I am convinced Cinque Terre is one of the most lovely, easy going, naturally gorgeous areas of Europe. The End.
Just kidding. I have so much more to say about this incredible spot on the coast of Italy, right on the Ligurian Sea. Cinque Terre is made up of 5 small towns, each about a 3-5 minute train ride apart. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, each town has around 220-550 permanent residents. My senior class at Ursuline had 217 students. I can’t imagine living in a town the size of my high school class, but in Italy, the small population allows the towns to hold on to old world charm, familiarity, and friendliness. In Vernazza, cars are not even allowed into the town and must be parked on the town limits in the only parking available.
There are hiking trails which connect the 5 towns, with two primary options: the coastal path, which takes about 5 hours, or the 12 kilometer extended interior path, which takes an estimated 9 hours. For less than 8 euros, a pass is available which allows access to all of the trails, shuttles between the towns for when you are just so done with hiking, and wifi access to hotspots at the train stations. All that beauty for 8 euros? I call that a steal!
It had rained recently when we (Mama Lopez and I) arrived in Vernazza, where we stayed, so only two of the hiking paths were open. We ended up hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza, the longest and most difficult hike, but it was so totally worth it.
It was supposed to take around 1.5 hours, be mostly flat, and of moderate difficulty.
HAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA that was a riot.
Ok, if you were dedicated to getting a great workout, sprinted some, jogged a lot, and ignored the scenery, you could finish the path in 1.5 hours. For us, however, it took 2.5, almost 3 hours, and there is no earthly way anyone would consider the trail mostly flat.
Flat? I think not. Notice how I’m smiling and leaning slightly over? That’s because my thighs, calves, and all lower body muscles are creating endorphins like mad in order to keep me standing for the next two hours. Supposedly, it’s possible to hike to all five towns from the coastal path in 5 hours. My two cents would be, that’s for seasoned hikers only! Or incredibly dedicated people who secretly want to live in the woods.
Nonetheless, every time I thought to myself, “no way in hell can I go up this next set of stairs,” I was rewarded with another stunning view of vineyards, lemon trees, a colorful small town or beach landscape that would push me to think, “I have to keep going! I want to see it all!”
The hike was absolutely worth it, but needless to say, we took the train to visit each of the other towns. Naturally, there were steep hills or sets of 400+ steps that had to be climbed in order to reach the town from the train station. All I can say is, thank goodness for endorphins and the chorus of “Talking Body” by Tove Lo, which I repeatedly sang to keep spirits up (considering I’m not a particularly skilled singer, I don’t know that I provided anything but comedic relief, but that has to count for something).
Monterosso:
Riomaggiore:
Manarola:
Corniglia:
I have to spend a bit more time on Vernazza, my favorite town. There’s a gelato shop here that serves the best gelato in the entire world. Hands down. It’s located right next to the harbor, made fresh daily, and is served by Hugh Jackman’s doppelgänger. Bonus, it comes with a heart cookie on top. You can thank me later.
Across from the gelato shop is the Annasso Bar, a smattering of yellow umbrellas and chairs looking over the beach. Perfect view, delicious food. Get the cream brioche, cappuccino, and caprese panini. Foodgasm.
Finally, stroll around the town. Find the castle, climb to the top. Get in trouble for walking on the castle walls and almost falling over. Smile at all the dogs. And enjoy a cosmo at the Blue Marlin for me!
xox,
Lauren
