LIGURIA MOTORCYCLE TOUR - FROM THE CINQUE TERRE TO BAIA DEL SILENZIO

The Riviera di Levante is a stretch of the Ligurian coast characterized by breathtaking landscapes, mountains overlooking the sea and fishing villages. Difficult to choose where to start and what to see. In this itinerary, Roadsitalia has chosen the most iconic context: a motorcycle tour to discover the Cinque Terre which then continues further west, pushing as far as Sestri Levante along the Baia del Silenzio and the Baia delle Favole. Of course, you could continue to Chiavari, Portofino and Rapallo, but this will probably be another episode on two wheels of the magazine to discover the beauties of the Riviera di Levante. Those who love to travel by motorbike (not only for the sake of driving, but also to explore), must necessarily discover the beauties of the Cinque Terre by motorbike. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Monterosso and Vernazza are the 5 essences, the 5 villages that make up this unique treasure, Unesco heritage. It goes without saying that each of them deserves a stop. Let's see how to get there on two wheels.

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CINQUE TERRE - BAIA SILENZIO ITINERARY: THE ROADSITALIA ROUTE

Meeting point La Spezia, an ancient port city dominated by the castle of San Giorgio and the Navy Arsenal. We start from this last point in the direction of Porto Venere via the SP530, intersecting the SP370 for a couple of kilometers towards Riomaggiore. Continuing the SP530 instead you arrive in Porto Venere, famous for its beauties: the old Doria Castle, ancient houses and churches on the side of the alleys, the Grotto of Lord Byron. It is the ideal place for various excursions, such as the "Tour of the Islands" to visit the island of Palmaria. Riomaggiore is the first of our stops. Its ancient village of colorful houses built vertically defies gravity, coming close to the sea. The small port is the most photographed and well-known glimpse of the village, with colorful boats moored on the shore and sheltered by a natural inlet.

The famous via dell’Amore starts from Riomaggiore, a pedestrian path carved into the rock that leads to Manarola. The path is truly wonderful, surrounded by nature and accompanied by magnificent views overlooking the sea. We now leave for Manarola, reachable from the SP51. The small village - set between land and water - probably takes its name from the local dialect and refers to the millstone of the stone mill: not surprisingly, the old mill of the village is clearly visible and has been recently renovated from the National Park. Not to be missed in Manarola are the Gothic-style Church of San Lorenzo, the White Bell Tower (once used as a watchtower) and the historic hospital. The small and rocky port offers one of the most panoramic points from which to admire Manarola: its very deep waters have made it over the years one of the favorite places for brave swimmers and divers.

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Put back the helmet on and turn on the motorbike, this time we grind the asphalt of the SP51 to get to Corniglia. Built overlooking the cliff, this small village is the only village in the Cinque Terre not overlooking the sea and it develops all along its main street (via Fieschi) which connects the historic center and the parish of San Pietro to the belvedere. Due to its difficulty in reaching the beaches, Corniglia has historically been the least popular village of the Cinque Terre. Today, however - due to its position - it has been able to carve out a space among trekking lovers (perfect place for long walks among the rocks). Anyway, beach lovers can enjoy the beach by choosing between two places: The beach of Guvano (a small paradise reachable through 377 steps of the Lardarina Staircase), or the beach of Corniglia, much easier and reachable from the train station.

The next stop points to Vernazza, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. This small fortified citadel, squeezed between sea and mountains and distributed around the marina, is a marvel not to be missed. Vernazza proudly displays its long maritime tradition, which has seen important leaders and sailors sail here. Not to be missed is the church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia, the 11th century watchtower and the remains of the ancient fortified structure of the city, once an integral part of the Doria Castle. The last stage of the Cinque Terre - continuing on the SP51 and a stretch of the SP38 - is Monterosso. It is the largest village and with the largest beaches, still keeping intact its long tradition linked to fishing and the sea. Walking through the streets of Monterosso, it is possible to see the old medieval tower (now the bell tower of the Church of San Giovanni) and to glimpse its great past as a fortress. Witness the Castle overlooking the sea (with its 3 round towers) and the Torre Aurora, the last remaining of the 13 towers that protected the town in the 16th century.

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The Cinque Terre ends here. But not our motorbike itinerary! Continuing north-west, from Monterosso we extend towards Levanto, a small strategic town for visiting the surrounding villages. Its medieval center is well preserved and worth a visit. Among the most evocative corners, we recommend Via dei Forni, home to the ancient shops and stately villas, the Monastery of the Poor Clares (early 17th century) and the various paths between the alleys that lead from the sea to the Castle overlooking the town. From Levanto, we ask our motorbike for the last effort for the last few kilometers towards the Bay of Silence.

Last stretch, but almost the most beautiful to go: gentle curves, hairpin bends and ups and downs where you can have a lot of fun! Take to the hinterland via the SP566, then descend again with the E80 along the coast and reach Sestri Levante. Also known as the "city of the two seas" Sestri is a village rich in history and with a unique atmosphere, which has always been a source of inspiration for poets and writers. Here two bays with a unique panorama await us. The larger one - called Baia delle Favole - was named after Enzo Tortora towards the end of the 1950s. The smaller bay, on the other hand, is the well-known Baia del Silenzio, named after the Ligurian poet Giovanni Descalzo, who lived in Sestri.

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USEFUL ADVICE ON THE CINQUE TERRE - BAIA SILENZIO ROUTE

This route, ideal for a mini-holiday or weekend away from the city, must be experienced with stops and starts: it is therefore useless to advise you to stop and stay a few days and take the adventure with the right times, in order to take home a beautiful memory between the experience motorcycle, tourist and culinary, typical of Ligurian cuisine. The roads are well signposted and have no particular dangers, just be careful. Bring several changes of clothes, as well as some swimwear for the various stops. Have a nice trip! And you? Have you ever traveled this itinerary between the Cinque Terre and the Bay of Silence? Tell us in the comments and share your souvenir photos!