The next to visit us were our friends, Katie and Stephen. They arrived at the start of one of PJ's 4-day weekend and minus some hiccups [yikes] on their flights over, we headed out to destination Cinque Terre!
This was my second time in Cinque Terre but my first overnight. The four of us booked a place in Monterosso al Mare, which is the northern most Cinque Terre town, and started our explorations from there. On our first morning PJ and I took advantage of being near the beach and headed out to lay in the sun and swim in the clear water. I have been feeling very spoiled with all of the amenities that come with these European beaches. On top of having chair and umbrella rentals during the summer season, the beaches also have bathrooms, restaurants, bars, etc... right on the beach. Some even have lounge chair service. Rhode Island should step up their beach game!
Monterosso is the largest of the 5 villages and the most flat. The hills around the village are full of grape vines and olive groves. It is also known for having the best beaches of the 5 villages, as most of the villages sit on dramatic hills and have rockier shores. There are two parts to the village, which is separated by the medieval tower of Aurora. The newer area [where we stayed] is considered Fegina. It was a little quiet while we were visiting, but it is supposed to be active during the prime tourist months.
Stephen had done some homework so we were sure to check out "The Giant". It was built at the beginning of the 29th century by an architect and as sculptor. It is a statue of Neptune and a symbol of the town
The old town is made up of the castle ruins and more medieval streets. There are many restaurants in this area as well.
Riomaggiore was the second village that we ventured to. It is the southernmost village of the 5 and, in my opinion, the second most beautiful one. The vibrant buildings sit on a plunging coastline. "Riomaggiore dates back to the 8th Century, when the inhabitants of the Vara valley, searching a milder climate to raise grapevines and olive-trees without the fear of pirate raids, moved towards." [1]. Via Colombo is the Main Street where restaurants, bars, gelaterie, and shops can be found.
The next day we set our sights on the remaining 2 towns. We were feeling ambitious and decided to hike the only trail that was open at the time, which was between Monterosso and Vernazza. It was a beautiful trek! A lot of stairs at times but not nearly as intense as the tourist info people would like to make it. We walked through beautiful grape vines with amazing views out to the sea and of the villages.
Our first destination of the day was Vernazza. I thought this was the most beautiful village of them all. It may have been the fact that we approached the village from above so we were able to see it in a more unique perspective, but it was gorgeous! It is a small fishing village with a medieval castle [Belforete]. The castle was built in the 1500's but the village was founded about 500 years prior. The main reason for the castle was to protect the village from pirates.
The next day we set our sights on the remaining 2 towns. We were feeling ambitious and decided to hike the only trail that was open at the time, which was between Monterosso and Vernazza. It was a beautiful trek! A lot of stairs at times but not nearly as intense as the tourist info people would like to make it. We walked through beautiful grape vines with amazing views out to the sea and of the villages.
Our first destination of the day was Vernazza. I thought this was the most beautiful village of them all. It may have been the fact that we approached the village from above so we were able to see it in a more unique perspective, but it was gorgeous! It is a small fishing village with a medieval castle [Belforete]. The castle was built in the 1500's but the village was founded about 500 years prior. The main reason for the castle was to protect the village from pirates.
There is also a fun little rock beach tucked away off the Main Street. It is worth a visit.
The next town we visited was Corniglia. After exploring some paths to the rocky beaches we headed onwards and upwards.
We didn't realize that there was a bus to get to the top of this elevated town [100 meters above sea], so we took the STAIRS [lardarina]!! There were 377 steps which gave us a wonderful workout. The steps were long and awkward but we survived!
Once at the top we wondered through the ancient roman village. Three sides are surrounded by vineyards and the views are pretty great.
That night we headed to Manarola for dinner. It sits high above the water and is home to a small harbor at the bottom. We ate at a seafood restaurant at the bottom overlooking the water for sunset and then stopped for a quick drink before heading back to Monterosso for the night.
That night we headed to Manarola for dinner. It sits high above the water and is home to a small harbor at the bottom. We ate at a seafood restaurant at the bottom overlooking the water for sunset and then stopped for a quick drink before heading back to Monterosso for the night.
So after a fun weekend in cinque terre we headed back to vicenza. On the drive home we stopped quickly in Parma, famous for its prosciutto and cheese. We did a little wandering and headed for lunch.
We found a delicious restaurant called Trattoria del Tribunale tucked away on a side street and the food was amazing!
The trip was fun and relaxing. It was definitely a good way to begin a holiday after a rough flight over.
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