For the longest time I had always dreamed of seeing Cinque Terre with my own eyes. After learning it was only a little under two hours away I knew I would have to go before my time in Italy ended. CInque Terre consists of 5 towns off the western coast of Italy all within a few miles of one another. From Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.
My friends and I left Florence around 7 am on bus to take us to the train right outside Cinque Terre. We started in Manarola where we had around an hour to climb on rocks and take in the views from the cliffs. It was a small town with a few shops and places to eat. There were boats covered and a few men fishing off the cliffs.
My friends and I left Florence around 7 am on bus to take us to the train right outside Cinque Terre. We started in Manarola where we had around an hour to climb on rocks and take in the views from the cliffs. It was a small town with a few shops and places to eat. There were boats covered and a few men fishing off the cliffs.
From there we took the train to Vernazza. Vernazza was a picturesque town with a port that wrapped around the front of the coast. We ate at a small pizzeria where we indulged in pesto pizza. This town is one of the first places where pesto was used. It was nothing less than delicious. We walked around into the shops and took in all of the pastel colored buildings and strands of white clothes dangling from each terrace. Vernazza is the fourth town where we hiked for two hours along the coast to arrive in the final city of Monterosso. The hike was definitely not easy but gave indescribable views. The beginning of the hike was all uphill, legs shaky and continually having to make sure we didn't tumble off the side of the cliff. As we walked we were able to see Monteross in the distance as well as Vernazza behind us. It was amazing to see each small town bundled up on the side of the mountain, each unique in there own way. After a few hours we made our way down to the beaches of Monterosso.
Monterosso is known for the best beaches of the five towns. Although I haven't been to Monte Carlo, from what I have seen, the buildings in Monterosso reminded me of something that would be seen there. With clean painted buildings in bright color schemes, each was individually unique. We walked around and waited in line at the infamous shop where bucket drinks are sold. An Italian man owns a shop right on the beach where he plays country music, and sells buckets of whichever drink you please! He actually met an American girl that attended Auburn and started the business from there. My friends and I then spent the rest of our time enjoying our strawberry daiquiris on the beach. Worn out from a day in the sun and hiking the coastal terrain we headed back to Florence with memories of a fantastic day. I highly recommend Cinque Terre to anyone that is visiting Italy.
The school week has started and come thursday my friends and I will be headed to Munich, Germany for Springfest! I can't wait for a festival filled with delicious beer, giant pretzels, and braided hair with German dresses! Just a few weeks left and trying to squeeze everything in that I can before I head back to the states.
Always,
Sam
The school week has started and come thursday my friends and I will be headed to Munich, Germany for Springfest! I can't wait for a festival filled with delicious beer, giant pretzels, and braided hair with German dresses! Just a few weeks left and trying to squeeze everything in that I can before I head back to the states.
Always,
Sam