Set amid some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the planet, these five ingeniously constructed fishing villages can bolster the most jaded of spirits. A Unesco World Heritage site since 1997, Cinque Terre isn’t the undiscovered Eden it once was but, frankly, who cares?

The small harbor of Lerici now has a lungomare (seaside walk) from the Lerici Castle to the Castle of San Terenzo, and a bit beyond. The walk has a wonderful Ligurian feel and is so full of sights and sounds that you can walk it 50 times and not tire of it. The length is only about 3 kilometers each way, but you should allow at least a half a day, including a lunch or a dinner. There are two towns to explore, four beaches, two castles, many restaurants, many stores, a harbor, and, not least, lots of people.

In Porto Venere, you will be taken to the beginning of the 11th century, as you start walking near the entry point to the historic City Centre, enjoying the splendour of ancient buildings and their architectural originality. The old churches of St. Lorenzo and St. Peter are filled with grandeur and monumentality, and capture the spirit of a bygone era. It is no wonder that Porto Venere is considered a World Cultural Heritage site and in 1997, was recognized as one of the World Heritage sites by UNESCO.