Who knew “Cinque Terre” meant “five villages”? Before heading on The Golden Girls’ adventure, I’d never heard of it.
The Golden Girls’ Cinque Terre visit started on a chartered bus from Florence. Our AIRBNB host set up the tour that was by bus, train and boat.
Since visiting Cinque Terre, I’ve learned that many friends have been there. Some have even gone between each of the villages on foot.
My hat’s off to you. We found it hard enough to be carried by bus and train.
Tour bus to Cinque Terre
Visit Cinque Terre
The day we visited Cinque Terre, unfortunately, there was bad weather. A landslide in one of the villages and no ships sailing to another meant we had a full day exploring three of the villages — Riomaggiore, Corniglia and Monterossa.
Map of Cinque Terre
Riomaggiore
After leaving the chartered bus in La Spezia, The Golden Girls boarded a train for Riomaggiore. Getting there on a foggy, cool day was a bit disappointing. We were hoping for sunny skies. However, the beauty of the quaint hillside village more than made up for the clouds and sprinkles of rain.
Visit Cinque Terre
Corniglia
By the time we reached Corniglia by train the clouds had lifted and the sun came out to give us an excuse to head for the beach. This was the ideal village for lounging at a seaside cafe and watching people, my favorite pastime.
Ahh… the beer was tasty too!
Village and sea views in all directions were breath-taking.
Visit Cinque Terre
Monterossa
Nothing prepared me for Monterossa. From the multi-colored houses to the dramatic coastal cliffs, this village is one to underline in the memory book. Interestingly, now that I have only photos to remind me, it’s hard to believe these came out of my camera. It is truly real.
Pinch me.
Dare I forget about shopping?
Not as dazzling as the scenery in Monterossa, the local shops still put on quite a show.
How can you resist stopping to check out the retail here? Join me to look around.
Hopefully when you visit Cinque Terre you will see all five villages. For me and The Golden Girls, perhaps another day.
Next stop: Rome
For more of the Golden Girls’ Tour
Day 5-6 Nimes, Pont du Gard, Avignon
Day 5-8 Sete, Beziers and Bouziques
Categories: Blog, Chapter 4: Life in France Part Two
I’m glad you saw this and it does call for a return trip!
Yes! Two villages to visit. Must go!
If you’re planning on hiking the Cinque Terra trail, do it soon because the government is discussing restrictions on the number of users per day–all for the sake of preservation which I agree is the first priority–just saying though for near-future travelers to the region.
Good to know. Hopefully other readers see this. Thanks for the update.
That’s so good to know … and perfectly understandable. Like everywhere else, crowds are taking their toll on this beautiful area.
It seems there are more tourists in Italy, but France has just as many, plus some.
Please have some pasta, vino and gelato for me too and enjoy!
Absolutely! So many choices!
Does it require to be in a very good shape to hike between the villages ? Thank you and have a memorable trip !
I really don’t know much about hiking so I’d hate to guess. I know that it was pretty much a full day to go to 3 villages by public transport. If I had been there for a longer stay I would have considered hiking. Besides, you can always catch the train or boat if you think you’ve had enough.
Thank you for the info !
What du I knew more. Let me know if you hike.
Via the wonderful traveling company, ATG-Oxford, my two friends and I hiked the entire Cinque Terra trail. Experiencing the delightful villages, walking the sometimes challenging track, staying in charming small hotels, breathing in the spectacular views along the way, were the perfect way to visit these unique and charming villages.
I do wish I could have seen the other villages. Hopefully there will be another time to see them. Hiking?! I’m impressed!