Cinque Terre means the five lands but they are actually five small villages chiseled long ago into the rocky cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It might not surprise you to know the tourist population of this area grows every year, not from advertising but from word-of-mouth. People are so taken by their experience that they want other people to go there and those people tell other people and so on (not to mention that encore visits are always on the agenda of former visitors!). The best months of the year to visit this region are April, May and June. July and August are not only the hottest months of the year in the Cinque Terre, but also the hottest months for tourism. If you like to avoid crowds and scorching heat go early in the year, but if you enjoy the hustle and bustle of crowds and like sun-bathing and seaside activity you'll love the area in July and August. It doesn't matter when you go really, just go! Many visitors opt to hike the cliffs, which offer incredible vistas of the hillsides and turquois waters. Depending on the pace, the hike can range from only a few hours to an entire leisurely day. Riomaggiore is perhaps the most quaint and romantic of the five towns with its wide and ancient streets leading to beautiful overlooks of the ocean which are spectacular n the evening. The coffee shop stays open late, as do the restaurants, and it is just a charming town at all hours of the day or night. Manarola is a larger town with a great deal to do. For starters, you should visit San Lorenzo, an early 14th century church. Ladies you will have to wear pants or a long skirt to cover your legs and dress decently. Corniglia is built further up into the hills than the other four towns, so naturally the views are some of the best. It is a town for history lovers as this may be a pre-roman settlement. First, from this town you will have a view of Elba Island, the once exile of Napoleon Bonaparte where was named Emperor or Elba. This town also has a nice stretch of beach and unique shopping opportunities. When you approach this town from boat, the view of the town and cliff cut buildings is spectacular and affords probably the best view of the vineyard cliffs. Vernazza 's natural stone pier curves into the water almost mimicking the "Italian boot." Lovers of Roman history will be interested to know that a watchtower still remains as this was one a strategic location. Monterosso is the furthest west of the five towns and is lined with vineyards and olive groves. You'll find plenty of cliffs and clear water here. Limonblu is a unique beverage you will want to try or buy a bottle. It is a dream destination...