Cinque Terre Italy

Along the coast of Italy is one of the most colorful and charming place in the world.  It is called Cinque Terre which means 5 villages.  This group of 5 little seaside villages snuggled right along the coast with terraced vineyards and colorful homes is a feast for the eyes.  I will let the pictures paint a thousand words and try to give you a taste of the Italian flavor of these tiny antique towns.  

The names of the towns are:

 Monterosso Al Mare

Vernazza

Corniglia

Manarola

Riomaggiore

These towns are difficult to access by car and if you are interested in visiting it would be wise to take a train from a nearby town and then travel from village to village via the Cinque Terre Express train that visits each of the villages. You can buy a day pass and the train ride is only a couple of minutes from village to village.  You can hike from one of the villages to another over the hills, but if you have limited time in the area, I don't recommend spending time hiking when you could be experiencing the charm of the villages.

One of my favorite things about Italy is their use of the land by terracing their vineyards and growing things along a mountainside so as to not waste a precious spot on the Italian terrain. On the Amalfi Coast you will see terraced lemon trees and other crops.  It is beautiful.

This European custom of ceremonially locking a lock onto a fence is a romantic tradition.  When a couple gets married they go to a beautiful place and lock "their lock" onto the fence or gate as a show of their commitment and hope for a permanent union. I Love This!!