Family Adventure in the Scenic Cinque Terre

A Fond Farewell

As our family adventure in Cinque Terre draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we've shared over the past week. From the vibrant villages to the stunning coastal trails, this corner of Italy has captured our hearts. It's hard to believe our time here is already ending, but the memories we've made will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

Our final day began, as many others did, with a delightful breakfast at La Cantina Di Miky. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and strong Italian coffee filled the air, setting the perfect tone for our last day of exploration. Sophie was particularly excited, having developed a taste for the local *focaccia*. Jean-Pierre and I savored the moment, knowing we'd soon be back in Lyon, trading sea views for cityscapes.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood at La Cantina Di Miky in Monterosso al Mare.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we set out to explore Cinque Terre National Park. Even in January, the park held a certain charm. The trails were quieter, allowing us to fully appreciate the rugged coastline and the colorful villages clinging to the cliffs. We opted for a less strenuous path, mindful of Sophie's little legs, but the views were no less breathtaking. The crisp winter air invigorated us as we hiked, pausing frequently to capture the stunning scenery with my camera.


Explore the stunning landscapes of Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with breathtaking views, hiking trails, and charming coastal villages.

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you never thought to ask.

We then ventured towards Ente Parco Area Marina Protetta delle Cinque Terre. Even though it was January, the protected marine area was still a sight to behold. The conservation efforts are truly commendable, and it's heartening to see such dedication to preserving the natural beauty of this region. We spent some time by the coast, watching the waves crash against the rocks, a calming and meditative experience.


Explore the breathtaking beauty of Ente Parco Area Marina Protetta delle Cinque Terre, where coastal trails, vibrant marine life, and stunning landscapes await.

For lunch, we decided to try Il Gattaccio - Acciugheria & Street Food, enticed by the promise of authentic Ligurian flavors. This charming spot lived up to its reputation, serving up some of the freshest seafood we've had all week. Jean-Pierre raved about the anchovy specialties, while Sophie devoured a simple yet delicious pasta dish. It was the perfect casual meal, a true taste of local cuisine.


Discover Il Gattaccio in Vernazza for an unforgettable taste of authentic Italian street food amidst stunning coastal scenery.

After lunch, I wanted to find a special souvenir to remember our trip, so we stopped by Fabbrica D'Arte Monterosso. I was immediately drawn to the handcrafted ceramics, each piece reflecting the unique character of Cinque Terre. I ended up purchasing a beautiful hand-painted bowl, a reminder of the vibrant colors and artistic spirit of this region. It’s always a pleasure to support local artisans, especially when their work is so captivating. It was fascinating to learn about the history of the workshop, which has been creating unique pieces for decades. I even had a brief chat with one of the artisans, who shared stories about the inspiration behind her designs. It's these personal touches that make travel so enriching.


Explore the enchanting world of handcrafted ceramics at Fabbrica D'Arte Monterosso, where artistry meets the charm of Monterosso al Mare.

As the day wound down, we made our way to Ristorante L'Ancora della Tortuga for our final dinner. The restaurant's location, nestled into the cliffs, offered stunning views of the Ligurian Sea. The atmosphere was cozy and intimate, the perfect setting for a farewell meal. We savored every bite of our delicious seafood dishes, reminiscing about our favorite moments from the trip. Sophie, tired but content, fell asleep in my arms as we waited for our desserts. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with both joy and a touch of sadness.


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

Looking back, this trip to Cinque Terre has been more than just a vacation; it's been a chance to reconnect with my family and create lasting memories. As a freelance translator working from home in Lyon, I sometimes feel disconnected from the world. This trip reminded me of the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone and exploring new places.

I’m particularly grateful for Jean-Pierre’s support in planning this adventure. Balancing work and family can be challenging, but he always encourages me to pursue my passions, whether it's exploring new destinations or simply taking time for myself. And Sophie, with her boundless curiosity and infectious enthusiasm, has made every moment of this trip even more special.

Tomorrow, we'll be boarding a train back to Lyon, our hearts full of memories and our suitcases filled with souvenirs. While I'm excited to return to the comforts of home, I know a part of me will always remain in Cinque Terre. Until next time, *arrivederci*!

Until next time, I'll keep you all posted on my next adventure!

Safe travels!

P.S. I almost forgot to mention!

During our visit to Fabbrica D'Arte Monterosso, I had a lovely chat with Adele, one of the artisans. She shared some fascinating insights into the history of the workshop and the inspiration behind her designs. It turns out that Fabbrica d'Arte was founded in 1982 by Adele's mother, Milla, and her friend Franz. They started by working with stoneware and terracotta, and later expanded to porcelain. Adele and Franz's wife, Jenny, have since joined the team, continuing the family tradition. What struck me most was their passion for preserving the artistic heritage of Cinque Terre. They use local materials and traditional techniques to create unique pieces that reflect the beauty of the region. It was truly inspiring to see their dedication and commitment to their craft.

Adele also told me about their project called 'art and nature experience,' which offers visitors the opportunity to visit their workshop and learn about the ceramics-making process. It's a wonderful way to connect with the local culture and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry of Cinque Terre. If you ever find yourself in Monterosso, I highly recommend stopping by Fabbrica D'Arte and experiencing their craftsmanship firsthand.

As we prepared to leave Cinque Terre, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible journey we had undertaken as a family. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the charm and beauty of this coastal region. We had explored the colorful villages, hiked the scenic trails, and indulged in the delicious local cuisine. But more than that, we had created memories that would last a lifetime.

One of the highlights of our trip was undoubtedly the Cinque Terre National Park. Even in January, the park offered breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility that was truly special. We spent hours wandering through the trails, marveling at the rugged coastline and the picturesque villages clinging to the cliffs. The crisp winter air invigorated us as we hiked, and we paused frequently to capture the stunning scenery with my camera.

Another memorable experience was our visit to Ente Parco Area Marina Protetta delle Cinque Terre. The protected marine area was a sight to behold, even in the off-season. The conservation efforts are truly commendable, and it's heartening to see such dedication to preserving the natural beauty of this region. We spent some time by the coast, watching the waves crash against the rocks, a calming and meditative experience.

Of course, no trip to Cinque Terre would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine. We had the pleasure of dining at several fantastic restaurants, each offering its own unique flavors and specialties. One of our favorites was Il Gattaccio - Acciugheria & Street Food, where we enjoyed some of the freshest seafood we've ever tasted. Jean-Pierre raved about the anchovy specialties, while Sophie devoured a simple yet delicious pasta dish.

And then there was our final dinner at Ristorante L'Ancora della Tortuga, a truly unforgettable experience. The restaurant's location, nestled into the cliffs, offered stunning views of the Ligurian Sea. The atmosphere was cozy and intimate, the perfect setting for a farewell meal. We savored every bite of our delicious seafood dishes, reminiscing about our favorite moments from the trip.

As we boarded the train back to Lyon, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to share this incredible experience with my family. Cinque Terre had captured our hearts, and we knew that we would cherish the memories we had made for years to come. It was a reminder of the importance of travel, not just for the sights and experiences, but for the connections we make and the bonds we strengthen along the way.