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    Travel » Italy » The Cinque Terre

    The Via dell'Amore and a Wardrobe Malfunction

    Published: Sep 29, 2011 · Modified: Oct 21, 2014 by Marissa Stevens · 11 Comments

    No, there'll be no nudity here. I know how you think.

    We'll take it easy today, we decide, no need for hiking clothes or shoes. Let's take the train to Riomaggiore, the last town to the south in the Cinque Terre, walk a bit in each town, then take the train to the next.

    Cinque Terre literally means "five lands", five fishing villages that cling to rugged cliffs along the Ligurian Sea: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore.

    We wait for the train. This one is just passing through.

    We step off the train in Riomaggiore.

    riomaggiore-cinque-terre

    riomaggiore-cinque-terre-boats

    riomaggiore-cinque-terre-harbor

    riomaggiore-cinque-terre-water

    riomaggiore-ligurian-sea

    via-dell-amore

    We can't resist the famous Via Dell'Amore, the Way of Love, a simple, paved path between Riomaggiore and Manarola. "It's just a 20 minute walk." We walk up the stairs to the path and - I'm not making this up - we see this.

    via-dell-amore-m-plus-k

    keith-and-marissa-at-via-dell-amore

    via-dell-amore-cinque-terre

    ligurian-sea

    keith-ligurian-sea

    cinque-terre-shoreline

    cinque-terre-train-tracks

    ligurian-sea-portal

    marissa-cinque-terre

    The path is level and comfortable and the ocean shimmers in the white hot sunlight. Our foreheads sprout beads of sweat; the breeze feels almost cool. Everywhere, fastened locks show names and photos of couples who hope to secure their love forever.

    via-dell-amore-fastened-locks
    Here we sit in "The Lover's Chair"; a couple from San Francisco captures it for us.

    via-dell-amore-lovers-chair
    In Manarola, we board the train then step off In Corniglia. We walk through the streets, pet a few cats, watch people swimming and sunbathing.

    corniglia-italy

    marissa-corniglia

    corniglia-meets-the-sea

    corniglia-cinque-terre

    corniglia-woman-on-balcony

    corniglia-stairway

    corniglia-mediterranean

    "It's only 4km to Vernazza, and it's such a pretty day, let's hike there instead."

    hike-to-vernazza

    hike-to-vernazza-2

    hike-to-vernazza-3

    See the town over there, it's Corniglia. We're not quite half way to Vernazza.

    hike-to-vernazza-4
    Around the corner we see the path ahead.

    hike-to-vernazza-5
    Remember the part about not dressing in hiking clothes or shoes? It didn't matter - the sun, the sea, the air  - we couldn't miss it. So, we walked this path.

    hike-to-vernazza-6
    In these shoes.

    hike-to-vernazza-7
    And these. (bought just before we flew to Italy)

    hike-to-vernazza-8

    hike-to-vernazza-9

    But along the way, here is what we saw. Worth every step.

    hike-to-vernazza-10

    hike-to-vernazza-11

    hike-to-vernazza-12

    hike-to-vernazza-13

    More The Cinque Terre

    • Classic Basil Pesto Recipe
    • Porto Venere by Sapphire Sea
    • Levanto and The Oasi Hotel

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Jenn says

      October 11, 2011 at 6:25 pm

      Wow! So I am a few days behind, but WOW! Breathtaking scenery. Obviously that walk was meant for you two. So gorgeous. So romantic!

      Reply
    2. Pam sandretto says

      October 05, 2011 at 1:38 pm

      Thanks for the photos. I've enjoyed each post and pic. My husband and I hiked the ct in 2006 and this brings back wonderful memories. Keep them coming.

      Reply
      • marissa says

        October 05, 2011 at 6:10 pm

        Thank you Pam - so glad you're here...

        Reply
    3. Thom says

      October 02, 2011 at 10:52 pm

      As you know I really was interested in this one, and your pics REALLY help me see what it's like. Majorly still on my list. I would so have to swim in those two coves that people are swimming in, I'd be like running and stripping like some collegiate coed after a kegger on the quad. GORGEOUS.

      Reply
      • marissa says

        October 02, 2011 at 11:09 pm

        Oh Thom! We can always count on you for spice...

        Reply
    4. Tim says

      September 29, 2011 at 5:22 pm

      REally nice, that's how I remember Cinque Terre with the clear blue waters.

      Reply
      • marissa says

        September 29, 2011 at 11:22 pm

        yes, clear blue - everyday Keith and I look longingly at the sea having made other plans, but tomorrow, we swim!

        Reply
    5. Christen Gladu says

      September 29, 2011 at 4:23 pm

      My favorite day! Thanks for the beautiful photos

      Reply
      • marissa says

        September 29, 2011 at 11:24 pm

        glad you're here...wish we could bring this place back in our pockets.

        Reply
    6. Colo says

      September 29, 2011 at 1:58 pm

      I was hoping you would find the note I left for you on the Via Dell’Amore! 🙂

      I can smell the sea in your pictures.
      Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • marissa says

        September 29, 2011 at 11:25 pm

        So it was you!

        Reply

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