Just north of Tuscany, in the region of Liguria, is the area known as the Cinque Terre. The region encompasses five villages located along the rugged coastline. They are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Cinque Terre also became an National Park in 1999, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although there is both a local train line connecting the cities and a passenger ferry service that provides a great way to appreciate the beauty of the area, this is a hiker's paradise. Trails are laid out between each village, although some are fairly steep. The locals have turned the rocky cliffs into vineyards that add to the beauty and the Ligurian cuisine. Olives and grapes are part of the local cuisine. The town of Monterosso is also known for its anchovies.
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