The Villages Of Cinque Terre

Recently he traveled to the Cinque Terre National Park to take us on a day trip wandering around the dreamy villages along the North Italian coastline…

“I wake up in my tent at a campground in the sleepy coastal town of Levanto, buy a brioche at the local bakery and take the train to Riomaggiore, one of the five little villages in Cinque Terre National Park. The ride, with its magnificent views of the shimmering sea, steep terraced hills and jagged rock cliffs, carries a suggestion of the day ahead.”

“I get off the train and walk straight into a deluge of other tourists. I quickly escape the crowds by wandering up a hill and into a network of narrow side streets. The little lanes feel worlds away from the commotion of the popular areas and the locals are quietly going about their days.”

“I cool off by jumping into the clear Ligurian waters. The hike that takes me to the next village begins just outside Riomaggiore. It’s a hot day, but walking through terraced fields full of olive trees and rosemary feels nice. I soon reach Manarola and sit down for a pleasant meal.”

“I hop on one of the boats that ferry people between the villages and enjoy the cool breeze and the salty smell of the Ligurian Sea. We soon reach the village of Vernazza with its lazy harbour and the colourful parasols that surround it.”

“Another short train ride takes me to Corniglia, which is the only village out of the five that is not directly adjacent to the sea. However, what it lacks in beach access, it makes up for in splendid vistas. From the outlook at the very tip of the rocky promontory, you can see for miles and miles and miles.”

“I take the train back to Levanto, go for an evening swim and then set off on the quest to find the best pizza in town.”