, there’s more to do. Nowadays, Lerici is a very charming coast side village with a gorgeous harbor. The village has a lot to offer for culture lovers as well, such as the very impressive Lerici Castle. Besides that, there are relaxing beaches as well, not to mention the countless facilities for tourists, ranging from restaurants and cafés to beautiful piazzas.

2. Secluded, Yet Connected

Secondly, one of the greatest things about Lerici is that it isn’t too crowded with tourists yet. Hence, if you decide to pay this gorgeous town a village, you can just take your time to discover everything it has to offer at leisure. Nevertheless, even though it’s relatively remote, it’s still connected. That is to say, as of right now, Lerici doesn’t have a train station, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other means of transport. Specifically, there are daily ferry boats that can take you to the Cinque Terre villages. Also, as regards reaching Lerici from La Spezia, you can simply take the bus or go by car.

Boats from and to Cinque Terre.

3. Great Culinary Experience for Fish Lovers

Another aspect where Lerici undoubtedly triumphs over the Cinque Terre is the food. More specifically, if you’re looking for great fish restaurants that can offer you an amazing price-quality ratio, Lerici positively is the place for you. That is, the villages in the Cinque Terre can offer great culinary experiences as well, but the restaurants there often are too crowded and this has a definite impact on the high prices there. Hence, this is a problem that you don’t have in Lerici. Now, if you’re looking for a very concrete tip, you should absolutely try out the food at “Ristorante Jeri“. You won’t regret it!

4. The Astounding Secluded Beaches

Last, but certainly not least, nothing beats the feeling of walking around a secluded beach where you can just immerse yourself in the wind and views at your own pace. Well, if you decide to pay Lerici a visit, you’ll find that you will have countless opportunities to experience this feeling. At first glance, you might think that you won’t find any decent sunbathing spots there because of the nature of the Ligurian coast. Namely, there’s actually not a lot of sand to be found on the entire Ligurian coast because the nature there predominantly consists of cliffs and rocks. However, if you do your research, you can definitely stumble upon some adorable, secluded beaches with enough sand to lie comfortably. While some of these beaches are free to access, you’ll have to keep in mind that other beaches can get quite expensive. Finally, if you’re looking for the ultimate beach experience, please don’t hesitate to consider Eco del Mare. This resort will provide you with everything that you need for a peaceful, satisfying day!

If you are looking for a beach day that is more wallet friendly you should try Baia Blu in Lerici.

Verdict: Lerici All the Way!

All in all, Lerici has many other advantages to offer besides the above-mentioned ones. However, these advantages hopefully have already given you a clear picture of Lerici’s charm and versatility. So, if you ever find yourself with the opportunity to travel and you’re interested in discovering the Italian Coast, please remember that Lerici is precisely what you need!

Beautiful alternative to the Cinque Terre: Camogli, santa margherita ligure, Portofino

Come and see with eyes wide open the dramatic natural beauty of this corner of the Italian Riviera overlooking the Ligurian Sea.

The three villages are part of the Natural Marine Reserve of Portofino and the Regional Natural Park of Portofino, an area protected by the region to preserve the extraordinary Promontory and seabed wildlife. Gourmet travellers will enjoy typical products – such as Pesto alla Genovese and Focaccia di Recco – and great Italian wines.

Camogli, in the Paradise Gulf

Camogli is a quaint village by the seaside that you will keep in mind for the first impression you’ll have at your arrival from the sea is about an infinite line of colourful houses built along the port. At a closer look you will find out the meticulous work of trompe-l’oeil and the drawings formed by countless shells on the houses façades.

The holiday resort is known for its old fishing tradition dating back to many centuries ago. If you love seafood, better travel to Camogli on May on the occasion of the Sagra del Pesce (Fish Festival), but you can always dinner at one of the typical restaurants surrounding the harbour to taste local specialities.

If you’re eager for thrilling itineraries, reach the Abbey of San Fruttuoso through the hiking path. Not only you will be rewarded by enchanting views of the sea, but you will also experience a great adventure, walking the trail perched in the mountain.

From Camogli, the village of Recco – where the PGI Focaccia di Recco col formaggio has been producing for years – is not far. You can visit the village or just order this typical Ligurian product in a few shops in Camogli where it is served. Among the basic ingredients there is extra virgin olive oil – the key element of the healthy Mediterranean gastronomy – and no yeast. The result is of a crunchy dough with a mouthwatering filling of cheese.

Pescaturimo – fishing tourism in Italy.

Pescaturismo might be a novel concept for many, but it can be a fun and a very interesting experience for everyone. The activity entails in going out on boats with the local fishermen in Camogli. Sailing at 8 am you will witness how the nets are lifted and help the fishermen to collect their catch. It is an interesting experience to learn where our food comes from. The experience includes a fish meal cooked directly on the boat wit the freshest fish you can ever taste.

Portofino, la Dolce Vita ideal setting

The view of the creek which hosts the fishing village of Portofino and its picturesque harbour is familiar to many for it has become the ideal holiday resort framed in postcards.

Take a stroll in Portofino waterfront to feel its relaxing lifestyle which attracts tourists and celebrities each year, since this is the right place to enjoy “la Dolce Vita”. In Portofino you may have the chance to meet international Jet Set, spot luxury villas and million dollar yachts as this is the destination preferred by VIPs from the fifties to nowadays.

To capture great views of the Tigullio Gulf and the Promontory, have a trip to the Castle Brown – a 16th century fort – and to the St Giorgio church, both situated on the hill.

Santa Margherita Ligure, in the Tigullio Gulf.

Santa Margherita Ligure is the first destination that you can visit if you travel through the highway A12 coming from La Spezia or the last one if you start your journey from Genova.

Anyway, if you wish to get the most out of your holidays in the Italian Riviera, reach Santa Margherita Ligure through a walking path from Portofino. You will have the chance to take scenic photos of the crystalline Ligurian Sea, coves, luxury villas.

It’s the biggest town among the three and offers many opportunities to enjoy its landscape and the seaside. Here you can either do water sports such as diving and windsurf or cruise in the Mediterrnean Sea to do dolphin and whale watching. Apart from excursions in the beautiful surroundings, nature enthusiasts should visit botanical gardens in Santa Margherita Ligure to explore the lush vegetation of hydrangea, camellia and other flower varieties.

Explore the stunning Riviera di Levante characterized by wonderful marina dotted with boats moored to their nice harbour and coloured by the houses reflecting in the water surface. This is the nicest place on heart tucked in between the green mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.