The sheer beauty of Italy’s Cinque Terre is indeed a sight for sore eyes. The pure magic of these ‘five lands’, each unique in their own way, is a worthy experience for any traveler.
Located on the Italian Riviera between Genoa and La Spezia (the northwest corner of Italy), these magnificent cliff top towns rely heavily on tourism. All five fishing villages are a Unesco World Heritage Site and each town can be reached solely by train, boat or foot.
Our base was Levanto, a short five-minute journey by train from the first town of Monterosso. We allocated a day to explore the Cinque Terre and began at the furthest town from Levanto, Riomaggiore. Being late September, the heavy tourist crowds of the summer holiday period had subsided, however the trains that connected each of the towns were still overflowing with eager sightseers.
Colourful decorative tiles along the walkways of the train stations…
The parade of tightly wedged coloured houses perform in typical Ligurian style over the little harbour of Riomaggiore. Walking through the narrow streets of Riomaggiore, the local specialty… “Cono di fritto misto”, fried seafood cones, is just waiting to be discovered. If you enjoy your seafood, then these appetizing take away snacks are highly recommended. The crispy batter that coats the freshly caught fish and calamari, simply melt in your mouth. Additionally, what other better way to complement your fritto misto, a gelato of course.
Unfortunately, the famous path “via del amore” which connects Riomaggiore to the next town of Manarola was closed. This scenic rock faced trail commonly referred to as “lover’s lane” is only a short 20 minute walk. The charming Manarola also possesses a tiny harbour reflected by the kaleidoscopic houses along the rugged coastline.
Riomaggiore
In the middle of the five towns sits Corniglia. Unlike it’s coastal neighbours, Corniglia is located high on a cliff 100 metres above sea level. There is no port in Corniglia, therefore it can only be reached via train or foot, and it is the quietest town of the five.
The stunning town of Vernazza is where we spent a fair amount of time absorbing its beauty and grace. Vernazza is the most photographed town of the Cinque Terre and rightly so. The vivid colours are a spectacular display just as a rainbow. With the glorious sun blazing down, the water still remained too icy for a swim, though it did not stop some! While sitting on the sun warmed rocks and dipping our feet into the cool crystal waters of the Ligurian sea, we watched a young newly married couple sail around Vernazza’s tiny harbour, photographing and capturing the moment of their special day.
Vernazza
Moterosso is the largest town of the five and the only town to have a sanded beach where you can rent chairs and umbrellas in typical Riviera style. The town is actually separated into two sections, old and new. Monterosso offers a wider choice of accommodation, cafés and restaurants and also playgrounds for children.
Monterosso
Walking along the coast and taking in the serenity of such peaceful surroundings was surreal. I was genuinely captivated by the intensity and vibrancy of these charming picturesque cliff top towns. Cinque Terre is definitely a place like no other!
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What a beautiful place indeed! Your photographs are stunning.
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Thanks Molly. It’s so beautiful there. X
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Gorgeous!
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Thanks for reading. 😉
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Totally idyllic! Enjoyed the pics and reading about the places helped me feel like I was there. 🙂
Now if I could just click my heels together 3x like Dorothy! 🙂
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Haha… I know right. We need those magic ruby slippers every now and then. X
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How lovely and yummy are those seafood little baskets xx
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Totally.
I wish I was back there now. It’s so cold here. Woke up to 3 degrees!! Xx
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Always wanted to go there!!
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It’s a wonderful place Amanda. X
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Yes perhaps next trip!
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👍🏼
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Absolutely love your pictures
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Thanks so much. 😉
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Lover’s lane looks really amazing. Beautiful pictures!☺
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Thanks for reading Swati. 😉
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☺☺😉
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What a beautiful city! And, that gelato looks so tasty! 🙂
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The gelato always tastes better in Italy. 😉
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I have nominated you for the Liebster Award 🙂 If you except the award, I’ve posted a blog with the rules and questions to follow, in which you will then post onto a blog post of your own.
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Thank you so much guys for the nomination. I have already taken part in the Liebster Award which you can check out here… https://amindfultravellerblog.wordpress.com/2017/07/13/liebster-award/
But I would like to answer a couple of your questions if that’s ok….
I am most appreciative for my family. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband of 20 years and 2 amazing teenage kids. I have a wonderful supporting immediate family and lots of cousins. I am truly grateful for these special people in my life and without them life would be empty. So the meaning of life to me and my passion in life is to love and respect one another and nothing else but happiness truly matters.
Congratulations for your nomination and best of luck with your adventure. Lorelle 😉
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Thank you so much for answering some of my questions even though you did not wish to take part. Congrats on receiving a Lobster Award! We fully enjoyed reading your response to these questions. Your answers are without a doubt wonderful put. Your love for life definitely shows here.
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Thank you. 😊
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Looks absolutely stunning, I love the main picture and could just tuck into the Fritto Misto! 🙂
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Thanks for reading. The main pic is my favourite too. X
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it is so so beautiful! what an experience to look at such beautiful scenery.
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It sure is beautiful. I wish I was back there now. 😉
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Wow!! That tiled wall looks absolutely amazing!!
#WanderfulWednesday
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I know, it was in a walkway from one of the train stations so we had to take a photo. I loved the colours. 🙂
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Cinque Terre is a dream of mine! I was so close this past spring when I was in Florence and almost made a day trip out of it but I didn’t want to rush it. Gorgeous part of Italy! #wanderfulwednesday
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It sure is beautiful Christine. It’s terrible when you’re limited with time and there are so many places you want to see. You will have to organise another trip. Thanks for reading. 😉
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What a shame that Lover’s Lane was closed! But I love that in Italy, no matter where you go, there’s always a beautiful town. Or towns. It’s just a picturesque place. #wanderfulwednesday
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So true. There are so many beautiful places to discover there Katherine. 😉
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Never been but want to go so bad! Like that you visited in September. Sounds like a nice month to stop by (and escape the crowds a little). Need to try that seafood cone. #wanderfulwednesday
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You should definitely put it on your list to go Ruth. I prefer going at that time as Europe quietens down. X
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You are making me miss Cinque Terre! What a truly beautiful place.
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Totally agree. Thanks for reading. 😉
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Congrats also on the Liebster award. Had to chuckle at the thought of it becoming a ‘Lobster’ – auto correct is a b…., sometimes!! But I can agree – the award is very well deserved for your effort in creating a gorgeous blog!
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Thank you so much Amanda. I chuckled at Lobster too! 😂😘
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In love with the pictures!❤
Check out my blog where I talk about lifestyle, fashion, food and books…
https://marioness.wordpress.com
I hope you like it!
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Thank you so much. I will definitely check it out. Thanks for stopping by. 😉
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Thanks! Really hope you like it!
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Interesting Place. Beautiful Pictures.
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It surely is. Thank you for reading. 😉
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Gotta love Gelato, Cinque Terre is so pretty! too bad it gets so crowded in summer
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I agree Emma. X
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Wonderful portrait of the Cinque Terre with stunning images. I wonder why the famous Lover’s Lane was closed? You seem to have picked the right time of year for this scenic adventure. Even later is ok too, I suppose.
Thanks a lot for sharing! I’ll save this one, lots of good advice and tips. 🙂
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Thank you so much for stopping by. We were told it was closed due to unsteady cliffs but I had heard the paths have been closed for quite a while now. Not exactly sure why though. 🤔
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How wonderful that you got to visit this beautiful part of Italy. It is my dream destination! xx
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I’m so obsessed with Italy. Just love it. And Cinque Terre is such a beautiful spot.Have you been to Italy? X
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Beautiful beautiful colours! 🙂 I always flock to places with colour, i just can’t seem to stop 😀
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I know right. The colours are amazing. 😉
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This is somewhere I haven’t been to yet so I really enjoyed reading your post and your photos are gorgeous. On the list it goes….
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Thanks so much Deb. Yes definitely is a must see if you are in Italy. 🙂
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Your pictures have really made me want to visit – it looks such an interesting place. Added it to my list!
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Fantastic. It is a wonderful place with so much to see there. X
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Awesome photos! Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you Lisa 🙂
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Cinque Terre ❤
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100% 😉
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Looks amazing!
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Thanks love. Xx
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More than a little envious of that fish in batter with gelato dessert. Looks like a stunning spot!
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The food was amazing Orla. Thanks 🙂
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Ciao Bella Italia!
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Love it Suz. ❤️
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I can’t believe I missed Cinque Terre in all the times I went to Italy! I want to go back just to see it! One of my friends is going in a few weeks and I’m going to send her this post to check out! 😀
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I think people usually tend to visit the Amalfi Coast over Cinque Terre. Thanks for sharing Lauren. XX
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It looks amazing those pastel coloured apartments and that seafood just screamed freshly caught that morning…a beautiful place 🙂
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It’s truly a unique destination Carol. X
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I loved Cinque Terre – though I only had an evening and a couple of hours in the morning – less than a whole day. This brought back great memories for me.
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Such a short time unfortunately, but it gives you a taste. Glad to bring back great memories. 😉
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I spend just a day enjoying the Cinque Terre many years ago. But I have a picture of the water off Vernazza. Gorgeous then, gorgeous now in your pictures. Thank you for the reminder of this lovely place. We walked what I remember as a long a treacherous path from Monterosso to Vernazza. Is that path still open?
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Thanks Angela. I believe some of the paths are still open and I think there is a particular website you can check. When we were there 2 years ago it was only Via del Amore that was shut. Xx
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I really love the Cinque Terre! Lovely post and beautiful photos. I want to go there again!
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Most definitely. Thanks Alida. X
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I’ve always wanted to visit Cinque Terre! Loved this informative & beautiful recap. 🙂
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Thank you so much. 😉
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Hi! I’ve nominated you for the blogger recognition award. I hope you’ll check it out! https://purpleoysters.wordpress.com/2017/08/08/blogger-recognition-award/
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Thank you Cordelia. Will definitely check it out. 🙂
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Wonderful post. I have not been there, but in Sorrento. 🙂
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Sorrento is beautiful too. Thanks. 😉
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So beautiful!
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👍🏼
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I’m heading there in a few weeks and could be not more excited (even though I’m expecting it to be super crowded!).
Beautiful photos!
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Oh how beautiful. Very exciting indeed. Enjoy your time away and thanks for reading Scarlett. 😉
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Fabulous post. I’m so happy to have come by your blog. I am completely in love with Italy, the Amalfi Coast my favourite spot so far. But Cinque Terre is definitely on my list. Your post just makes me want to get back to Italy asap!
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Thank you so much Tracey. The Amalfi is indeed beautiful too. I totally understand your love for Italy. 😊
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Loved this! I visited this summer, and you took me right back there with your photos–especially that fritto misto and gelato! Amazing how vivid food memories are from places we’ve visited! Thanks for reminding me of the gem that is Cinque Terre!
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Our memories of these wonderful places will live forever. No one can take them away and we can look back and be reminded of these special times through these photos and memorabilia anytime we want. Blogging has helped me do this and I am very grateful.
Glad to help others realise this too. 😉
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Lerici, Liguria, is our favourite place in the world. We base ourself and explore Tuscanny, the Carrera mountains and most of the cinque Terre. Your post has reminded me that it is time to return. Thank you.
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Very welcome Ellen. It is a truly beautiful region. Thanks for reading. 😊
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the pleasure was mine.
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