If you are visiting Italy long enough to travel beyond Rome, Florence, and Venice, a must-see would be to go to the Cinque Terre towns. Cinque Terre, translated literally to mean five lands, are a combination of five towns on the northwest coastal line in Italy. They are small towns that are linked together by mountain paths while overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Because of the beauty between the land and sea, they are a central tourist attraction for those who wish to hike or be on the beach. This past weekend we all went and explored what I would call one the seven wonders of Italy. Here is a little bit about our journey and some words of advice for the future.
We started out in Riomaggiore, the first town, and began our hike with a lot of other students and tourists. The hike from Riomaggiore to Manarola was quiet easy. Honestly it did not even seem like we were hiking. Once we got to Manarola we explore the town and walked around to find the best views. It was amazing to see the just how colorful Italy actually is. Unfortunately the trail from Manarola to Corneglia was closed so we jumped on the train to Corneglia. What is so nice about the Cinque Terre is that it is accessible for everyone, especially non-hikers. The train ride was about 3 minutes long and runs pretty frequently. Corneglia was probably my favorite town. It was small and quaint, filled with great little restaurants and fruit and gelato stands. Before starting the hike we walked down to the Marina. This was the best decision! However getting to the Marina was easier said than done. We walked down the mountainside and it was so steep that it took longer to hike down than it did to go back up it. The beaches aren’t like the American beaches with white sands, rather they were all rocks. When we finally got to the bottom I was able to see the water, which was so clear. It tempted me too much, that I couldn’t resist it and jumped in. This is my best suggestion that I have for anyone hiking the Cinque Terre: leisurely walk through the towns so that you can explore the towns and go swimming! It was amazing! The water, which was extremely salty, was excellent for floating. After that sidetrack we really began the hike. We weren’t just eased into it either.
The path from Corneglia to Vernazza was not too difficult but definitely had some hills. What I found so incredible about the hike was that when it would get difficult, all I had to do was look to my left and there was just such an amazing view that I would almost forget that I just hiked up the mountain. While hiking we saw all sorts of things! Women were hiking in heals, ballet flats, dresses, and just their bathing suit. Meanwhile I saw men in jean pants or just their speedo bathing suits. You could spot out the Americans because they were in their running shorts, tee shirt and backpack. We made it to Vernazza and took about an hour break to regroup and relax. The hike itself was only an hour between each town, but it takes all day because the towns were irresistible and very unique. Finally we started the last leg of the hike to Monterosso. This was the longest part and probably the hardest because the beginning was a lot up hill. However when you go up a hill, you always get to go down. On our final part it was interesting to see other couples walking and their reactions. Many older couples were hiking, and a few made beware remarks. In one case this poor woman would have probably wanted to be anywhere but hiking, but was being pulled along by her husband. Her husband was fast and wanted to move quickly, while she struggled to make it up. He would wait and pull her along. The whole time we were behind her, as we could not pass her with her husband blocking our path. Between the pressure of her husband and us tailing right behind, she was very relieved to reach the bottom. Once we reached the peak of the mountain, the downhill part lasts about 30 minutes. Along the way there were a few stands selling lemonade from their vineyards. The men would take the lemons, squeeze them, add water and sugar and mix it up and then serve it. It was very refreshing and highly recommended. Finally we made it to the bottom, feeling really accomplished, and tired. We ended with having appetizers on the beach, which could not have been better! Overall the hike is very manageable, but can be steep at points. However the views are spectacular! So if you ever do decide to go, here are some packing essentials:
1. Bathing Suit – to jump in the water
2. Towel
3. Extra Shirt and socks
4. Sunglasses, it is very sunny
5. Hat, to cover your sweaty hair
6. Band-Aids, well… I did fall and it was really embarrassing!
7. Water
8. A Camera!!!
When hiking the Cinque Terre, start from Riomaggiore and work your way to Monterosso. The hill at the end going downhill would have been a terrible way to start the hike! Also when you finish in Monterosso there is a beach to go swimming! The Cinque Terre really give you a feel for the small, remote little towns that are tucked away in some of the most beautiful parts of Italy.
Caroline Passano, Vanderbilt Univeristy
CET Florence Student Correspondent, Fall 2011
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