Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is heaven on earth. I am not kidding. It is the most beautiful place in the world and I am the luckiest person ever for getting to go there. I am going back at least one more time in my life. I have never been so happy and content or in love with one place as I was with the five coastal towns in Italy.

Cinque Terre is composed of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, all small towns that line the mountains and beaches of the coast of the Italian Riviera. The towns are connected via a small train and, more importantly, a hiking path of the mountains that offers stunning views of both the Mediterranean blue water and the adorable, colorful villages alive with light. I was in looooove.

The day we got in, despite a not so great car ride on the windy roads after a night out with the Banisters and Lisa, the weather was amazing the view from our hotel balcony was breathtaking. We dropped our bags, put on our flip flops, and headed out to explore this paradise. We wandered the European version of a boardwalk, full of cafes and people dining and wining with the spectacular views. We stayed in Monterosso, the first town on the strip and the one with the largest beach. We were lucky the weather was so beautiful, as people sunbathed and strolled the sand. The town has beautiful buildings, all painted bright beach colors, and packed together on the mountainous terrain. Ah, words cannot even begin to describe to you how beautiful.


One of the famous walking paths in Cinque Terre is “Lovers Lane,” a romantic walk along one of the high bluffs that has been thronged with lovers, young and old, for generations. The entire path is carved up with initials of those enamored with one another, whether it is on the fence, the rocks, the benches, or even the plants and trees, hearts and words of love adorn the pathway. There is also a plethora of locks chained on to everything and anything. Two people will be locked in love by placing a lock on the rope or fencing or even old fishing net on the mountain, and taking the key. Some keys are engraved, some say Cinque Terre, and some are every day locks. The couples everywhere was adorable, as you saw young teenagers and older grandparents.

The dining was amazing, the people were friendly, the weather was beautiful, the sights were breathtaking… I never wanted to leave. Ah, I still sigh thinking back on my little piece of paradise.