One Italian location has been gaining a lot of traction with travelers – the Cinque Terre, a collection of five small fishing villages on the Ligurian coastline.
When it comes to bucket list destinations, Italy probably ranks very highly on most people’s lists. From the ancient grandeur of Roman ruins to celebrated vineyards, Italy is one of the best places in Europe to visit for the sheer volume of things to do. And lately another Italian location has been gaining a lot of traction with travelers – the Cinque Terre, a collection of five small fishing villages on the Ligurian coastline. The Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful places not just in Europe, but in the world – and it should definitely be on every Italy lover’s bucket list! Here’s why the Cinque Terre is so beautiful.
Five Towns to Explore
As the Italian name implies, the Cinque Terre features five towns that are ripe for exploration. There’s so much to see and do that you would be hard-pressed to do it all in one trip! First time visitors should definitely try to get a little bit of time in each town – the vibes are similar in all of them, but each has its own nuance. For example, Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the five towns and also has the largest beach. Vernazza has a lot of Old World Mediterranean charm. And Manarola is where to go when you want the best in Italian seafood!
The Colors Are Out of This World
When viewing the sweeping vistas of the towns of the Cinque Terre, it’s easy to think that you’ve just stepped into the world of a painting. The colors present here are hardly matched anywhere else in the world. The deep blue sea contrasts with verdant greens from the mountain trees, and right in between are the pastel colors of classic Mediterranean architecture. It’s a real treat on the eyes – when showing photos to your friends afterward, they may even think you photoshopped your pictures!
Practice Dolce Far Niente
Another beautiful part of the Cinque Terre is the mindset of local residents, who are always welcoming and hospitable to visitors. You may have heard of dolce vita – the life of pleasure. But Cinque Terre residents preach the dolce far niente – the art of doing nothing. This local mindset allows one to take a step back, relax, and really enjoy oneself and their surroundings. For those of us who love traveling, this can really be a fresh new perspective, especially if you’re the type who always seems to be on the move at your destination!
Explore the World with AESU!
Are you ready to plan an adventure of a lifetime? AESU offers unique, thrilling travel programs for college students and young professionals at affordable rates. Each trip is action-packed and informal—designed just for people your own age. We are also able to design custom tours just for your group. We’re also offering a Ciao Italy tour (which travels through Cinque Terre) departing in September of this year, with is almost full!
Experience an exhilarating adventure in 2022 on the Cosmopolitan, Great Escape, Greek Island Hopper tour, and more! 2022 tour dates are now available! If you have any questions or want help booking your next adventure, please contact AESU by calling 800-638-7640, or fill out the contact form found on our website. Follow AESU on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.