Cinque Terre, Italy. It’s often referred to as one of the prettiest places on earth, and everyone who visits can agree: It’s pretty magical. During the fall 2015 semester, CEA took Florence students to visit the five villages protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
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| So many colors! |
“Cinque Terre” is literally Italian for “five lands,” and the name derives from the fact that there are five seaside towns connected by a hiking trail. For those who aren’t up to the adventure of hiking, or are constrained by time, there is also a train that connects each of the villages. There is Monterosso, which features a beach and is the biggest village out of them all, so most tourists stay here. Next is Vernazza, which is my personal favorite. If you hike from Monterosso to Vernazza, congratulations! You just completed the most difficult portion of the trail.
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| Vernazza Seen from Hiking Trail |
That would be a good opportunity to stop for lunch and try the pesto sauce—this is the region of Italy where it originates!
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| Pesto in the Region it is From |
If you keep going, you will find Corneglia situated on top of a tall hill. From here, there are lookout points to the other villages. Then, there’s Manorola, which seems to be the most picturesque of the villages. There were also many people swimming in the sea here. Lastly, but surely not least: Riomaggiore. When you’re here, be sure to visit the marina to get the postcard snapshot.
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| Manarola at Sunset |
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| Riomaggiore |
Cinque Terre is a popular destination for both students studying within Italy, or students studying in other destinations. Its close proximity to Pisa (one of the major airports in Italy) makes it super accessible for travelers. So, if you are studying abroad next semester, be sure to visit Cinque Terre!
Nate DeRidder is the Fall 2015 MOJO Photographer in Florence, Italy. He is currently a junior at Cardinal Stritch University.
