Manarola, Riomaggiore and Porotvenere. These villages spill down the hill to the waterfront, their houses packed solidly together in the typical pattern of the region. From the Manarola train station there is a short, pedestrian tunnel that goes under the tracks, and in a few minutes you will walk through town to the beautiful, azure shores of the Mediterranean. with terraced hillsides for the grapes up above. The path from Manarola to Riomaggiore is the easy one with a level, paved surface called "lovers' lane," taking just 20 minutes to walk with nice coastal views along the way. Or you could take a little boat ride. Here too you see that familiar pattern -- the houses tumbling down the cliffs to the water's edge and a main pedestrian street rising up from the tiny cove, surrounded by terraced homes covering the hillside. It's a surprising mix of urban high density in the midst of a tranquil, rural setting. It is very quiet when you walk down the little side streets, especially in the off-season, which is recommended. Finally we leave Cinque Terre and continue a few miles further south for a bonus -- Portovenere, yet another beautiful seaside village you do not want to miss! The only practical way to get to Portovenere from Cinque Terre is by boat, since there is no train service and the hiking trail from Riomaggiore is seven miles long. The ferry arrives at an ultra-picturesque little harbor, dotted with small craft at anchor and framed by a picturesque row of pastel-colored facades lining the waterfront.