Cinque Terre Italy - Wild Safari on the Italian Riviera

Cinque Terre: Obscure nugget along the Italian Riviera, is a carefree option to the French Riviera. Leave the art galleries in France and discover charming Italian secrets…rugged beach scenery…luscious local wine….linguine with lobster.
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In 1999 Cinque Terre National Marine Park was formed. A daring seven mile pictorial hiking trail was developed with rustic walkways, rock steps and risky paths. Gentle ocean winds combine with panoramic views. Bold voyagers cover this extreme experience of over 7 miles with endurance and passion. The small villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso are connected by this nature trail. These colorful villages become relatives by footprint.

The journey can start in any of these villages but the most popular grand tour begins in Riomaggiore and ends in Monterosso. Hikers collect maps, pay entrance fees and purchase snacks from one of the Marine Park Stations. The money maintains the trails and protects local nature and wildlife. Five Euros can purchase the Cinque Terra card for one day or 20 Euros for a 7 day pass.

The most substantial non-resort village of the group of five is Riomaggiore. Begin the cliff-hanging march that leads past old WWII bunkers that once guarded the colorful rugged cliffs. Today, many German tourists with their “Alpenstock” walking sticks, large combat type hiking boots, ramble along the path.

Via dell’Amore welcomes the hikers as major construction work made this trail safe and inviting. After World War II, the trail was reopened and was known as a meeting place for the boys and girls from Riomaggiore and Manarola. Before the last century, Villagers seldom married anyone outside their town due to the isolation.

Like Rimaggiore, Manarola (30 minute short hike) is attached to the train station by a 200 yard-long tunnel that was used during WWII air raids to provide refuge and safe place for rattled villagers. Wander the delightful and gentle path from the church down to the harbor side park. This petite village surrounded by vineyards, ends at a small seaport.

Corniglia (60 minutes) a quiet tiny town perched high above the sea cliffs-the only one of the five not on the water-with a mellow main square. A bold footpath zigzags up nearly 400 stairs to the town from the path below. The town named by a farmer for his mother Cornelia. The Butiega shop at Via Fieschi is perfect for picnickers gathering sandwiches made with fresh Italian bread. A tasty walnut tart is recommended for dessert.

Vernazza (110 minutes) has the closest thing to a natural harbor-overseen by a castle and a stout stone church. Vernazza is the jewel of the Cinque Terre. The path leads through this picturesque and scenic little village down to the sea. Lunch at the Gamero Rosso Restaurant is made from scratch pasta with fresh tomato sauce by talented Chef Claudio. At noon time local children gather in front of the umbrella filled restaurants and play soccer. The aroma of Italy fills the air as the children shout to each other in their native tongue.

Monterosso al Mare (120 minutes) the last leg of this remarkable trek and the most challenging section. The trail from Vernazza to Monterosso is rough, risky and narrow, but easy to follow with caution.

Near Monterosso a native lemon farmer offers fresh squeezed lemonade from his orchard. For only 2 Euros (no tax), fresh lemons are squeezed and prepared with a lemon rind dipped in “Cinque Terra liqueur Sciacchetra” and sugar. You are refreshed and can now proceed with restored energy to enter Monterosso and the final 300 steep rocky stairs.

Arriving in Monterosso, stop at Ristorante Miky at 104 via Fegina, grab a glass of (bicchierre) local wine and experience the house specialties. Miky’s first courses are served in special earthen dishes, covered with a thin layer of pasta and baked in the main room oven. Break the crisp crust and discover a risotto with prawns or linguine with lobster! Relax and Celebrate this superb outing….”The Trails of Cinque Terre”.

by Tom Ellerbe - December 10, 2008

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