Five small villages stretching across 6km of the Italian coast are so unique and charming that they made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List. I visited this place a few summers ago and it was an unforgettable experience.
Cinque Terre means Five Lands, and stands for five small coastal villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. Cars are not allowed there so you can only reach them and travel from one to another by train or by foot. Sounds great! – until you see the waiting lines at the train station…
All aboard!
We forgot about the hustle from the station the second we stepped off the train and saw the cute houses squeezed together above the cliffs. Narrow streets were filled with tourists coming to see the place in the high season but it was totally expected so we just went with the flow.
Dark rocks gave a hollow tone to the sea which complemented nicely the buildings that were bathing in the sun.
The villages are connected with walking routes but many of them were closed so we traveled mostly by train.
The Mediterranean climate is perfect for these blooming bushes – I’m growing two at home now but they are not this pretty.
Until the tourism boom in the past few decades, the towns were poor and remote. Today, tourists are their main source of income but it’s nice to see that traditions and heritage are still alive and kicking. You will not find a chain store or a franchise fast food joint there. I was amused by this sign for a sea-food bistro. Siamo fritti translates to We are fried but figuratively it also means We’re screwed.
Corniglia is the only one of the five villages not on the water. When we reached its train station, we were welcomed by this sign. No turning back!
There was a zigzag footpath with 365 stairs (one for each day of the year) rambling up to the hilltop town. Talk about exercise! We powered up (pun intended) with a slice of delicious local focaccia at the top. I was too busy eating so I didn’t take a photo of it.
The views were splendid!
The last village, Monterosso, had a nice beach, too. It was really packed but we eventually managed to find a spot to relax and enjoy a rich and creamy gelato.
Arrivederci and don’t forget to upvote if you enjoyed it!
Another great post @penticton! Keep up the good work :)
Thanks, I'm not a pro but I'm doing my best to share the gems I visited through my own photos.
Stunning pictures! I'm too poor to afford a holiday this year, so am relying on posts like this in place of a getaway!
Steam on @kiloindigo! It might help you afford your next holiday :)
Haha, here's hoping! (More worried about my rent at the moment...)
Awesome awesome photos! It looks so lovely there!!😃😃👍
really really nice post and pictures... I WANT to go on holiday, NOW!!
Hehe I feel you, I'm having a working summer and wishing I was there again.
Working summer. so no holiday at all? were are you from? Then just take it day by day and making every evening when the weather is nice a mini holiday
I'm in Dubai so the weather will be nice for a mini holiday here in December :) At the moment it's not really pleasant to spend time outdoors. I'll take some vacation in the fall to travel up north and cool myself down a bit. Where do you come from?
I am from Holland. In a couple of weeks i go to belgium. Not too far away. In 2019 we want to make a once in a lifetime holiday to west coast us.. i have written blog About it.
Very beautiful and colorful.
Cool post! Upvoted!
Beautiful shots man . It felt like I was there
Thanks @bryanlai98
Beautiful pictures! Can't wait to go back there next year!
It is a place you can keep returning to.
This is a great part of the world. Originally from Canada, living in Europe is like being on vacation everyday. Hey Penticton! Are you from Penticton?
Nice, whereabout? I'm not from Penticton but I've been there and it was around that time when I heard about steemit and decided to join it.
I am originally from Vancouver. I spent many summer vacations in Penticton, swimming in Okanagan Lake.
My friend great work! :)follow up
Thanks! I'll check out your stuff too.
Great post! Amazing photos!