My trip to Italy for the second time was with my best friend and her sister who lived in Vicenza, Italy. One of the most beautiful places I visited was the Cinque Terre. It is definitely a must-see if you travel to Italy. Each town is beautiful with breathtaking views and amazing places to eat and shop.

When I visited, we stayed in Riomaggiore in a small home that someone rented out to visitors. The place was fully furnished and had a very large kitchen, which was nice since one of my travel partners had food allergies and needed to make food instead of eating out. We did manage to eat at a wonderful place shaped like a boat in Riomaggiore, I forget the name, but you can’t miss it. So many places to eat and shop. I got local olive oil that was produced by farmers that farmed along the steep hills of the countryside. So take the time to shop at the wonderful stores and find the local goods.

The first day we were there we took a train to the first town, Monterosso, and decided to take the famous trail called Sentiero Azzurro or “Light Blue Trail” all the way back to Riomaggiore. This trail is not just a light walk along paved paths…oh no…this is definitely a hike along goat paths on steep hills that offer the most amazing views of the towns and the scenery. I recommend taking this trail but keep your backpack light, wear some good hiking shoes and bring your camera because you will not want to miss out on the sights. The path leads into each town where you can eat, shop, swim, whatever your heart desires, and then keep going on the path till the next town. OR, if you are exhausted after the first stretch, you can take a train back to each town. I suggest continuing on the path because you might miss out on the beauty the land and towns offer. A couple of noteworthy things about the trail…though there are many, one is, right before you get to Corniglia there is a set of 368 stairs straight up and then that many down. Be prepared because I had done my squats and lunges beforehand but still felt it as a local passed me wearing high heels like there was nothing to it. Another noteworthy site is the Via Dell’Amore or “Love Walk”. This is the part of the path from Riomaggiore to Manarola that is an easier walk and wheelchair-friendly known for the locks people have left to express their love for one another. It is an absolutely beautiful stretch so if you can’t hike the entire thing I suggest at least taking this stretch of the path. At the end of the trail is a fantastic little bar where you can have some wonderful wine and appetizers as you watch the sunset as I did.

Each town has it’s own little gems, from the unforgettable views of the bright colored buildings along the hillside and the boats along the waters edge to shopping, seaside restaurants, and local markets. This place is a must-see, must experience. Try not to be a loud tourist though, be respectful and take in the beauty and culture of the Cinque Terre, you’ll be glad you did. If you want more photos or advice and tips please feel free to message me.