Gurgles.ca

Imagine strolling through narrow alleys, where the colorful houses seem to almost touch the sky. The gentle sound of the waves soothes your steps while the scent of Mediterranean herbs fills the air. Welcome to the Cinque Terre, a true living picture where nature and culture merge in perfect harmony… an Italian gem where time stands still, and every moment is an invitation to wonder.

To easily travel between the villages, the train is the ideal mode of transportation. Avoid using a car at all costs: arrive by train, wander by train, and leave by train!

For three days, we explored the coastal trails, swam in the crystal-clear waters, and tasted the local specialties. From Monterosso to Riomaggiore, passing through Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarola, each village offered us a new face of this magnificent region.

Traveling in the Cinque Terre can be summed up in five words: train, colors, mountains, sea, and hikes. Imagine colorful houses clinging to cliffs, waves embracing the shores, and trails offering breathtaking views. This is where nature and human genius come together to create a unique spectacle. A UNESCO World Heritage site, these five pearls of the Mediterranean offer a one-of-a-kind landscape, where colorful houses blend with terraced vineyards and the turquoise waters of the sea.

For Gurgles.ca, it was three magical days exploring Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Monterosso, and Corniglia. We settled into a charming Airbnb in Vernazza, perfectly located. However, a friendly tip: most accommodations here involve climbing many stairs, but believe us, the view from the top is worth every drop of sweat. Here are our must-dos to make the most of this getaway.

Let’s start with our favorite topic: food!

In Vernazza: For breakfast, don’t miss Pirata Café. The passionate owner greets you with delicious savory dishes or pastries to die for. The pistachio and mascarpone croissants, in particular, are a revelation. For lunch, head to the friendly Pippo, a simple yet perfect spot to recharge your batteries. Finally, for dinner, 5 Terre Bistrot charmed us with its pesto lasagna and impeccable service. The wine list is also worth mentioning.

In Manarola: For a memorable lunch, settle in at Nessun Dorma, perched on the cliffs. The view is spectacular, the atmosphere friendly, and their appetizers are delicious.

In Riomaggiore: Our undisputed favorite: Rio Bistrot. The terrace offers the perfect atmosphere to enjoy absolutely divine dishes served as part of a tasting menu.

Must-Do Activities

Pesto Class in Vernazza (Cinque Sensi - book via the Airbnb app): Immerse yourself in Italian culinary tradition by learning to make the local pesto in an exciting workshop. Not only will you leave with a new skill, but you'll also taste local wines in a typical Cinque Terre cellar.

Hiking:

For an easy walk, take the Via Dell’Amore, a romantic trail that runs along the coast between Riomaggiore and Manarola.

For the more adventurous, the trail between Monterosso and Vernazza offers a pleasant challenge, with exceptional panoramas as a reward.