A Day in Cinque Terre: Land of Cliffside Villages and Scenic Ocean Views

All it took was one photo of Cinque Terre for me to want to go there. A stunning coastal area known for its colorful cliffside villages, rugged coastlines, and scenic ocean views. These five villages are located on the northern side of Italy, known as the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region. Not as well known as the Amalfi Coast, but just as comparable and worthy of a visit or stay. Best part, it’s much more accessible by public transportation than the Amalfi Coast where there are no train lines. During my stay in Florence, I hopped on a one-day tour to visit four beautiful fishing villages and honestly would love to come back for a longer stay. Here’s why….

But First a Bit of History

Cinque Terre translates to “Five Lands” in Italian. The formation of these five villages goes back as far as the Middle Ages. These were mostly small fishing and agricultural communities that were subject to attacks by invaders due to their coastal location. Maritime trade, fishing and boat building allowed these villages to prosper. Their culture and way of life was heavily influenced by the Romans. By the 19th century, Cinque Terre became more accessible with the construction of railways and roads, opening the doors for tourism. Today, it is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations…