Cinque Terre
This is a scenic picture from my trip to Cinque Terre during the weekend. Cinque Terre means the five lands as there are five coastal cities off the Mediterranean Sea close together, linked by train and small hikes through beautiful landscapes. Manarola, the first city I visited and the oldest of the five cities, means “large wheel”, a reference to the large mill wheel in the town. A bright and colorful city, its primary industries are wine-making and fishing.
Across the Via dell'Amore, "Love's Trail", lies Riomaggiore, the southernmost city of Cinque Terre. Known primarily for its vineyards, the city also boasts a small wharf and numerous shops and restaurants. The surrounding water and mountainside have been declared national parks. Another quick hike away is Corniglia, a town similar to both Riomaggiore and Manarola.
After reaching Corniglia, the group I was with hiked to Vernazza. The hike lasted about an hour and 15 minutes through an incredible scenic route, surrounded by small waterfalls, large mountains, and the sea as pictured above. Vernazza was an incredible sight, suspended above the water by cliffs on all sides. Its biggest industry is tourism, although it manages to stay true to its past as it continues its fishing and wine-making industries.
From Vernazza we went to the last of the five cities, Monterosso al Mare. This city is unique for its lemon trees and its large sand beaches. Suffering heavy flooding in October 2011, the city has rebounded and attracts many tourists with its incredible views. Cinque Terre is an incredible area and a great first trip for my time in Italy
"Cinque Terre." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 17 May 2013. Web. 22 May 2013.
"Monterosso Al Mare." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 05 Sept. 2013. Web. 22 May 2013.
"Vernazza." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 19 May 2013. Web. 22 May 2013.
"Manarola." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 05 Oct. 2013. Web. 22 May 2013.
"Riomaggiore." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 20 May 2013. Web. 22 May 2013.
Across the Via dell'Amore, "Love's Trail", lies Riomaggiore, the southernmost city of Cinque Terre. Known primarily for its vineyards, the city also boasts a small wharf and numerous shops and restaurants. The surrounding water and mountainside have been declared national parks. Another quick hike away is Corniglia, a town similar to both Riomaggiore and Manarola.
After reaching Corniglia, the group I was with hiked to Vernazza. The hike lasted about an hour and 15 minutes through an incredible scenic route, surrounded by small waterfalls, large mountains, and the sea as pictured above. Vernazza was an incredible sight, suspended above the water by cliffs on all sides. Its biggest industry is tourism, although it manages to stay true to its past as it continues its fishing and wine-making industries.
From Vernazza we went to the last of the five cities, Monterosso al Mare. This city is unique for its lemon trees and its large sand beaches. Suffering heavy flooding in October 2011, the city has rebounded and attracts many tourists with its incredible views. Cinque Terre is an incredible area and a great first trip for my time in Italy
"Cinque Terre." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 17 May 2013. Web. 22 May 2013.
"Monterosso Al Mare." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 05 Sept. 2013. Web. 22 May 2013.
"Vernazza." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 19 May 2013. Web. 22 May 2013.
"Manarola." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 05 Oct. 2013. Web. 22 May 2013.
"Riomaggiore." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 20 May 2013. Web. 22 May 2013.