Cinque Terre consists of five little towns built into the steep hillsides of the Italian Riviera on the Mediterranean Sea. From the sea you can see the colorfully painted towns that look like little masterpieces painted into the crevices of the terrain. Each little town has its own character and is accessible mainly by train or by hiking from town to town. The 5 villages that comprise Cinque Terre are: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

Manorial

The rail system is very good and consistent. For around $5 each way you can take the train to visit the beautiful villages. Taking the train allows you to save your legs for walking the inclining, winding roads and stairways needed to explore each city.

Being my crazy self waiting for our train

The hiking trails are well defined. Some are very steep and rugged while others are kinder and gentler on the body. Unfortunately for us, the two gentlest trails were closed do to landslides. Nevertheless we enjoyed the amazing views seen only by taking on the trails. We traveled by foot to most but decided not to take on the detoured upper trail between Corniglia and Manarola. My feet thanked me later!!! I may or may not have used the bidet as a feet soaking bath after our most taxing hike🤪

My hiking partners on the trail from Manarola to Riomaggiore.

We stayed in Vernazza which was definitely the most convenient by rail. Because of this it was also the most filled with tourists during the day. It was a great place to visit all the towns from and escape during the busiest times. We stayed in a very basic room that was our least favorite of our AirB&Bs but worth the lower price we paid. Besides the magnificent views and enjoying the company of Hanna and Ken, our favorite memory will be meeting and spending time talking to Massimo, the owner of our favorite little eatery. He was playing the piano as we walked in and attempted to get me to play! We laughed at this and started up a conversation. He gave us the gift of his time and shared with us his excitement for each new day. Just a lovely person .

Ray and I with Massimo, owner of The Blue Marlin in Vernazza

It’s the people of this world that make traveling such a passion for me. We’ve met interesting, joyous, loving people from all over who are just like us. They are created to be curious and seek positive encounters with others. It is what makes this world go round. The people are what makes each trip a valued treasure.