Romantic Escape to the Coastal Charm of Cinque Terre

A Day in a Postcard

Today was all about immersing ourselves in the beauty of Manarola, one of the five enchanting villages of Cinque Terre. It’s funny how some places just instantly capture your heart; the vibrant colors, the scent of the sea, and the warmth of the Italian sun all conspired to make today unforgettable. It felt like stepping into a postcard, every corner offering a new, breathtaking view.


Experience the enchanting beauty of Manarola, a charming village in Cinque Terre, renowned for its stunning coastal views, vibrant culture, and delightful cuisine.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Nessun Dorma. Getting a table there is quite the feat, but Hans, bless his organizational skills, had us using their app early to get in the queue. I was really craving a relaxed start to the day. The bruschetta was divine, bursting with fresh, local flavors, and the view… oh, the view! Overlooking the colorful houses of Manarola cascading down to the sea, it was the perfect way to fuel up for the day. As an urban beekeeper, I always appreciate when food tastes fresh and natural.


Experience authentic Italian flavors with stunning coastal views at Nessun Dorma in Manarola.

The beauty of Cinque Terre lies not just in its landscapes, but in the simple moments of joy found in its flavors and views.

After breakfast, we decided to explore the village on foot. Manarola is a maze of narrow streets, each turn revealing charming details – a vibrant fishing boat, a tiny trattoria, or a local artisan selling handmade crafts. We strolled along Via Renato Birolli, soaking in the atmosphere and popping into a few shops. I found a lovely hand-painted ceramic tile with a bee on it – a perfect souvenir to remind me of my work back in Berlin. Hans, ever the pragmatist, was more interested in finding the best gelato.

Next on our list was the Via dell'Amore, the famous “Lovers' Lane” connecting Manarola and Riomaggiore. I had read so much about it, and I was so excited to finally walk this iconic path. It had been closed for years due to landslides, and it only recently reopened. The path was more crowded than I expected, but it was easy to see why it is so popular. The views of the rugged coastline were simply stunning, and it was wonderful to see people of all ages enjoying the walk. Hans and I took our time, savoring the romantic atmosphere and snapping photos of the breathtaking scenery.


Explore the romantic Via dell'Amore, a stunning coastal path between Riomaggiore and Manarola, ideal for lovers and nature enthusiasts.

I found it fascinating to learn that the path's origins were less romantic, initially built for transporting materials during the construction of a railway tunnel. It's amazing how a practical route transformed into a symbol of love! It’s open from 9 AM to 8 PM, with the last admission at 7:30 PM, so we made sure to plan accordingly. The entrance is in Riomaggiore, and it’s a one-way path up to Manarola. Purchasing tickets in advance is essential, either online or at the Info Points in the Cinque Terre villages. The ticket costs €12.50, but it’s free for disabled people and children under 3, which is great for families. The path is accessible with the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card or the Cinque Terre Trekking Card, with a €10 supplement. Knowing this made our planning much smoother.

After our walk, we made our way to the Manarola Overlook Viewpoint. It’s a short but steep climb, but the panoramic view of the village is well worth the effort. From there, you can see the colorful houses stacked one on top of another, the harbor dotted with fishing boats, and the endless expanse of the Ligurian Sea. We spent a good hour there, simply taking in the beauty and tranquility of the scene. I couldn’t resist sketching a quick watercolor of the view – a little something to capture the moment.


Experience unparalleled views of Manarola and the stunning Ligurian coastline at the breathtaking Manarola Overlook Viewpoint in Italy's Cinque Terre.

For lunch, we had a delightful meal at Il Grottino. This charming restaurant had been recommended to us by several locals, and it did not disappoint. We shared a plate of fresh seafood, grilled to perfection and seasoned with local herbs. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, and the staff were warm and welcoming. It felt like a truly authentic Italian experience. I appreciated that the restaurant sourced its ingredients locally, supporting the community and ensuring the freshest flavors.


Experience exquisite seafood dining at Il Grottino in Riomaggiore - where authentic Italian flavors meet breathtaking coastal views.

In the late afternoon, we indulged in a little wine tasting at Bar e Vini a Pié de Ma. Located near the start of the Via dell'Amore in Riomaggiore, this bar offered a wide selection of local wines. We sampled a few different varieties, learning about the unique terroir of the Cinque Terre region. The experience was made even better by the stunning views from the bar’s terrace. Sipping wine while watching the sunset over the sea was the perfect way to end our day of exploration.


Experience the heart of Italian culture at Bar e Vini a Pié de Ma in Riomaggiore, where exceptional wines meet breathtaking coastal views.

As the sun began to set, we strolled back to Manarola, where we had dinner reservations at Rio Bistrot. This restaurant is known for its seafood-focused menu and its romantic atmosphere. We started with a plate of fresh oysters, followed by a delicious pasta dish with clams and mussels. The food was exquisite, and the service was impeccable. It was the perfect setting for a romantic dinner with my beloved Hans.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine with stunning views at Rio Bistrot in picturesque Riomaggiore.

Before heading back to our hotel in Monterosso al Mare, we stopped at a local gelateria for a scoop of artisanal gelato. It was the perfect sweet ending to a perfect day. As we walked back to the train station, hand in hand, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this incredible experience. Manarola had captured my heart, and I knew that I would cherish the memories of this day for years to come.

Tomorrow, we're off to Riomaggiore. I'm particularly excited to see the Castello di Riomaggiore and the Church of San Giovanni Battista. I've also made a note to check out Cose't Riomaggiore, a shop that sounds like it has some unique finds. I’m excited for another day of exploration and discovery in this beautiful corner of Italy. Until then, *ciao*!

P.S. I almost forgot! I managed to misplace my portable phone charger *again*. Hans is not impressed. I really need to get better at keeping track of these things!