Family Adventure in the Enchanting Cinque Terre

A Coastal Journey of a Lifetime

Today was nothing short of magical. Waking up in Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the Cinque Terre villages, I knew we were in for a treat. The plan was to hike the famous trail to Vernazza, a route I had dreamt about since planning this trip. With my family in tow, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation for the day ahead. I made sure we had our hiking boots on, water bottles filled, and of course, my camera ready to capture every moment of this stunning coastal walk.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at San Martino Gastronomia. This charming little spot, tucked away in the historic center of Monterosso, was the perfect place to fuel up for our hike. I opted for a classic Italian breakfast of cappuccino and a pastry, while Maximilian enjoyed a more substantial sandwich. Astrid, of course, chose a chocolate-filled croissant, her eyes wide with delight. It's these simple moments that make traveling with family so special.


Experience the best of Mediterranean cuisine at San Martino Gastronomia with fresh seafood and authentic Italian dishes in Monterosso al Mare.

With our stomachs full and spirits high, we set off to find the trailhead. Luckily, it was easy to locate, near the beachfront. As we faced the sea, the path was on the left, marked by a concrete ramp leading upwards from the beach. The climb began almost immediately, and I could feel my heart pumping as we ascended the steep steps. Astrid, ever the energetic one, scampered ahead, while Maximilian and I took a more measured pace. Looking back, the views of Monterosso were already breathtaking, the colorful buildings contrasting against the deep blue of the Ligurian Sea.

The trail itself was a mix of rocky paths, stone steps, and dirt tracks. The September sun was warm, but a gentle breeze kept us comfortable. The landscape was a tapestry of vineyards, olive groves, and fragrant Mediterranean flora. I couldn't help but stop every few minutes to snap a photo, trying to capture the beauty that surrounded us. The air was filled with the scent of wildflowers and the sound of cicadas, creating a truly immersive sensory experience.

Sometimes, the most scenic roads in life are the ones you least expect.

After about an hour of hiking, we reached a particularly stunning viewpoint. Vernazza, with its iconic harbor and colorful houses, lay before us. It was a scene straight out of a postcard, and I felt a surge of pride knowing we had made it this far. We took a well-deserved break, sipping water and enjoying the view. Astrid, always the curious one, peppered me with questions about the history of the village and the people who lived there.


Explore Vernazza, a colorful coastal village in Cinque Terre, famous for its breathtaking views, rich history, and delicious local cuisine.

As we descended towards Vernazza, the trail became steeper. The path wound its way through terraced vineyards, and I marveled at the ingenuity of the farmers who had cultivated this land for centuries. The steps were uneven and required careful footing, but the views were more than worth the effort. We passed fellow hikers from all over the world, exchanging smiles and words of encouragement.

Finally, we reached the outskirts of Vernazza. The narrow streets were bustling with activity, and the air was filled with the aroma of Ligurian cuisine. We made our way down to the harbor, where colorful fishing boats bobbed gently in the water. The Guglielmo Marconi Square was alive with people enjoying the afternoon sun.

Lunch was at Il Pirata delle 5 Terre. This charming restaurant, run by two Sicilian brothers, came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. We shared a delicious seafood risotto, bursting with fresh flavors, and a plate of trofie al pesto, a Ligurian specialty. Astrid, surprisingly, devoured a plate of gnocchi with walnut sauce, declaring it the best pasta she had ever tasted. The house wine, a crisp white, was the perfect accompaniment to our meal.


Experience authentic Italian seafood at Il Pirata delle 5 Terre in Vernazza—where every dish tells a story and every view captivates.

After lunch, we explored the village. We wandered through the narrow streets, admiring the colorful houses and soaking up the atmosphere. We visited the Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia, a beautiful Gothic-Ligurian church that stands proudly by the harbor. Astrid was fascinated by the church's history, and I tried my best to explain its significance in a way that a seven-year-old could understand.

Next, we climbed up to the Doria Castle. The medieval fortress, built to defend against pirate attacks, offered panoramic views of Vernazza and the coastline. The climb was steep, but the vista from the top was simply stunning. I could see the trail we had hiked earlier in the day, snaking its way along the coast. It was a humbling reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds us.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to treat ourselves to some gelato. We found a small gelateria near the harbor and indulged in a variety of flavors. I chose a classic pistachio, while Maximilian opted for a rich chocolate. Astrid, of course, went for strawberry, her face soon covered in pink goo. It was the perfect way to cool down and recharge after a day of hiking and exploring.

Before dinner, we stopped by Enoteca Da Eliseo for a glass of local wine. This cozy wine bar, recommended by Rick Steves, was the perfect place to relax and unwind. I sampled a glass of Sciacchetrà, a sweet dessert wine that is unique to the Cinque Terre. Maximilian, ever the beer aficionado, chose a local craft beer. We sat outside, watching the world go by and savoring the moment.


Discover the exquisite taste of local wines and authentic Italian cuisine at Enoteca Da Eliseo, nestled in the scenic Monterosso al Mare.

For dinner, we had reservations at Belforte, a restaurant perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea. The setting was magical, the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks below. We started with a Caprese salad, the tomatoes bursting with flavor, and then moved on to the main courses. I had the seafood pasta, a symphony of flavors and textures, while Maximilian enjoyed a perfectly cooked branzino. Astrid, surprisingly, chose the grilled octopus, declaring it her new favorite dish. The service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was romantic and enchanting.


Experience authentic Italian seafood at Belforte in Vernazza – where exquisite flavors meet stunning coastal views.

As the day drew to a close, we strolled along the harbor, hand in hand. The lights of Vernazza twinkled like stars, and the air was filled with a sense of peace and tranquility. I felt grateful for the experiences we had shared as a family, and for the memories we had created. The Cinque Terre had exceeded all my expectations, and I knew this was a place we would never forget.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Corniglia, the only village of the Cinque Terre that doesn't have direct access to the sea. We'll be taking the train and then tackling the Scalinata Lardarina, a long staircase that leads up to the village. I'm looking forward to discovering its unique charm and beauty. We'll start our day with breakfast at A Cantina da Mananan, followed by lunch at Trattoria dal Billy. In the afternoon, I hope to do some shopping at Retrovita 5 Terre, and for dinner, we're planning to try Veciu Muin. It promises to be another day filled with adventure and discovery.

As I sit here writing this, I can still feel the warmth of the sun on my skin and the taste of the Sciacchetrà on my tongue. The Cinque Terre is a place that captures the heart and soul, a place where time seems to slow down and the simple pleasures of life are celebrated. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.