Cinque Terre Reverie

By Christen Calloway

Full of German, Italian, and American vacationers and a mix of native Italians, Cinque Terre is an ideal location for outdoor recreation. Whether it’s lounging in the sun, swimming in the calm salty sea, or hiking from town to town through the terraced vineyards and lemon orchards.

Walking through the five small towns of Cinque Terre is a warm, welcoming experience. The coastal villages are filled with locals who actually get to live in such a breathtaking part of the world. The area is, of course, filled with anxious tourists during the summer, but is really made up of people that live their lives on the coast. Going on with their daily routines of working or hanging laundry, it is an easygoing lifestyle they seem to love, judging by their tans and smiling faces.

When hiking the paths of Cinque Terre, the view from above can be a little scary when looking over the edge. Sharp, dark rocks extend down forever, ending in the clear turquoise sea. A tricky balancing act requires staying alert at the steps and curves ahead while also stopping to appreciate the endless horizon, which can be done at almost any point through all 9 kilometers of Cinque Terre hiking paths. Sturdy shoes, not flip flops, are recommended on posters in the towns and in all guidebooks, although many were spotted slipping on path pebbles wearing thin sandals.

While outdoor activities are endless, some parts of Cinque Terre are skimpy on restaurants. The trails themselves are part of a national park, so don't expect any refreshments you don't pack in yourself. Beware of toaster-oven pizzas and microwave pasta seen in Riomaggiore cafes where service lags drastically, as far as servers completely disappearing. The pesto, which is famous in Cinque Terre, is tasty but not outstanding. Stick with the white wine that is made there, which is cheap and deliciously fresh (but be careful you don't get the tres-sweet variety, unless you are having it with dessert.)

Be sure to book hotel rooms in advance during the high season as accommodations are limited and Cinque Terre is a popular vacation spot for Europeans as well as Americans. Much quieter than Rome, Florence, or Venice, plan to relax and unwind at this charming destination.