PERFECT WEEKENDS
Our Perfect Weekend in Cinque Terre
The pictures and videos don't do it justice. Words can't describe the clear blue Mediterranean water, the unbelievably bright yellow hue of limoncino, the surreal violet flowers blooming on the side of a building. These are just one of the few of many mesmerizing elements that define Cinque Terre. We first learned of the five villages through Rick Steves' Europe Travel Series. As we continued to research this area, we discovered a universal praise for it's unique environment, high quality wines, seasonal produce and fresh seafood.
When we finally arrived to the first village, Monterosso al Mare last summer, the first thing my wife did was get some gelato ice cream. We stood on the boardwalk, watching all the sun bathers with their orange umbrellas. You hear the waves crashing on the sand. We already knew at that moment that our time in Cinque Terre was going to be amazing.
We managed to visit 4 out of the 5 villages. Unfortunately we did not have time to see Riomaggiore but you can easily take a boat there and to all the other towns. What we loved about Cinque Terre was how different each village was. You can grab a drink at one of the many bars and restaurants in Monterosso. Take a stroll on the vineyard trail in Manarola. Climb to the top in Vernazza for breathtaking views of the water and town below. Or just relax at a cafe in Corniglia. Forget the pictures and videos. Go to Cinque Terre yourself. Get that gelato and relax on the beach!
Many experts will tell you can't fully appreciate an area until you have spent a least a week there. In my perspective, all you need is a few days of good food, amazing drinks and a couple of fun activities; things that truly define the area. Our Perfect Weekend is just a mere suggestion. Our goal is to spark your curiosity...and we hope you live to tell someone your perfect weekend in Cinque Terre.
You finally arrive to the middle village, Corniglia. You climbed the dreaded 382 steps from the train station to the center of town. After checking in and unpacking your luggage, head to the top of the hill where you'll find the charming Cecio Ristorante Camere. This family run inn has some of the best views of Corniglia. Order the seafood pasta and grilled veggies.
Alberto Gelateria has you covered for dessert. They have smoothies, slushies, yogurt and milk shakes. But what you really need to try is their gelato. The classic vanilla, chocolate and strawberry are always popular. But save room for their specialty flavors like basil, lemon and honey. Grab a cone and explore the little town before heading to bed.
Just a short walk from your hotel/airbnb is Caffe Matteo, a small restaurant with a wonderful outdoor patio area. The multilingual waitresses will deliver you hot coffees and teas, the usual eggs and bacon and breakfast pastries.
Hop on the train and head south to the next village called Manarola. First locate the bell tower at the highest point of town. Close by is the wooden fence that leads you to the start of the vineyard walk. You will come across grape vines, lemon trees, the Mediterranean sea, dry stone walls, a cemetery and playground, all in 20 minutes. You don't have to worry about steep hills or uneven grounds on this trail. Just make sure you have some good sturdy shoes and be prepared to climb some steps. This walk will be a cinch compared to the 382 steps you climbed the first night.
For lunch, head northwest to the biggest town in Cinque Terre, Monterosso. In Google maps, enter in Il Frantoio, an Italian gem tucked on the side of the main street. But don't be surprised if there is a line. Locals and frequent customers will tell you their focaccias, pizzas and pan frittos are absolutely worth the wait.
Aside from from the lemon trees, nightlife and the famous Giant Neptune statue, Monterosso is well known for their beaches. It gets quite crowded in the summer, as it's the only traditional sand covered beach in Cinque Terre. Find a spot to lay out your towel or purchase a folding chair and umbrella combo for a proper sunbathe. Dip your feet in the amazingly clear blue water. This is certainly a setting you can get used to.
Wine bars are a seemingly ubiquitous part of Italian culture. It's quite common to grab a drink after work or before dinner to unwind and decompress. At Enoteca Da Eliseo, they serve all the Italian standards like wine, beer, aperol spritz and limoncino. They even have a sweet strawberry wine called Frangolino that is dangeriously delicious. Pair your beverage with some little snacks like caper berries and nuts and you got yourself a nice afternoon snack/drink.
Ranked as one of the best restaurants in Cinque Terre, Miky is notorious for fresh seafood, top local wines and traditional handmade pasta. You will find the typical elements of fine dining: immaculate tablecloths, polished glasses and silverware, along with well dressed servers and beautiful flowers. But they also offer outdoor patio seating which is great for those casual meals in the summer. Definitely call a few days in advance to secure a table.
Time for Breakfast. At Bar Pan e Vin, they offer delicious pastries and foccacia sandwiches that are universally praised by locals and tourists. You can get a cappuccino, espresso or fresh squeezed orange juice with a croissant for 4 euros. What a steal! Don't be afraid to ask for a little prosecco with your oj. No one will judge you.
Hike to the top where you'll discover Cinque Terre's oldest surviving castle, dating back to about the year 1000. The entrance fee is about €1.5, however it's worth every cent for the superb views of the sea and town. Depending on the day and season, the winds can be quite powerful but refreshing on a hot summer day.
