Exploring the Enchanting Trails of Cinque Terre with Friends
Day 6: Hiking High: Discovering Ancient Ruins and Coastal Views in Cinque Terre
Embark on a scenic adventure through Cinque Terre, hiking to Punta Mesco and exploring the Hermitage of Sant'Antonio. A day of history and beauty!
Summiting Punta Mesco: A Day of Discovery
Today’s adventure in Cinque Terre was nothing short of breathtaking, a blend of physical challenge and historical intrigue that left me utterly invigorated. Leaving the cozy confines of Hotel Palme in Monterosso al Mare, I set out with my friends to explore the trails leading to Punta Mesco and the Hermitage of Sant'Antonio del Mesco. I was looking forward to the day ahead, and a good hike is always a great way to spend a day.
Discover the beauty of Monterosso al Mare while enjoying comfort at Hotel Palme, where relaxation meets local charm for an unforgettable stay!
Our day began, as most do here, with a delightful breakfast at Bar Stazione eredi Soldani Eliseo. Nothing beats a strong Italian coffee and a pastry to fuel up for a day of hiking. The bar was bustling with locals and tourists alike, all eager to start their day in this beautiful corner of the world. Fortified, we made our way to the trailhead.
The path to Punta Mesco was a gradual ascent, winding through lush Mediterranean vegetation. The air was crisp and filled with the scent of pine and sea salt. As we climbed higher, the views became increasingly spectacular, with glimpses of the coastline and the charming villages clinging to the cliffs. I must admit, I was grateful for the cooler March weather; it made the hike far more enjoyable than it would have been in the sweltering summer heat. According to the weather forecasts I checked, the average temperatures in Cinque Terre during March are usually pleasant.
The best views come after the hardest climbs.
Reaching Punta Mesco was a triumph. The promontory offered panoramic views of the entire Cinque Terre coastline, stretching from Levanto to Portovenere. The rugged cliffs, the turquoise waters, and the colorful villages created a scene of unparalleled beauty. We spent a good hour simply soaking it all in, snapping photos, and marveling at the natural wonders around us. I could see why this spot was so beloved by locals and visitors alike. From our vantage point, we could even spot the ruins of the Hermitage of Sant'Antonio del Mesco, our next destination.
Explore Punta Mesco, a scenic coastal paradise in Monterosso al Mare, where breathtaking views and lush landscapes await every traveler.
The Hermitage of Sant'Antonio del Mesco was a short walk from Punta Mesco. The hermitage dates back to 1380, although the church and adjoining hermitage are believed to be much older, possibly from the 11th century. The ruins exuded an aura of tranquility and history. I learned that the hermitage was founded by Augustinian monks in the 13th century and abandoned in the 18th century. Over the centuries, it had served as a place of worship, a lookout point, and even a military post. Today, only the skeletal remains of the church and a few crumbling walls remain, but it was easy to imagine the lives of the monks who once lived and prayed here.
Explore the scenic tranquility of the Hermitage of Sant'Antonio del Mesco, a historic church nestled in the heart of Cinque Terre National Park, Italy.
After exploring the hermitage, we began our descent towards Vernazza. The trail was steep and winding, but the views were worth every step. As we neared the village, the path led us through terraced vineyards and olive groves, a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of the Ligurian people. The terraces, supported by dry stone walls, created a unique and captivating landscape.
Arriving in Vernazza, we were ready for a well-deserved lunch. We chose Ristorante Luca Vernazza. While the reviews I had read were mixed, we decided to give it a try. The restaurant was bustling, and we were lucky to snag a table with a view of the harbor. We ordered a selection of local specialties, including seafood pasta and pesto focaccia. While the food was decent, the service was a bit slow, and the prices were higher than expected. Perhaps I wouldn't recommend it wholeheartedly based on this experience, but the location was undeniably charming.
With our bellies full, we explored the colorful streets of Vernazza. The village was a maze of narrow alleyways, steep staircases, and picturesque squares. We stopped to admire the Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia, a beautiful example of Ligurian Gothic architecture. We also browsed the local shops, picking up souvenirs and gifts for our families back home. I found a beautiful hand-painted ceramic plate depicting the Cinque Terre coastline, which I knew Clara would adore.
As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, we made our way to Terza Terra, a bar perched on a hillside overlooking the village. We ordered a round of Aperol spritzes and toasted to our day of adventure. The atmosphere was lively and convivial, with locals and tourists mingling and sharing stories. The views were simply stunning, with the colorful houses of Vernazza cascading down to the sea. I made a mental note to try and recreate the Aperol spritz when I got back home to Dresden, perhaps with a little Icelandic twist.
Discover the charm of Terza Terra, a cozy bar in Corniglia offering exquisite local wines and breathtaking coastal views, perfect for every traveler.
For dinner, we decided to try Ristorante La Posada, known for its seafood dishes and romantic ambiance. Luckily we managed to get a table. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with soft lighting and rustic décor. We ordered a seafood platter and a bottle of local white wine. The food was delicious, and the service was attentive and friendly. It was the perfect way to end our day in Vernazza.
Discover Ristorante La Posada: A premier seafood destination in Corniglia offering authentic Mediterranean flavors amidst stunning coastal views.
As we walked back to the train station, I reflected on our day of adventure. We had hiked to Punta Mesco, explored the Hermitage of Sant'Antonio del Mesco, and discovered the charming village of Vernazza. We had sampled local cuisine, enjoyed stunning views, and made memories that would last a lifetime. I felt grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Cinque Terre with my friends.
Tomorrow, we're off to Portofino, a place I've heard so much about. I'm eager to see what this glamorous destination has in store for us. We plan to explore the Area Marina Protetta di Portofino and indulge in some more delicious Italian cuisine. I'm already dreaming of the seafood we might find at Il Grottino and Ristorante Ciak. But for now, it's time to rest and recharge for another day of adventure. I might need to pick up a travel adapter and sunglasses tomorrow at Lanapo Cinque Terre in Monterosso, as I seem to have forgotten them at home. It is always something, isn’t it?
Cinque Terre continues to surprise and enchant me at every turn. It's a place where nature, history, and culture come together in perfect harmony. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Go to day 5
A Day of Heights and Hidden Gems in Corniglia, Cinque Terre
Go to day 7
A Day of Glamour and Coastal Charms: Exploring Portofino
Exploring the Enchanting Trails of Cinque Terre with Friends
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Discover the breathtaking beauty of Cinque Terre with friends, exploring scenic trails, vibrant villages, and indulging in Italian cuisine.
Meet this Featured Explorer
Emilía Jónsdóttir
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Occupation:
Translator and Freelance Writer
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Country:
Germany
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Age:
38
Hallo! Ég heiti Emilía Jónsdóttir, and welcome to my little corner of the internet! As an Icelander living in Dresden, Germany, I'm passionate about sharing my love for travel, sustainable living, and unique cultural experiences. Whether I'm exploring hidden gems in Europe with my family or revisiting the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, I'm always seeking authentic adventures. Join me as I share practical tips, personal stories, and a touch of Scandinavian inspiration to help you create your own unforgettable journeys!
Interests:
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Photography
- Scandinavian Design
- Sustainability
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