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Cinque Terre: Absolutely Glorious

 

When I respond to friends who ask me where I went in Italy recently with “Cinque Terre,” I get a lot of blank looks.  This remote area on the Italian Riviera is not well known, and  for good reason.  It’s really hard to get to.

Located south of Portofino, the five towns (Cinque Terre means five lands) are nestled between five mountains, with absolutely stunning views.  It’s a lot like the Amalfi Coast only better.  What makes it better?  There are no roads.

That’s right. Visitors drive to the parking lot outside of Monterossa, the northernmost of the five towns, park and then walk or taxi into the town.  From there they either take a ferry, a train or hike a footpath to the other four towns.  It’s delightful.  No huge tour buses to scare the beJesus out of you.  No little ones either.

While definitely a tourist destination, the visitors were mostly from Europe, many of whom were there for the hiking.  Not only can you hike between the five towns, but also hikers can enjoy even more strenuous higher mountain trails.  And how lovely.  After a healthy hike, head to a village for fresh seafood, wonderful olive oil and great local wine.

We spent almost four days there, comfortably ensconced in what the New York Times calls, “a war horse of a hotel,” the Porto Roco.  Views were fabulous. Staff delightful.  A bit of a “time stood still”  kind of spot.

I loved visiting the five towns, each slightly different but all with bunched homes climbing the hillside with quintessential Italian colors. Street performers were fun and shops cute. We were fortunate to have glorious sunshine making it all even more dazzling.   The life is slow and relaxed and to be relished.

The boat rides were amazing.  At one point we could see all five towns from the small boat we chartered. Stephano, our captain, said these towns flourished for centuries because they could get fish and salt from the sea, grow olives and grapes on the steep hillsides and they could see the pirates approaching from quite a distance.

He said, “I live a dream life here.”

I agree.  One of my traveling companions proclaimed that he wants to rent a house here every October.  Great idea.

We enjoyed the walks, boat rides, the food, the street performers and the beautiful scenery.  It’s a destination well worth visiting.

For more Cinque Terre photos, visit DesignDestinations Fan Page on Facebook.

Post Author
Susan J. Smith
Susan's career includes writing for newspapers, lots of community work and a wonderful family life. Now she is enjoying traveling, photography and writing for DesignDestinations and Grand Rapids Magazine. She welcomes you on her journey and appreciates your comments.

Comments

10 Comments
  1. posted by
    Georgia Gietzen
    Nov 2, 2010 Reply

    I love the villages as your masthead!! Brings back great memories . . . truly spectacular. Loved your dialogue about Cinque Terra. Although you failed to mention how “treacherous” the footpath could get! Definately not for the faint of heart, the unadventurous . . . nor someone with a broken foot :-).

  2. posted by
    smithsj
    Nov 2, 2010 Reply

    You are absolutely correct. The Walk of Love was an easy stroll but the other one we did–well, all I can say if it weren’t for my able and helpful travel companions I’d probably still be high on the hill, quietly sobbing about the fact that I’d never see my unborn grandchild. It was really challenging and I needed all the help I could get to make my way up and then down again. Thank you Jeff and Georgia.

  3. posted by
    Cindy Schad`
    Nov 3, 2010 Reply

    Oh my, definitely a “bucket list” candidate:)

  4. posted by
    Elena
    Nov 4, 2010 Reply

    Susan, what a stunning place! Love the photos. Thanks for sharing.

  5. posted by
    Tom Rooks
    Nov 16, 2010 Reply

    Susan, I have heard about this area from another freind and hope to go someday, thankyou for the inspiration! Tom

  6. posted by
    smithsj
    Nov 16, 2010 Reply

    Tom, I think you’d love it. I know you’d be fascinated with the way the olive trees and grape vines grow on almost vertical surfaces. The views are something and the hikes a real treat. Hope you get there soon. sjs

  7. posted by
    DesignDestinations: Celebrating 125 Posts | DesignDestinations
    Dec 3, 2010 Reply

    […] the streets of Paris, meandering through the Burren in Ireland or exploring the coast line of Cinque Terre with great […]

  8. posted by
    Kasiadietz
    May 4, 2011 Reply

    Gorgeous photos! So happy you enjoyed Cinque Terre. I fell in love with this land upon my first visit and am privileged now to call it ‘home’.

    Btw, our wedding will be in the church overlooking the sea in Monterosso… soon! 🙂

  9. posted by
    Kasiadietz
    May 4, 2011 Reply

    Gorgeous photos! So happy you enjoyed Cinque Terre. I fell in love with this land upon my first visit and am privileged now to call it ‘home’.

    Btw, our wedding will be in the church overlooking the sea in Monterosso… soon! 🙂

  10. posted by
    Anonymous
    May 4, 2011 Reply

    oh, my…….what a stunning spot to get married. Wow. Hope it is a beautiful day.

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