Family Adventure in the Enchanting Cinque Terre

Ciao, Cinque Terre!
As our family adventure in Cinque Terre draws to a close, I find myself filled with a mix of emotions. There's a sense of contentment from the incredible experiences we've shared, a tinge of sadness that our time here is ending, and an overwhelming gratitude for the beauty and charm of this coastal paradise. Today, we embraced our final day with open hearts, determined to soak in every last bit of Italian sunshine and culture.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Antica Osteria Il Baretto in Vernazza. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and strong Italian coffee filled the air as we settled into a cozy spot. Astrid was particularly excited about the warm croissants, while Maximilian and I savored the creamy cappuccinos. It was the perfect way to start our last day, reminiscing about our favorite moments from the past week as we planned our final adventures.


Experience the authentic taste of Italy at Antica Osteria Il Baretto in Vernazza - where seafood meets tradition.

After breakfast, we decided to dedicate our morning to exploring Cinque Terre National Park. With its network of scenic trails connecting the five villages, it felt like the quintessential Cinque Terre experience. September offers a sweet spot in terms of weather; the intense summer heat has subsided, leaving behind pleasant temperatures ideal for hiking. The average high is around 24°C, and the sea breeze keeps things comfortable. We made sure to pack our Trip Essentials, especially our comfortable hiking shoes and reusable water bottles. I made sure we all had sunscreen on, mindful of the strong Italian sun. I was a little disappointed I had forgotten our travel guidebook, but I figured we knew the area well enough by now.


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

We chose a less strenuous path, suitable for Astrid, that offered breathtaking views of the coastline. As we walked, the vibrant colors of the villages contrasted against the deep blue of the Ligurian Sea created a picturesque scene. We paused frequently to capture photos and simply admire the beauty around us. Astrid, ever the curious explorer, collected colorful pebbles and seashells along the way, her laughter echoing through the trails.

Sometimes, the most cherished memories are the simplest moments shared with loved ones in a beautiful setting.

For lunch, we headed to Ristorante Al Carugio Monterosso Al Mare. We savored authentic Ligurian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. I opted for the seafood risotto, while Maximilian enjoyed the pasta al pesto, a regional specialty. Astrid, always a fan of Italian flavors, devoured her plate of homemade pasta with tomato sauce. The restaurant had a good selection of gluten-free options, and the staff were very accommodating.


Discover authentic Ligurian cuisine at Ristorante Al Carugio in Monterosso al Mare – a must-visit for seafood lovers!

After lunch, we strolled through the charming streets of Monterosso, the largest of the five villages. We explored the local shops, filled with colorful ceramics, handmade crafts, and regional delicacies. I picked up a few souvenirs for friends back home, while Astrid chose a small, hand-painted ceramic cat to remind her of our trip. I was tempted to buy some Limoncino, but decided against it, as I still had some knitting to do on the train back to Hannover, and didn’t want to risk spilling anything on my yarn!

In the late afternoon, we decided to relax at Fast Bar in Monterosso. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming. Maximilian enjoyed a refreshing Italian beer, while I savored a glass of local wine. Astrid, of course, opted for a refreshing gelato, savoring every spoonful as we watched the world go by. The bar had a friendly vibe, and we chatted with some fellow travelers, sharing stories and recommendations.


Experience the vibrant rock music scene at Fast Bar, where delicious food and refreshing drinks await in the heart of Monterosso al Mare.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Miky for our final dinner in Cinque Terre. Known for its fresh seafood and elegant ambiance, it felt like the perfect place to celebrate our journey. The restaurant was stylishly decorated, with a seaside theme that perfectly complemented its coastal location. We were seated at a table overlooking the sea, the gentle sound of the waves creating a soothing backdrop to our meal. I had made reservations well in advance, knowing how popular Miky is, and I was glad I did.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Miky in Monterosso al Mare – where fresh seafood meets breathtaking coastal views.

We started with a selection of seafood appetizers, savoring the flavors of the Ligurian Sea. For our main courses, Maximilian chose the grilled sea bass, while I opted for the seafood risotto, eager to try another variation of this classic dish. Astrid, feeling adventurous, ordered the homemade pasta with pesto, a dish she had grown to love during our time here. The service was impeccable, the staff attentive and knowledgeable, enhancing our dining experience. I remembered reading that Rick Steves had called Miky the best restaurant in Monterosso, and I could see why.

As we savored our final bites, we raised our glasses in a toast to Cinque Terre, to our family, and to the unforgettable memories we had created together. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, a breathtaking finale to our Italian adventure.

Looking back on our eight days in Cinque Terre, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and joy. We explored the colorful villages, hiked the scenic trails, savored the delicious cuisine, and immersed ourselves in the local culture. But most importantly, we created lasting memories as a family, strengthening our bond and sharing experiences that we will cherish for years to come.

Tomorrow, we will begin our journey back to Hannover, filled with stories and photographs to share with friends and family. While I am eager to return home, a part of me will always remain in Cinque Terre, a place that captured our hearts and ignited our souls.

And though our family adventure in the enchanting Cinque Terre has come to an end, I know that new adventures lie ahead and that new memories are waiting to be made. I am already excited about planning our next trip, perhaps exploring the Nordic landscapes of my homeland, Iceland, or discovering the hidden gems of Germany, where we now call home. Until then, I will continue to share our travel experiences and inspire others to embark on their own journeys of discovery.

As I reflect on our time here, I realize that the true essence of travel lies not just in seeing new places, but in experiencing them with loved ones and creating memories that will last a lifetime. And as we bid farewell to Cinque Terre, I know that we will carry its beauty and charm with us, wherever we go.

Before I sign off for the night, I want to share a funny anecdote from our trip. One afternoon, while hiking along the coastal trail, we encountered a group of local musicians playing traditional Italian songs. Astrid, ever the performer, couldn't resist joining in, dancing and singing along with them. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and soon, the entire group was laughing and clapping along. It was a spontaneous and joyful moment that perfectly captured the spirit of our Cinque Terre adventure.

I will miss the pastel-colored houses, the scent of the sea, and the warmth of the Italian sun. I will miss the taste of pesto, the sound of the Italian language, and the feeling of being completely immersed in a different culture. But most of all, I will miss the feeling of being together as a family, exploring new places and creating lasting memories.

So, until next time, Cinque Terre, grazie mille for everything. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. Ciao!

As we prepare to leave, I am reminded of a quote by the famous Italian writer, Cesare Pavese: “The sea has no wrinkles. Old ships become legends.” And so, Cinque Terre, you will forever be a legend in our travel stories.

And now, it’s time to pack our bags and get ready for our journey back to Hannover. I’m already looking forward to sharing our Cinque Terre adventures with friends and family, and of course, to knitting a new Lopapeysa inspired by the colors of Cinque Terre!

P.S. I almost forgot to mention! I managed to find a local yarn shop in Monterosso and bought some beautiful, hand-dyed wool in the colors of the Cinque Terre villages. I can't wait to start knitting a special project inspired by our trip!

Good night from Monterosso al Mare !