We traveled by train from the cruise port to Riomaggiore, the first and most southern of the Cinque Terre.

Riomaggiore

As we entered Riomaggiore we walked through a tunnel lined with hand-painted tile and artwork. It was really a beautiful way to enter the Five Villages for my first time. I’d seen pictures and was instantly drawn to Cinque Terre but in all fairness you have to physically visit it to experience the true magnitude of its beauty.

We spent most of our time wandering the streets of Riomaggiore. What a beautiful town, even in the rain.

We had originally planned to walk the trails from one town to the other however the paths were wet, unstable and partially closed due to the rains so we opted to take the train between towns. It was actually very easy to navigate, much easier than I had anticipated. And it probably was a better option, giving us time to wander without worrying about the time so much. By train it only took about 5 minutes before we arrived in Manarola.

Manarola

Another beautiful town I was instantly drawn to Manarola’s cliff walls that were naturally formed by the earth’s movement.

The rains trickled ever so gently along its walls and the greenery that sprouted out from between the rocks.

We ducked into a little place for a cup of strong Italian coffee before continuing on our journey.

Corniglia

Corniglia was the next town in Cinque Terre we hopped off the train to see. And such a cute town it was! Filled with adorable little shops and houses, and although the cloudy skies didn’t reveal all the beautiful colors as I’d seen in pictures it was so beautiful. Then for just a few seconds the sun peeked out to help me understand more clearly what a difference the sun makes to brighten up this little corner of the world. I wish I had captured that little bit of sun on film. But it just means that I’ll have to come back again.

Vernazza

Vernazza has to be my favorite of the five villages. With the cute fishing boats docked down below on the Ligurian Riviera it made the most picturesque view of the water. We walked and walked up and down the hills on little pathways between the houses not wanting to miss any little nook and cranny we passed. 

It was amazing to me that there were so many tourists here with us that day. Especially a large tour group with all of their camera equipment and selfie sticks, stopping to take pictures every step of the way, made it difficult to see clearly. It was then that we decided to duck inside the Gente di Mare with its beautiful pipe organ in the balcony above. And we took the steps down to the lower level to get back out to the street.

It was mid-morning so we stopped at this cute little Focacceria. All they sold was focaccia. And OMG can I just say that it was the best focaccia I’d ever had? That’s probably to be expected having tasted it in Italy for the first time. Seriously, it was indescribably delicious. Perfectly seasoned, perfectly soft on the inside and perfectly toasted on the outside.

I wish I would have recorded the girls behind the counter as they sung Italian songs while they worked. It was like out of a fairy tale movie. We ate our scrumptious focaccia on the steps outside and just listed to the music. Yes. We were in Italy and I was absorbing every scent, every sound. And no, I couldn’t wait to delve into this wonderful bread before capturing a picture of it! HA!

Monterossa al Mare

Our last stop and at the north-most end of Cinque Terre was Monterosso al Mare. This town was unique to the rest as it didn’t have that “small town” feel as the others did.

We didn’t let a little rain stop us from getting some gelato because, well, you have to have gelato when in Italy, right?

After a quick look around town we took out our tickets and headed back out to the train to La Spezia and onboard our ship.

As I said earlier, this was a great way to just see an overview of Cinque Terre but I am convinced we will be back to spend more quality time in this beautiful place.

I’d love to find the perfect time for a visit :: when the weather is beautiful but there are not so many tourists. Is there such a time? We will see. But regardless, I know I’ll be back because this has been one of my favorite cruise stops so far.

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