Travel Series: Cinque Terre

Before we left for our holiday, I was a little nervous that our itinerary was too ambitious and we might not have a chance to experience each destination as we would be too exhausted upon arrival.  I had managed to squeeze in just one night staying in Cinque Terre, at the beautiful Hotel Pasquale, in Monterosso al Mare, the most northern of the five seaside towns.  I’m happy to say that my hesitation was unfounded, even with only 24 hours in this incredible corner of the earth, we were able to make the most of our time – taking in the landscapes, the ocean and the character of each of the towns.  Unfortunately the walks between each town are still out of action due to the terrible flooding and subsequent landslides the region experienced in 2011, but we were able to make the most of the {very convenient} rail system.

24 Hours in Cinque Terre:
*Catching the train to each of the seaside towns {Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore} and hopping off each time for a wander and an explore.
*Stopping in Venazza for a picnic lunch of pizza, peroni and red wine {from Bar Merengoni Simona Baia Saraceno} looking out onto the sparkling mediterranean and basking in the sun.
*The most amazing hazlenut chocolate gelato from Gelateria Vernazza.
*A dinner of incredibly fresh seafood {including a fish soup that was completely mind blowing} at Trattoria Locanda Il Porticciolo in Manarola.  Also where Jack ordered a big boy meal for the very first time.
*A gorgeous moonlit walk home along the boardwalk to our hotel.
*A sneaky red wine on our terrace once Jack had gone to sleep, making the most of the full moon and the sea air.