Family Adventure in the Enchanting Cinque Terre

A Journey Through Time and Terraces

Today was a day of exploration and immersion into the heart of Cinque Terre. Mei-Ling, Lin, and I embarked on a hike that promised breathtaking views, historical insights, and a deeper connection with the land. As an orchard manager, I always appreciate seeing how people cultivate the land, and Cinque Terre's terraced vineyards are a testament to human ingenuity.

Our adventure began early, with the sun casting a golden glow over the Ligurian coast. We set off to tackle Sentiero 7A, the trail connecting Corniglia, Volastra, and Manarola. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of wildflowers and the distant sea. I made sure Mei-Ling and Lin had plenty of water, remembering our forgotten portable phone charger – a lesson learned from previous hikes! As we started, I thought about how much this trip has meant to us, a chance to reconnect with each other away from the hustle of Kelowna. Corniglia, perched high on a cliff, was our starting point. Unlike the other Cinque Terre villages, it doesn't have direct access to the sea, which gives it a unique, secluded charm. Before hitting the trail, we stopped briefly at Cinque Terre Trekking, a local shop, to pick up a hiking map and some much-needed sunscreen. I always feel a sense of responsibility to support local businesses, and this seemed like a good way to do it.

Experience the breathtaking Sentiero 7A hiking trail, connecting Corniglia, Volastra, and Manarola with stunning coastal and vineyard views.
The ascent from Corniglia was challenging, with numerous steps leading us upward. Lin, full of energy, bounded ahead, while Mei-Ling and I took a more measured pace. The views, even from the early stages of the hike, were simply stunning. The coastline stretched out before us, the turquoise water contrasting with the rugged cliffs and colorful villages. I paused to take a few photos, trying to capture the essence of this magical place. It's moments like these that remind me why I love photography.

The journey, not the destination, matters.

As we climbed higher, the landscape transformed into a tapestry of vineyards and olive groves. The terraced hillsides, carved meticulously over centuries, were a testament to the hard work and dedication of the local farmers. I couldn't help but think of my own orchard back in Kelowna, and the similarities between cultivating the land here and in Taiwan. There's a universal connection between people and the soil, a bond that transcends cultures and continents.
Our next stop was Volastra, a charming village nestled amidst the olive groves. The name Volastra comes from the expression Vicus Oleaster, which means the village of the olive, a fitting name considering its location. We wandered through its narrow streets, admiring the traditional Ligurian architecture and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Volastra has basically 2 streets, so you can quickly walk around it. The village felt like a hidden gem, far removed from the bustling crowds of the more popular Cinque Terre towns.

Explore the serene beauty of Volastra, a charming village in the Italian Riviera offering stunning views and authentic Italian culture.
We visited the Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute, a medieval church dating back to 1240. The church was simple yet beautiful, with a serene atmosphere that invited contemplation. I lit a candle for my parents, hoping they were watching over us and enjoying our adventures.
Leaving Volastra, the trail continued through more vineyards, offering panoramic views of the coastline. The path was relatively flat, making for a pleasant walk. We passed fellow hikers, exchanging smiles and greetings. There's a camaraderie among travelers, a shared sense of adventure and appreciation for the beauty of the world.
As we approached Manarola, the trail became steeper, winding its way down towards the village. The views were, once again, breathtaking. Manarola, with its colorful houses clinging to the cliffs, is one of the most iconic sights in Cinque Terre. We took our time descending, savoring the scenery and capturing more photos.
Once in Manarola, we explored the village, wandering through its narrow streets and admiring the picturesque harbor. We stopped for lunch at Trattoria la Lanterna, a restaurant recommended for its seafood dishes. I opted for the spaghetti allo scoglio, a local specialty with mussels and shrimp. The flavors were fresh and delicious, a perfect complement to the stunning view of the harbor. Mei-Ling enjoyed the local dry white wine, while Lin devoured a plate of pasta al pesto.

Discover authentic Italian flavors at Trattoria la Lanterna in Corniglia, where every meal offers breathtaking views and unforgettable tastes.
After lunch, we considered visiting Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero, near Riomaggiore, but decided against it due to time constraints. Instead, we opted to explore more of Manarola and do some shopping. We stopped by Cinque Terre Trekking, a shop we had spotted earlier, and bought a few souvenirs for friends back home.
The shop assistant told us about the history of the Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero. According to the shop assistant, popular sources suggest the existence of an ancient place of worship as early as the eighth century. Legend says that the inhabitants of Riomaggiore built the sanctuary after a Marian vision in 790.
As the day drew to a close, we treated ourselves to gelato and sat by the harbor, watching the sunset. The sky exploded with color, painting the village in hues of orange, pink, and purple. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day. I felt grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with my family, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
For dinner, we chose Belforte in Vernazza, a restaurant carved out of an old stone fortress. The location was incredible, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. I tried the risotto agli scampi con curry, a delicious combination of seafood and exotic flavors. Mei-Ling enjoyed the grilled octopus, while Lin opted for a simple pasta dish. The food was excellent, but the real highlight was the view. As we dined, we watched the stars emerge, twinkling like diamonds in the night sky.

Experience authentic Italian seafood at Belforte in Vernazza – where exquisite flavors meet stunning coastal views.
Before heading back to our hotel in Monterosso al Mare, we stopped at a local bar for a nightcap. Sipping on limoncello, we reflected on the day's adventures. We had hiked through history, explored charming villages, and savored delicious Ligurian cuisine. It was a day that captured the essence of Cinque Terre, a place where natural beauty and cultural heritage blend seamlessly.
Tomorrow marks the last day of our Cinque Terre adventure. We plan to relax on Monterosso public beach (Fegina), soak up the sun, and take a dip in the Ligurian Sea. We might also visit Bathing Resort Il Gigante Monterosso Al Mare and Scoglio di Monterosso. For our final dinner, we're considering Ristorante il Gabbiano, Il Pescato Cucinato, or Miky. And of course, we'll make sure to stop by Enoteca Da Eliseo for a final taste of local wine. It's bittersweet to think that our trip is coming to an end, but I know we'll be taking home memories that will last a lifetime. This family adventure in Cinque Terre has been an incredible experience, one that has strengthened our bonds and deepened our appreciation for the beauty of the world.