Cinque Terre is a tourist destination extraordinaire. It's a well known destination spot for individuals traveling through Tuscany. But did you know you can do Cinque Terre in a 3/4 day trip (from Florence) including: have an amazing experience, see/eat your way through all 5 towns and get one hell of a workout in? You can! You need to prep yourself for quite a bit of physical activity (i.e. walking a HILLY 6 miles in a day). But if you're game, here's an example of how (as experimented yesterday by me and my husband)...10:30 - 12:30 Drive from Florence to Riomaggiore
This will be a quick and rather senic drive to and through La Spezia. Bring some good tunes to keep you amped.
12:30 - 13:15 Park & walk from Riomaggiore (town #1) to Manarola (town #2) via the Via del' Amore
This can be tricky as parking fills up early in Riomaggiore. You may be forced, as we were, to park way up the hill away from the town center. Be prepared for the walk home when you're done, if this is the case. This first town to town trek is an easy and paved path. You'll get your first brethtaking views but it will be extremely crowded so if you're moving quickly, be prepared for the people dodging. Make it a game and you're all set.
13:15 - 14:15 Walk from Manarola (town #2) to Corniglia (town #3)
Similar to the first town to town walk, this will be a gradual and paved road. Very crowded. Be ready to dodge more people on the path. Corniglia is the smallest of the 5 towns. It's narrow windy streets seem like they would be fun to explore if you wanted to take a little more time to adventure there.
14:15 - 15:45 Walk from Corniglia (town #3) to Vernazza (town #4)
And now it begins. There are signifigantly less toursist on this part of the trek. For very good reason. It's longer, steep and the terrain is harder to navigate. Wear good shoes (especially if it's raining) as there is loose gravel and rocks. But it's worth it. Both pictures included here I took from this part of the hike. Take time to soak in the views and lush viniculture you pick your way through along the way.
15:45 - 17:15 Treak from Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare (final town!)
This trek is very similar to the one listed above. You'll have a very steep hill for the first 1.5k. Suck it up and look forward to the top. It's the best view you'll get all day. Then enjoy the rest of the gradual windy downhill to Monterosso.
17:15 - 20:00 Enjoy Monterosso!
Spending time in this charming little sea side town was 100% worth every kilometer trekked. Cool off by taking a dip in the ocean. Enjoy a prosecco or beer in one of the water side cafes or just wonder through the mellow but beautifully decorated streets. I highly recommend Cantina di Mickey for dinner. It's casual and will seat (and feed) you before 7. Delicious. Order anything with seafood and be sure to have a chilled local bottle of wine with it!
20:00 - 23:00 Take the train from Monterosso back to Riomaggiore, find your car and drive back to Florence!
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