I think it’s Italian for “Holy crap, is this place gorgeous!”
Cinque Terre (pronounced CHEEN-kweh TEHR-reh), which is a UNESCO World Heritage site
, is comprised of five adjacent towns along the Ligurian coast in
northern Italy. The “Five Lands” (as it’s name translates) are
Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia and Riomaggiore, each
equally beautiful and like visiting a living postcard. So, besides the
obviously stunning scenery why else should you visit this gem?
This is one of those places that pictures actually do justice to in
the sense that Cinque Terre delivers on them and then some. Whether you
are visiting Corniglia on the hilltop or Manarola’s picturesque village
square you will constantly have to pinch yourself to make sure you’re
not dreaming.
Whether it’s asking for directions or stopping in for a quick
limoncello there is always a local ready to chat, even with the language
barrier. You’d be surprised how much people can communicate over the
universal language of drinking wine and eating bruschetta.
Like all of Italy the food is amazing, but when it comes to seafood
the people of the Ligurian region knock it out of the park. It is
straight from the sea to your plate and will knock your socks off,
especially the anchovies which the area is known for.
The “Light Blue Trail” is a gorgeous way to walk from town to town
along Cinque Terre’s cliffs. Plus, the path between Manarola and
Riomaggiore is referred to as the “Love Walk,” which is the perfect
place to pop the question or just make out for a bit.
How cute is that?
Whether it’s a four-star hotel like the Porto Roca
or a small B&B run by a little old lady you will be satisfied. Even
if your view is just of an adjacent building it will be the most
charming thing you’ll ever see. And if you can’t find anyplace to stay
in Cinque Terre you can always rest your head in nearby towns Levanto or
La Spezia, which are only a quick train ride away.
Albeit small ones, with the largest being in Monterosso. However,
once you rent yourself some chairs and grab a beer all you’ll care about
is taking in some rays and wondering how lucky you are to be there.
Native to the Cinque Terre region, it is made with a mixture of
Bosco, Albarola, and Vermintino grapes and has a sweet, almost honey-ish
flavor. Perfect for sitting on your balcony taking in the marvelous
scenery.
Or maybe you just want to fish with your grandkids because that’s
how great this place is. You do you do and enjoy la dolce vita
Sort of. The popularity of the sleepy little fishing towns has
exploded in recent years, but the fact that it’s really only accessible
by train makes it a little harder to reach than a lot of the more
popular Italian destinations. Plus, it’s not really a place people are
heading to in order to party up a storm, which makes it a perfect place
to relax and escape to.
I DIE.
1.
It’s utterly charming.
2.
The people are super welcoming and friendly.
3.
Ligurian seafood will blow your mind.
4.
All five towns are connected by the Sentiero Azzuro.
5.
If walking isn’t your thing you can take the ferry from town to town.
6.
Just about anywhere you stay will have breathtaking views.
7.
There are beaches.
8.
Sciacchetrà , the delightful dessert wine.
9.
Snorkling, diving or kayaking your thing? Riomaggiore has you covered.
10.
It’s off the beaten path.
11.
Did I mention how gorgeous it is?
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