This past summer my family and I took a trip out to Italy and we had to go to Cinque Terre. I had heard a lot about it, and was excited to go see what it's all about. Cinque Terre is made up of five small villages, and you can go and visit each one individually, either by hiking from one village to the other or via the train. No big shock that we did not participate in any hiking. Once you arrive you'll know what all the fuss is about, it's immediately stunning, the colours and energy just gives the village a sense of personality and life that you can't get in the city. The towns are small and you can definitely visit at least three of the villages within a day, that is, if you aren't hiking your way through.
I also have to say that although not one of the five villages, if you have some time you should definitely check out Portovenere. It's nearby, you can grab a train over and it's just as pretty but there's a little more to do there with a castle you can tour and a church at the top of a cliff with amazing views.
During the summer is the best and worst time to go I would think. The summer is when all the little stores are open and there are plenty of things to see and do. However, on the other hand, the summer is also when the crowds are in and the heat sets in. Summer there rivals one of our hottest days in Malaysia, but in this case you'll be out in the sun most of the day so make sure to wear sunscreen. Trust me, you'll need it.
It is such a great place to visit, with beautiful buildings and people in every village you visit. I will say though that I'm not sure you'll need to visit every single village, after your second or third village they start to seem overly similar. So maybe just three or four will do? But then again every traveller is different and every village is slightly different.
It is such a great place to visit, with beautiful buildings and people in every village you visit. I will say though that I'm not sure you'll need to visit every single village, after your second or third village they start to seem overly similar. So maybe just three or four will do? But then again every traveller is different and every village is slightly different.
One thing that I did not realise until I got there was how amazing their pesto is. Everybody talks about the buildings and the villages but the food itself is definitely worth mentioning. The fresh cream pesto over there is just amazing. Personally I feel like people don't talk about this enough. A popular dish over there is fresh cream pesto with troife which is a type of pasta that's about an inch long and look like mini twisties, if you know what those are.
Also worth mentioning is the Octopus salad. I don't know about you but I love seafood and octopus is high on my list of favourite foods, but then again everything is my favourite food. The octopus and potato salad is fantastic. It isn't as green as most salads are but I'm totally fine with that. If you love seafood you'll love this. There is so much good food that's definitely underrated there.
Also worth mentioning is the Octopus salad. I don't know about you but I love seafood and octopus is high on my list of favourite foods, but then again everything is my favourite food. The octopus and potato salad is fantastic. It isn't as green as most salads are but I'm totally fine with that. If you love seafood you'll love this. There is so much good food that's definitely underrated there.