Visitors flock to this part of northwest Italy, chasing their own version of la dolce vita, the sweet life. And they come to hike.

How best to see Italy’s dreamy Ligurian coast? Follow the ancient cobblestoned paths that wind from town to town.

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Also known as the "Blue Trail", it's the most popular hike in the area, connecting Cinque Terre's five villages while offering views of the Mediterranean Sea below the Ligurian cliffside.

You can also veer off the trail halfway between the Cinque Terre villages for a visit to the clothing-optional beach, Guvano. Recent visitors called Sentiero Vernazza a Corniglia a semi-strenuous ...

If you haven't already purchased admission to the Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre, you'll have to pay a few euros near the trailhead. The hike, which winds for a little more than 2 miles, takes an ...

Vehicles are forbidden in the center of each town, but Cinque Terre is easy to navigate by foot or rail. The five villages are all connected by hiking paths and the Cinque Terre Express train.

These idyllic parks offer a fascinating array of native flora and fauna alongside all sorts of pristine natural features.