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 by bus, train, and boat.
Since visiting Cinque Terre, I’ve learned 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.
Visit Cinque Terre
The day we visited Cinque Terre, unfortunately, there was terrible weather. A landslide in one of the villages and no ships sailing to another meant we had a full day exploring three villages — Riomaggiore, Corniglia, and Monterosso.
Riomaggiore
After leaving the chartered bus in La Spezia, The Golden Girls boarded a train for Riomaggiore. Getting there on a foggy, excellent 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 breathtaking.
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 only have photos to remind me, it’s hard to believe these came from my camera. It is genuine.
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
