HIKE THE CINQUE TERRE

The Cinque Terre, Italy's five cities, and the cliff route that connects them, are hard to top for stunning views, charming villages, wild open landscapes, and local experiences. The 12-kilometer Sentiero Azzurro connects Monterosso and Riomaggiore, but it's broken up into portions so you can hike from one town to the next, then return or continue by train.

The entire route, which is carved into nearly vertical cliffs above the sea with no railings, requires stamina, excellent boots, and a sense for heights. Choose the shortest and most popular part, the two-kilometer Via dell'Amore, between Riomaggiore and Manarola, to enjoy the Cinque Terre without boots or vertigo.

The part from Manarola to Corniglia is also very straightforward and less busy, but it takes a little longer to hike. The trail between Corniglia and Vernazza is twice as long and features a strenuous ascent on often-uneven stone steps to the route's highest point, as well as walks through olive trees and some breathtaking views.

The trail between Vernazza and Monterosso is longer, rougher, and the most vertigo-inducing. You'll be rewarded with the nicest views, including a panorama of all five villages, and you'll only have to share the trail with a few hardy souls.

Spring and fall are the best periods to avoid crowds as well as the scorching summer sun (there is minimal shelter along the paths); if hiking in the summer, start early in the morning. Stop by a park office at a rail station for maps, trail updates (they're prone to washouts), and to purchase a trail pass.