Italy - Cinque Terre

Apart from the art that is quite surreal, well not the art, but the feeling of standing in font of an original, you get the idea? Well, one of the things about Italy that will stay with me for long time is the beautiful Cinque Terre region. Before we get there though we made a detour via Luka, a very cool walled city, nothing fantastic, but we had great food and a good stroll around. One of the interesting things to see is the cathedral with all its unique columns.

On to the Cinque Terre, in many ways it made me think about some beautiful coastlines in South Africa, although they don’t have vines clinging to the slopes, old pastel shade buildings lining winding cobble roads and the light that just seemed special… the Cinque Terre does.

Not a place to live, but to escape and let the soul soak up some character. The Cinque Terre is national park made up of 5 villages spaced out just north of La Spezia, on the west coast of Italy; Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso and finally Levanto. The coastline climbs out of the Mediterranean steeply which is probably what has allowed the region to retain its character. The inaccessibility saved it from being conquered in the ol’ days and nowadays keeps the volume of people manageable, allowing you many a chance to feel all alone with your giant blue swimming pool.

A convenient rail service links all the villages, this is the way to go, buy a day pass and you’re sorted. A road runs along the crest of the coastline affording spectacular views and wish-I-had-an-Alfa driving, but very little else, access to the villages is limited and, I would guess, parking even more so. The boat trip linking all the villages is well worth it, especially as we timed it just right to catch the last launch, and effectively have ourselves a near sunset cruise. Magic! For the more energetic the coastal path lets you forget about trains and the world, this lovers' stroll connects the towns with the occasional strenuous stretch. Aaah and to cool off from a hot mornings walk in the cool blue sea.

The Cinque Terre, a perfect way to bid farewell to Italy and chill the travel weary.














Lovers' walk with the padlocks holding them together, not sure through the eye is the best way...















Stunning blue as we strolled on lovers' walk.





















And an Aloey type flower stem asprouting.
















Hmm tempting... all the harvest is carried by people, no machines on those slopes.





















Pastel buildings of one of the five...





















The Cinque Terre 'duomo',





















and again, 'cause I like it that's why.















Another of the five from the boat.
















Vines and village, quite quaint!















Treated to beautiful sunsets.

If you want to get away and take in some natural beauty go to South Africa... but if you're in Europe and you don't like planes, well then the Cinque Terre is a must, they will even throw in heaps of charm.