"This is the life", I thought, as I stretched out on a warm rock and let the dying rays of the sun drench me with its golden goodness, the warmth soaking into every fibre of my being - a sweet contrast to the cool breeze that tugged against my hair. I didn't dare close my eyes, for the sun and clouds were playing a mischievous game of hide-and-seek, throwing up marvellous patterns of blue and gold and pink and purple and orange across the sky. The soft waves lapping up against the shore played out the perfect symphony, and I was lost.
If I were to seek beautiful moments, I'd go flying back to Cinque Terre. The cluster of five villages in Italy, by the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea, took my breath away in more ways than one.
Cut to 15 hours earlier, when I was struggling to drag myself out of bed at 4 am. It is by no means a godly hour to wake up when on vacation, but the things we do for precious moments! I wanted to hit Cinque Terre National Park, and get to its hiking trails before everyone else did and before the sun started burning the skin on the back of my neck. If waking up at the crack of dawn was the only way, so be it. Monterosso al Mare is the village farthest from mainland, and that's where I decided to start hiking.
There is something inexplicably amazing about the simplicity of untouched nature and about being able to experience it in its true form. The hiking trails at Cinque Terre are only as manicured as required for safety, but they stun and awe every step of the way.
Climbing up those slopes for close to an hour is exhausting. My thighs were screaming for rest, but the irresistible allure of the view that awaited me at the top kept me going. And I was not wrong. The jewel tones of the sea, offset against the lush green of what you only now understand to be your starting point, is astoundingly beautiful. For me, it was magic coming alive before my eyes.
Soon enough, the village of Vernazza came into sight, and it was with a whoop of joy that I sped towards it, knowing that there was a tap pumping ice-cold water and a shop selling fresh, freezing gelato somewhere there - respite from the heat, and a treat for the taste buds.
The little villages of Cinque Terre are quite charming, with their cobbled streets and cute shops. You'll find musicians serenading tourists. Small stores selling trinkets pepper the slopes, and theres always some delicious pizza lurking around the corner. Vernazza was a quick breakfast stop, before we hit the trail again to make our way to Corniglia.
Beauty is a drug that only spreads delight. So, I couldn't wait for another chance to take in the brilliant visual of diamonds sparkling off the surface of the sea, winking at us, drawing us in and making us fall in love with it.
Among the five, Corniglia is the only cliff-top village, so it does not directly lead into the water. It offers panoramic views of Cinque Terre, and I could spot Monterosso and Vernazza to my right, and Manarola and Riomaggiore to my left, since Corniglia is bang in the middle. I remember downing a lemon and rosemary gelato here. It tasted divine.
I was keen to do the other hiking trails all the way to Riomaggiore, but to my great disappointment the remaining two, including the famous Via Dell'Amoreor the 'Path of Love' were closed. Im certain I'll make it back one day only to hike those.
You'd think the excitement of the day would have me tired, but like I said, beauty is a drug. I had had my fill of mountains and decided it was time to hit the beach.
So I went looking for one in Riomaggiore, and found a delicious tiny rock beach tucked away in a cosy alcove. I made a beeline for the water, and splashed around like an overjoyed child, who knew nothing but the sheer happiness that comes out of a day perfectly spent.
All in all, Cinque Terre gave me trails to hike, beaches to relax on, excellent food, a stunning sunrise, a splendid sunset and unbounded, unfiltered joy. What more could I even ask for?
To reach Cinque Terre follow these general steps:
Choose Your Arrival City: Most travellers arrive either in Pisa or Genoa, both of which have international airports. Alternatively, you can arrive by train or car from other parts of Italy.
From Pisa Airport: If you arrive in Pisa, you can take a train from Pisa Centrale station to La Spezia Centrale, the nearest major train station to Cinque Terre. Trains run frequently and the journey takes about an hour.
From Genoa Airport: If you arrive in Genoa, take a train from Genova Piazza Principe station to La Spezia Centrale. The train journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
From La Spezia to Cinque Terre: Once you arrive at La Spezia Centrale, you can catch a regional train to any of the five villages of Cinque Terre: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The train journey between La Spezia and the villages takes about 10-20 minutes.
By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car from Pisa or Genoa and drive to Cinque Terre. However, note that driving within Cinque Terre villages is not recommended as the roads are narrow and parking is limited.
Luxury accommodations in Cinque Terre include Grand Hotel Portovenere, a waterfront hotel boasting stunning views of the Gulf of Poets and Palmaria Island (Tariff €400-750 Website). For mid-range options, Hotel Marina Piccola in Manarola offers comfortable rooms with a terrace offering panoramic sea views (Tariff €155 per night Website). Budget-conscious travellers can opt for Ostello Tramonti, a hostel above Riomaggiore offering dormitory-style accommodation and communal facilities (Website), or Affittacamere Da Paulin, a guesthouse in Corniglia providing affordable rooms amidst Cinque Terre's picturesque landscape(Tariff From €95 Website)
In Cinque Terre, indulge in fresh seafood dishes like anchovies and seafood pasta at waterfront trattorias if you aren't a vegetarian like me. Try local specialties such as trofie al pesto, a Ligurian pasta with basil sauce. For a quick bite, enjoy savoury focaccia topped with cheese and vegetables from local bakeries. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the region's famous Sciacchetrà wine, best enjoyed with sunset views. Popular dining spots include Nessun Dorma in Manarola for its panoramic terrace and Trattoria dal Billy in Vernazza for traditional Ligurian cuisine. Explore the villages' narrow streets to discover hidden gems for authentic dining experiences.
About The Author: Preethi Parthasarathy is a travel-mad, hyper-excited content creator with an MBA grad, from Mumbai. She lives for beautiful places, unforgettable experiences, excellent nosh and meeting people from around the world. For nearly 7 years, she has travelled to 30 countries and had adventures along the way. Follow her journeys on Instagram @peppytravelgirl