Cinque Terre - "Touching" the fairy tale dream

Colorful paradise…

“Cinque Terre”, Photo: Harald Landsrath

In Italian, "Cinque Terre" means "five lands," comprising five ancient villages: Monterosso del Mare, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarola, all covered in vibrant colors and perched precariously on hillsides and rocky cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Years ago, while browsing the internet, my heart fluttered upon discovering Cinque Terre – a colorful paradise by the blue sea. And one glorious summer day, my partner and I embarked on a journey to this fairytale land. Cinque Terre is located in the Liguria region, in northwestern Italy. The people here mainly make their living from fishing, viticulture, and olive farming. Just over an hour's train ride from Pisa, we arrived at this dreamland. For centuries, Cinque Terre has retained its pristine beauty and unique architecture along its 42km coastline. The common point of these 5 picturesque villages is that they are all located on steep cliffs.

Corniglia Village, Photo: Gianni Crestani

Legend has it that their ancestors built their homes on the cliffs to escape invading armies and the Greeks seeking a new life. Life here went on peacefully until the first color photographs appeared in travel magazines and UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site in 1997. To protect the heritage, since 2016, the Italian government has limited the number of visitors to the village to no more than 1.5 million per year. Therefore, tourists who want to see Cinque Terre must book tickets in advance. The roads leading to the five villages are equipped with a visitor counter system; when the machine signals that a certain number has been reached for the day, Cinque Terre will immediately close. We were lucky to have booked tickets in advance, so we quickly checked in to Cinque Terre early in the morning and enjoyed strolling and sightseeing. Currently, the most convenient way to travel between the five villages is via the mountain railway system. It’s easy to explore the fairytale villages with the Cinque Terre map provided at La Spezia Central Station and at the information desks. It’s truly a place where you can enjoy a slow, peaceful pace of life amidst stunning nature, so whether you have just one day or three to explore… it’s never enough.

…and wonderful touches

Riomaggiore Village, Photo: djedj

Our first village on our journey was Riomaggiore, a picture-perfect, peaceful place. From the road leading to the sea, I took in the winding staircases connecting the time-worn houses and leading straight down to the blue ocean. Following the narrow alleyways, we arrived at the ancient church of San Giovanni Battista and took in the panoramic view of the vast Mediterranean Sea, enjoying the wonderful scent of the early morning!

The ancient church of San Giovanni Battista, Photo: Matilde Civitillo

The town is also known to tourists for its historic buildings, vast vineyards, and of course, as the main wine-producing area of Cinque Terre. There, we came across the beautiful "Via dell'amore" (Love Road), connecting the two villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola along the cliffs. Like many couples in love, we attached padlocks to the railing and threw the keys into the deep sea as a promise of everlasting love.

The road of love “Via dell'amore”, Photo: visitriomaggiore

Manarola Village

Photo: djedj

And across the road, my heart skipped a beat as I set foot in Manarola, the oldest village and one of the eight most beautiful villages in Italy. Strolling along the narrow, labyrinthine streets, my camera seemed overwhelmed, constantly capturing the houses with their pointed towers, the San Lorenzo church dating back to 1338, the lush vineyards, and the rows of fishing boats… it was like something out of a fairy tale!

San Lorenzo Church, Photo: reddit

We had dinner at one of the best restaurants in Cinque Terre. Fresh seafood caught that day, wine made from grapes grown in the mountains, dishes prepared according to secret family recipes... what could be better? A delicious meal with crispy fried anchovies, red salmon drizzled with olive oil, seafood pasta, battered and fried seafood, and a rich, subtly fragrant tiramisu dessert... thinking about it still makes my mouth water.

Cinque Terre Cuisine, Photo: happytowander

And as night fell, the radiant sunlight slowly cast its peach-colored rays upon the brightly lit houses, creating a scene as beautiful as a poem. Children chased each other in the churchyard, elderly people enjoyed the cool breeze on the stone benches, and somewhere in the breezy air, Italian folk songs echoed… All of this left me with unforgettable memories.

The small fishing village of Vernazza

The small fishing village of Vernazza Photo: Gianni Crestani

The following day, we explored the remaining three villages of the "fairy tale dream" of Cinque Terre: Monterosso del Mare, Vernazza, and Corniglia. Monterosso del Mare boasts the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Cinque Terre. The small fishing village of Vernazza is famous for its beautiful harbor and colorful villages nestled on white cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Corniglia is tranquil and charming with its narrow streets and ancient buildings. Watching the Mediterranean sunset and enjoying a glass of white wine will leave you captivated and unwilling to leave.

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/vong-quanh-the-gioi/cinque-terre-cham-vao-giac-mo-co-tich-v12906.aspx