Spring Break: Cinque Terre

I fell in love with the Cinque Terre when we first visited in 2007. Sam and I had the most amazing time relaxing on the beach and playing volleyball. After I had been so many places, I wasn't sure whether or not my love for the Cinque Terre would waver because I had been so many other places in the mean time. 

But now I'm sure. Cinque Terre is still my favorite place in the entire world.

Cinque Terre is made up of five small towns along the Italian Riviera. For my past two visits, we stayed in Monterosso al Mare, the largest and most touristy. But with the longest stretch of gorgeous rocky sand, there's no question why Monterosso isn't the ideal spot to vacation and relax.

Shannon and I left Madrid around noon and finally made it to Monterosso just in time to meet Lexi for dinner. We had an early start the next day to explore the other towns. You can travel between the towns by boat, train and walking, all of which I recommend trying. On the way to Vernazza by boat, we were spoiled with the breath taking views the entire way. No picture could do this coast line justice. At Vernazza, we fell in love with laying out on the rocks and listening to the waves hit the coast. The experience was breath taking and all three of us couldn't have possibly been happier.

After a few hours we headed to Riomaggoire, the second largest town. From Riomaggoire you can walk to Manarola on the Villa dell' Amore or "walk of love," which should actually be renamed the "walk of beautiful." Like I said, a picture really can't do it justice because the 25 minute walk is absolutely magical. And if you go with that special someone, don't forget to bring a lock and "lock" in your love. Maybe one day...but this wasn't the trip for me.

After dinner in Manarola, we took the train back to Monterosso for some dessert at the cantina nearby. Since Monterosso is so small, it's easy to make friends with the various restaurants if you find one you like. And this one became our favorite because of it's chic interior.
We enjoyed our time on the rocks of Vernazza so much that we went back. After a few relaxing hours we took the challenge of the trek to the fifth town, Corniglia. Corniglia is the only town that can't be reached by boat because it is situated on the cliff overlooking the blue ocean. We found the perfect place for some finger food and house wine. Hidden in the hill, we watched the sun begin to set over the water and vineyards. Then made our way back to Monterosso for another night at the cantina.
Cinque Terre Tips:

• Hiking to each of the cities is subject to fees because it's a national park.
  
• Don't travel by car - there's limited parking and you want to experience the towns.
• The towns are very simple. Don't go there expecting a crazy time