Family Adventure in the Enchanting Cinque Terre

First Impressions of Cinque Terre
The journey to Cinque Terre was long, but as our train pulled into Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages, I knew we'd arrived somewhere special. The air was thick with the scent of salt and the promise of adventure. The vibrant colors of the buildings, stacked one upon another, seemed to defy gravity. After settling into our budget-friendly hotel, Hotel Souvenir, it was time to explore!


Explore Monterosso al Mare, the largest village of Cinque Terre, where stunning beaches, rich history, and delightful cuisine await every traveler.


Experience the charm of Monterosso al Mare at Hotel Souvenir, your budget-friendly haven with comfort, convenience, and a friendly atmosphere.

Our family adventure began in earnest today, and what a start it was! Mei-Ling, Lin, and I were eager to soak in the Ligurian sun and explore every nook and cranny of this coastal paradise. It felt good to escape Kelowna, even if just for a little while. The orchards will be fine without me for a few days. Plus, I made sure my manager knew what to do, so I could enjoy this vacation. The journey from Kelowna to Florence and then onward by train was certainly an experience, a scenic prelude to the wonders that awaited us in Cinque Terre.

A Pilgrimage to Santuario Nostra Signora di Soviore

Our first stop was the Santuario Nostra Signora di Soviore, said to be the oldest Marian sanctuary in the region. The drive up the winding roads offered breathtaking views of the coastline. I couldn’t help but think of the winding roads back in Taiwan, leading up to the tea plantations. This was different, of course, but the feeling of anticipation was the same.

According to local legend, the sanctuary's origins trace back to the Longobard incursions when coastal populations sought refuge inland. To protect a sacred wooden statue of the Madonna from theft, it was buried and rediscovered a century later. While the exact construction date remains uncertain, documents mention the building as early as 1244.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the quiet corners of the world, away from the hustle and bustle.

The sanctuary itself was a place of profound peace. The architecture, a blend of different eras, spoke of centuries of devotion and history. We lit candles, said a few prayers, and simply stood in silence, absorbing the spiritual energy of the place. Lin was especially taken by the ancient holm oak trees in the square, their gnarled branches reaching towards the heavens. It was a moment of quiet reflection, a chance to connect with something larger than ourselves. It made me think about the importance of preserving our own cultural heritage, the temples and traditions that connect us to our past.


Explore the serene Sanctuary of Our Lady of Soviore, a spiritual gem in Monterosso al Mare, offering stunning views and a taste of local cuisine.

The Colossus of Monterosso: Statua del Gigante

Back in Monterosso, we made our way to the Statua del Gigante, a striking monument at the far end of Fegina Beach. This statue of Neptune, built in 1910, is hard to miss. Originally, the statue was part of the Villa Pastine, commissioned by Giovanni and Juanita Pastine, locals who made their fortune in Argentina. The villa also featured a large shell-shaped terrace, but both were damaged during World War II. A storm in 1966 further weakened the statue, leading to partial restoration. Today, it stands as a reminder of the past, a little battered but still magnificent.

The statue stands 14 meters high and weighs 1700 quintals, a fitting tribute to Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. It reminded me of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the ancient wonders of the world. It’s a bit sad that the statue is missing its arms, trident, shell, and a leg, but it still has a quirky charm. Lin was fascinated by the statue, asking endless questions about its history and the stories it could tell. I tried my best to explain, weaving in tales of Roman gods and the forces of nature.


Discover the grandeur of Statua del Gigante in Monterosso al Mare, a breathtaking statue offering stunning views and a glimpse into Italy's maritime heritage.

A Culinary Journey Through Monterosso

After a day of exploring, our stomachs were rumbling. Monterosso boasts a variety of restaurants, and we were eager to sample the local cuisine. We started our culinary adventure with lunch at Ristorante Via Venti. This restaurant offers both Ligurian seafood dishes and more traditional Italian fare. Mei-Ling ordered the seafood ravioli, while I opted for the grilled squid. Lin, of course, wanted pasta with pesto, a Ligurian specialty. The food was fresh and flavorful, a testament to the region's culinary heritage.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Via Venti in Monterosso al Mare, where fresh seafood meets traditional flavors.

For dinner, we decided to try Ristorante L'Ancora della Tortuga, a clifftop venue with nautical decor and sea views. Access to the restaurant involves walking down stairs built into the old fortifications of Monterosso. The views were stunning, the sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs providing a soothing backdrop. The restaurant is known for its homemade pasta and seafood specialties. I called about ten times to make a reservation because I wanted to have dinner here. Luckily, they answered and we were able to eat here. We savored every bite, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such a magical place. The restaurant also offers gluten-free options, which was a plus for some diners.


Experience authentic Italian seafood at Ristorante L'Ancora della Tortuga in Monterosso al Mare, where breathtaking views meet exquisite flavors.

La Taverna di Monterosso was our final stop for the night. This restaurant offers Italian and Mediterranean cuisines, with seafood spaghetti, spinach ravioli, and gnocchi being popular choices. They even brought out gluten-free bread. The atmosphere was lively, the staff friendly and attentive. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Cinque Terre.


Experience authentic Italian flavors at La Taverna di Monterosso – where every dish tells a story from the heart of Cinque Terre.

Sunset at Beach Bar Stella Marina

As the sun began to set, we strolled along the beach to Beach Bar Stella Marina. This beach pavilion is the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a day of exploring. We ordered some local wine and watched as the sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors. The atmosphere was casual and laid-back, the perfect way to end our first day in Monterosso. Lin enjoyed a refreshing drink while building sandcastles on the beach.


Discover the charming Beach Bar Stella Marina in Monterosso Al Mare, a perfect spot for relaxation and delightful seaside dining.

The bar operates from morning until evening, serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks. The menu includes fresh seafood and traditional Italian fare. The views of Il Gigante from the bar are unforgettable. The beach bar has a welcoming ambiance and friendly staff, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Beach Bar Stella Marina is a coastal gem in Monterosso al Mare.

Reflections on the Day

As I sit here, writing this blog post, I can still feel the warmth of the Ligurian sun on my skin. Today was a day of discovery, a day of connecting with history, culture, and nature. Cinque Terre has already captured my heart, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. We plan to visit Vernazza, explore the Port of Vernazza, and hike through Cinque Terre National Park. Tomorrow, we plan to explore more of Cinque Terre, with a visit to Vernazza. I’m particularly excited to see the This One Vernazza shop and pick up a few souvenirs.

Ferragosto, the Italian holiday that marks the Assumption of Mary, is also happening around this time, adding to the festive atmosphere. While some businesses might be closed, the main tourist spots will remain open. I’m looking forward to experiencing the local celebrations and immersing ourselves in Italian culture.

I'm especially grateful to share this experience with my family. Seeing Lin's eyes light up as she explores new places is the greatest reward. And having Mei-Ling by my side, sharing these moments, makes it all the more special. I hope that our journey inspires others to step outside their comfort zones and explore the world. There’s so much beauty and wonder to discover, if only we take the time to look. Goodnight from Monterosso!