The climate-favoured coast of Liguria in western Italy, near the French border, rises steeply from the blue waves of the Mediterranean. In some sheltered coves, fishing villages have nestled between the narrow valley walls, while further inland, other villages perch on the mountain ridges. This 12 km long coastal section, with its five villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, is known as Cinque Terre. The slopes are covered with olive groves, vineyards, and small gardens, which, alongside fishing, provided a livelihood in earlier times. Like the rest of Italy, Liguria is an ancient cultural landscape, cultivated by people over a long tradition. From this tradition, the much-praised Italian cuisine developed, enticing travellers to the table with the sensual aromas that fill the land.

All images from the ‘Weltbilder’ Edition