4Manarola, Italian Riviera
All five cities that make up the Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera are beautiful, but Manarola is arguably the prettiest. The village is built on black rock foundations and colorful buildings hover over the small marina. Manarola was founded in the 12th century and is home to the Church of San Lorenzo, which was built in the 14th century.
Graduated vineyards circle the hills that connect the five cities. The town produces wine and olive oil, which are readily available in shops in the old town.
The picturesque place is characterized by its pastel-colored houses, small alleys and the small fishing port. There are also several restaurants with local pasta and fish specialties, small bars and cafes.
Staircases lead up the slopes on the left and right from the main street. Manarola has always been a popular motif for painters. Artists like Renato Birolli, one of the most important Italian painters of the 20th century, worked here.
5Porto Ercole, Tuscany
When we think about Tuscany, we usually envision rolling hills dotted with cypress trees and Medieval cities, but Tuscany has a coastline too, and a gorgeous one at that. About halfway between Florence and Rome lies Porto Ercole, “Port Hercules,” in the province of Grosseto. The town is the final resting place of Caravaggio, who died there on his way back to Rome to receive a pardon after being exiled.
