Being lucky enough to spend 3 nights in Cinque Terre we saw a lot of the 5 beautiful towns along Italy’s rugged coast line. Here’s my favourite part about each one.
Riomaggiore
This is the first town, where we stayed and also coincidentally our favourite. It was less busy and touristy, had some great food and a beautiful port for swimming, reading in the sun and taking photos of the gorgeous little town. It feels Italian and locals can be seen tending to their lemon trees or vineyards in the late afternoon. We stayed in an apartment, called Cinque Terre holidays which was 2 rooms crammed with 8 beds each but we were lucky and virtually had the place to ourselves. The apartment had a small balcony where we sat every morning to have breakfast and watch the sun rise, and every night for dinner to watch the sun set over town.
Things to try:
– sea food cones. There’s a small take away shop on the Main Street that sells cones of fresh hot seafood. They are delicious so make sure to grab one.
– fresh pesto. Pesto is sold in literally every shop and restaurant. We found a small deli that made their own and had pesto pasta with seafood one night. It was scrumptious!
– focaccia. Cinque Terre is the birthplace of this divine delicacy and Paulina’s bakery is a small shop near the top of the street that sells slices for cheap. Once you have one you can’t stop.
Manarola
Manarola is the 2nd town in line, and while lovely, it’s not a great place to take a dip. It’s very small and the Main Street leads you straight down to the port. The water was always very rough and difficult to get in and out. Instead cool off with some gelato and tuck into some local food. A small restaurant called Porticcioli serves the most amazing seafood spaghetti I’ve ever indulged in. The pasta was silky and al dente, the tomato sauce rich and bursting with flavour and the seafood tasted fresh. It was divine, I could of eaten it every day.
Things to try:
– the most incredible walk starts here and ends at Corniglia. It is a mountain walk, not coastal so it’s rather hard but worth the views.
– eat seafood spaghetti. Words cannot describe how delicious it is. I think I may of even licked my plate.
Corniglia
Set 365 steps up from the train station, the 3rd town offers some spectacular views given its higher location. Again it’s a tiny town clustered with houses and restaurants. We didn’t stay long in this town as we ended our big walk here and were exhausted but walk along the perimeter as well as through town to see gigantic mountains awash with greenery that descends down to a deep blue ocean. It’s a great place to stop and admire the view. Around the back of town is a small organic bar that sells their own wine and vineyards creep along the outdoor setting. It is a great spot to relax and enjoy the local products.
Things to try:
– relaxing and admiring the view.
– enjoy a glass of wine, or two.. No-ones watching and your on holidays!
Vernazza
The second last town is the best for swimming. The narrow road takes you straight from town to the water which is actually a little bay and perfect for taking a dip, then lie on the sand to dry off. Unfortunately it was hit by a flood in 2011 and signs of damage are still evident. Near the beach are tons of gelato shops so get yourself a scoop!
Things to try:
– swimming. No other town has a bay so enjoy the water.
– gelato. Pile scoops of fresh homemade gelato into a cone and enjoy. Italian gelato is like nothing else.
Monterosso al Mare
This is the last time and the most touristy and busy town of them all. It has a few beaches, the main ones being dotted with red and yellow umbrellas that are for hire. It has more than one street, and alleyways are filled with people browsing the shops and eating at the restaurants. There are also resorts here, which is unlike any other towns so be wary if you don’t like lots of people.
Things to try:
– more gelato. You need to try every flavour don’t you.. Treat yourself and enjoy one by the water
– varied selection of restaurants and accommodation. Want some luxury, or have a fussy travel companion that can’t decide on food.. Monterosso has the greatest selection of food and accom so there’s something for everything.
madeleinecurby 