Dreaming in Cinque Terre, Italy. When the Postcard Comes Alive.

Alex Kittoe

Instagram: @alexkittoephotos

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In March 2024, my wife and I took the train from Florence to Vernazza, a small village perched along the dramatic Ligurian coastline. Cinque Terre had always been high on our travel wish list. We had seen countless photos of its pastel-colored buildings clinging to cliffs, the turquoise water below, and the narrow streets that wind through each of the five towns. Despite a few early setbacks, including a broken-down train and some accommodation hiccups, our two days in Cinque Terre ended up being one of the most memorable stretches of travel we’ve ever had.

When to Go

I would absolutely recommend visiting during the shoulder season. Though the water was still cold, the quieter streets and relaxed pace made up for it tenfold. We stayed in Vernazza, often considered one of the more peaceful towns and a favorite among photographers. From there, we used the regional train to hop from town to town. Each village is only a few minutes apart, and with a €30 train pass, you can come and go as you please throughout the day. That convenience makes it easy to fully experience the diversity and charm of all five.

We spent our first afternoon getting the lay of the land. With only a few hours of daylight, we did a quick loop through the towns to get a feel for each. That evening, we grabbed some street food, wandered back to Vernazza, and called it an early night.

The next day was packed, and it still stands out as one of the best days of my life. We woke up for sunrise on Vernazza’s beach. It was completely still and quiet. The sky slowly turned pink over the sea, boats rocked gently in the harbor, and seabirds swooped overhead. After a quick breakfast from a small sandwich shop in town, we set out on the iconic Blue Trail hike from Vernazza to Monterosso. It’s steep in parts, but the views are unbelievable. One photo I took there of a boat floating in the reflective water ended up being one of my favorites from all of Italy.

When we arrived in Monterosso, we stopped at Il Fornaio for a slice of pesto quiche that I swear was the best we’ve ever had. We kept going back for more. From there, we spent the rest of the day wandering. We stopped for a drink with a view at La Conchiglia in Riomaggiore, soaked up the scenery in Manarola, and returned to Monterosso later for a beach break. The beach there is wide and golden, and we ordered a single bucket full of Aperol Spritz from Stella Marina Beach Bar. I went for a swim in the cold but refreshing sea.

That night, we had no dinner plans. We boarded the train to Monterosso without a destination in mind. As we wandered, we spotted a cliffside table at a small restaurant and asked the host if it was available. He said yes. That spontaneous dinner at L’Ancora Della Tortuga—wine, pasta, and a sunset over the sea—ended up being one of the best meals of our lives. The food was excellent, but it was the atmosphere that made it unforgettable.

The following day, we continued hopping between towns, letting our curiosity guide us. The highlight for me was hiking above Vernazza at sunset. We ran into a small group of photographers setting up their tripods, and we all watched the light shift over the sea in silence. It was one of the most beautiful scenes I’ve ever witnessed and a moment I’ll always carry with me.

Cinque Terre invites exploration without a plan. Whether you’re hiking, swimming, photographing, or simply sitting still, it knows how to leave a lasting impression.