CINQUE TERRE
ITALY
Exploring the Cinque Terre: My Third Enchantment with Italy’s Rugged Coastline, Staying in Charming Corniglia, Savoring Local Delicacies, and Immersing in the Scenic Beauty and Authentic Atmosphere of These Iconic Coastal Villages.
Cinque Terre: A Timeless Italian Paradise
Italy has an irresistible allure for me, so when friends invited me to explore the Cinque Terre on the Ligurian coast, I eagerly accepted. This was my third visit, and I’d return in a heartbeat.
The Cinque Terre, a breathtakingly rugged stretch of coastline west of La Spezia, comprises five picturesque villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. This enchanting region, part of Cinque Terre National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its terraced hillsides, where locals cultivate vines, lemons, and vegetables.
These villages are virtually free of corporate development, accessible only by walking trails, trains, or boats—cars are reserved for locals. The Sentiero Azzurro, a scenic trail connecting the five villages, is relatively easy but requires some fitness. The first section between Manarola and Riomaggiore is wheelchair-friendly. For those less inclined to walk, trains and ferries provide convenient alternatives.
We stayed in Corniglia at the charming Il Gatto Nero, a cozy two-bedroom apartment that offered stunning sea views. Corniglia is my favorite of the five villages; its lack of direct sea access keeps it less crowded compared to the others. Many tourists rush through the villages, ticking off locations without truly experiencing them. I believe it’s better to savor fewer places deeply and connect with the locals.
Il Gatto Nero was an excellent choice—clean, well-located, and comfortable, with breathtaking views. Antonio, the owner, was incredibly helpful, making our stay even more enjoyable.
Our go-to spot was Er Posu, a friendly bar where we enjoyed morning coffee and evening aperitivi. The café’s stunning sea view and delicious Spritz al Aperol made it a favorite.
Another highlight was buying anchovies directly from a local fisherman. Freshly cleaned, dusted with flour, and fried, they made for a perfect lunch with a simple green salad.
Local trains from La Spezia connect the Cinque Terre with Genoa and beyond, while a passenger ferry services the villages, though not Corniglia.
