The beautiful and rugged Liguria region of the Italian
Riviera is host to five villages that comprise the Cinque Terre. Rugged indeed
and absolutely stunning. A national park, the area is protected by UNESCO, and
is most assuredly worth a visit. We stopped in three of the five villages,
Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso.
I would love to go back and stay a few days, but I was happy
to have spent a little time in each village. The ship docked in La Spezia, and
from there we took a ferry to our first stop, Manarola. The village is set atop a rock outcrop, with medieval
hamlets perched on the rocks. The
bedrock juts from the soil and sea below, and the effect is stunning.
Cinque Terre has become a popular tourist destination, and
you will find the obligatory souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes that serve
delicious coffees and pastries, along with gelaterias. Yet it retains an old
age charm, with small fishing boats moored on the street, sort of like parking
a car on a sidewalk, except they’re boats. We had enough time to walk down the
main street and a few narrow and twisting passage ways that further illustrated
the charm of the village.
Our next stop was Vernazza, the villages are similar, yet
have a unique flavor all their own. Towering buildings flank narrow alleys, and
they lead down to a magnificent bay. I stopped for an espresso in a cafe
overlooking the bay. The coffee and view were sublime. The walk along the
narrow streets, and the main tourist area was relaxing and everything is
forgotten except the sheer age and natural beauty that surrounds you. Fortified
with another espresso, I was ready for more.
From Vernazza, the local train took us to Monterosso. The
village is a bit bigger, and far more
touristy. A restaurant with a fantastic view of the sea offered the
local dish, a seafood pasta cooked al dente, the seafood fresh, and the tomato
sauce was light and well seasoned. Perfection on a plate. A feast for the eyes
and the palate.
Along the way, we tasted some of the local wines, and amaretti con limone cookies; the Monterosso
specialty-macaroons made with lemon, and delicious a Pesto that was served on a
piece of toasted Italian bread, and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
It was a long day, and well worth the effort. The views were
stunning and unspoiled, and it beckons back.
Cheers,
Margot
Justes
Blood Art
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
A Hotel in Venice
A Fire Within
www.mjustes.com
2 comments:
Fascinating how people can think of building a village on top of a high rock!
Morgan, thank you for taking a peek at the blog. The views are breathtaking, both from above and below.
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