Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Arriving in Cinque Terra was like being dropped into a whole new world. Gone were the museums, street vendors and the hustle of the cities. This area of Italy is isolated by a low mountain range that runs along the Mediterranean Sea. Our train entered a miles-long tunnel buried in the mountains as we approached Manarola, the second of 5 towns in this region. Then, just before we arrived, the tunnel opened for no more than 2 seconds to reveal the sea, as if we were riding on it instead of the rails. Everyone on the train let out a "whoa."
The towns of Riomaggiore, Manarola (where we stayed), Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterossa al Mare are each separated by no more than a mile or two, so it is easy to hop from one to the next either by foot or by train. We had hoped to do some hiking here but were prevented from it by the rain and by the fact that many trails had been damaged by severe flooding in 2011. All of the towns except Corniglia are at the base of steep mountains so that any water running off the peaks comes straight through the town. The rivers are channeled under the towns resulting in a rushing sound heard as you stroll along. The houses clinging to the mountains with their hues of red, orange, and yellow, find a natural foundation in the rocks. The mountainsides are carved with terraces and stone walls that prevent erosion and facilitate the farming of grapes, olive oil and lemons. Where grapes are grown monorail-like machines are installed to help lift and carry the fruit to town.
My favorite town was Corniglia. Unique as the only town without a harbor, it is perched what seemed like 1,000 feet above and overlooking the sea. It was also the quietest, perhaps because fewer tourists are prepared to make the steep climb. Standing on the terraces atop the city, you can see the other towns and miles out to sea.
- comments