Romantic Escape to the Coastal Charm of Cinque Terre

A Day of Discovery in Cinque Terre

Today was everything Hans and I dreamed of when we envisioned our romantic escape to Cinque Terre. It was a perfect blend of invigorating hikes, breathtaking views, and, of course, delectable Italian cuisine. We truly immersed ourselves in the Ligurian lifestyle, and I can't wait to share every detail.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at San Martino Gastronomia in Monterosso. This little gem, tucked away in a small alley, was recommended to us by a local, and it did not disappoint. The aroma of freshly baked focaccia and strong Italian coffee filled the air as we stepped inside. I opted for the pansotto with walnut sauce, and Hans chose the classic lasagna. Every bite was a burst of authentic Italian flavor, a testament to the family who runs the place with such love and care. It was the perfect way to fuel up for our hike ahead.


Experience the best of Mediterranean cuisine at San Martino Gastronomia with fresh seafood and authentic Italian dishes in Monterosso al Mare.
With our bellies full and our spirits high, we set off towards Vernazza. The Sentiero Monterosso - Vernazza, also known as the Blue Trail, awaited us. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, sunny with a gentle breeze, ideal for a hike along the coast. As we started our ascent, the views of Monterosso became increasingly stunning. The vibrant colors of the buildings against the backdrop of the turquoise sea were simply mesmerizing. I made sure to take lots of pictures, trying to capture the beauty that surrounded us. Hans, ever the patient one, didn't complain once about my constant stops for photos. He knows how much I love documenting our travels, especially when the scenery is this picturesque.


Discover the breathtaking views and cultural charm along the iconic Sentiero Monterosso - Vernazza hiking trail in Cinque Terre, Italy.
The trail itself was moderately challenging. There were some steep steps and rocky paths, but the panoramic views made every step worth it. We passed through vineyards and olive groves, the air filled with the scent of wildflowers and the salty sea breeze. It was such a treat for the senses. I couldn't help but think about how different this was from our urban life in Berlin. Here, nature reigned supreme, and we were just humble observers of its beauty.

The beauty of Cinque Terre isn't just in its stunning landscapes, but in the simple, authentic way of life that permeates every corner of this coastal paradise.

About halfway through our hike, we reached a vantage point that offered the most incredible view of Vernazza. The village looked like a postcard come to life, with its colorful houses clustered around the harbor and the Doria Castle perched on a rocky outcrop. We spent a good while there, just soaking in the scenery and taking in the moment. It was one of those moments where everything felt perfect, and I knew we would cherish this memory for years to come.

As we descended into Vernazza, we explored the charming village. Via Roma, the main street, was bustling with activity. We wandered through the narrow streets, admiring the colorful Ligurian-style houses and browsing the souvenir shops. We stopped by the Guglielmo Marconi square, the main square of Vernazza, located right in front of the marina. It was lively, filled with people enjoying the beautiful day. We even explored the small, sandy beach near the marina, enclosed by the dam where boats were docked.


Explore Vernazza, a colorful coastal village in Cinque Terre, famous for its breathtaking views, rich history, and delicious local cuisine.
For lunch, we had reservations at Belforte, a restaurant perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. The location was absolutely breathtaking. We were seated on a terrace with panoramic views of the coastline. The food was exquisite. Hans ordered the grilled octopus, and I opted for the cuttlefish ink pasta with shrimp – a local specialty. The flavors were so fresh and vibrant, perfectly complementing the stunning setting. The service was impeccable, and the overall experience was unforgettable. It was the perfect romantic lunch.


Experience authentic Italian seafood at Belforte in Vernazza – where exquisite flavors meet stunning coastal views.
After lunch, we decided to take a closer look at the Doria Castle. The medieval fortress offered a wonderful 360-degree view of Vernazza and the surrounding coastline. It was fascinating to learn about the castle's history and its role in protecting the village from pirates. The climb to the top was a bit steep, but the views were well worth the effort. From up there, we could see the entire village, the harbor, and the coastline stretching out into the distance.

In the late afternoon, we took the train back to Monterosso. We wanted to do some shopping before dinner, so we headed to Fabbrica D'Arte Monterosso. This charming shop is known for its handcrafted pottery, reflecting the vibrant culture and artistry of the region. I was immediately drawn to the colorful array of unique pieces, from decorative bowls and plates to beautiful vases and tiles. Each piece was a testament to the skill and artistry of the local artisans. I ended up buying a beautiful hand-painted bowl with a design inspired by the Cinque Terre landscape. It will be a perfect reminder of our trip when we're back in Berlin.


Explore the enchanting world of handcrafted ceramics at Fabbrica D'Arte Monterosso, where artistry meets the charm of Monterosso al Mare.
As the sun began to set, we made our way to Ristorante L'Ancora della Tortuga for dinner. This restaurant was highly recommended for its stunning views and delicious seafood. We had made reservations well in advance, and we were lucky enough to get a table outside overlooking the cliffs and the sea. The view was absolutely breathtaking. The restaurant is accessed by walking down a set of stairs built into the old fortifications of Monterosso, which added to the charm. For dinner, Hans ordered the grilled fish, and I chose the seafood risotto. The food was exquisite, and the service was impeccable. The atmosphere was romantic and magical, with the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks below. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.


Experience authentic Italian seafood at Ristorante L'Ancora della Tortuga in Monterosso al Mare, where breathtaking views meet exquisite flavors.
After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll along the beach in Monterosso, enjoying the cool evening breeze and the sound of the waves. The sky was filled with stars, and the atmosphere was peaceful and serene. We sat on a bench for a while, just talking and enjoying each other's company. It was one of those moments where everything felt right, and I was grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with Hans.

As we walked back to our Hotel Souvenir, I couldn't help but reflect on the day. We had hiked, explored, shopped, and dined our way through two of the most beautiful villages in Cinque Terre. We had immersed ourselves in the local culture and savored the flavors of Ligurian cuisine. It was a day filled with unforgettable moments, and I knew we would cherish these memories for years to come.


Experience the charm of Monterosso al Mare at Hotel Souvenir, your budget-friendly haven with comfort, convenience, and a friendly atmosphere.
Tomorrow, we're planning to visit Corniglia and explore its unique charm. I'm especially excited about climbing the Scalinata Lardarina, the long staircase that leads up to the village. I've heard the views from the top are incredible. We're also planning to have lunch at Trattoria dal Billy, which is supposed to have amazing seafood. I can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow brings!

I'm also realizing I forgot my portable phone charger at home! I'll need to be more mindful of charging my phone each night so I can keep taking photos and sharing our experiences.

Until tomorrow, *ciao* from Cinque Terre!