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30
48 HOURS
IN CINQUE TERRE
Joanne Mann of helloworld Petone has her breath taken away on
a walking tour of Italy’s beautiful Cinque Terre.
DAY ONE local farmers, and sampled organic food from pretty little
AM: From Genoa, where we arrived last night after a 24- cafes perched on the cliffs overlooking the coastline.
hour journey from New Zealand, we took a one-hour train We arrived at the village of Vernazza after an easy two-
ride along the scenic coastline to Monterosso al Mare, the hour walk. An authentic fishing village with a small harbor,
most northern of the five villages in the UNESCO World Vernazza is famous for its narrow lanes and maze of stairs
Heritage Cinque Terre Park. On arrival we made our way and tiny terraces offering sea views at every turn. We spent
along the promenade and into the old part of the gorgeous an idyllic half-hour wandering the cobblestoned streets
little seaside village which was picture-postcard perfect, and browsing through the many small owner-operated
as was the small, family-run Hotel Pasquale where we shops selling local wares and food. Soon it was time to set
stayed. Located on the waterfront, the Hotel Pasquale off along the trail to the next village. This part of the trail
is a short walk from the main square of the town and was easy walking and we slowly made our way up and over
only a few metres from bars, restaurants and shops. Our the ridge line enjoying the spectacular views.
morning walk uncovered the ruins of a medieval castle Corniglia is the only one of the Cinque Terre villages
and a beautiful old church and convent high on the hill without direct access to the sea and it is set high on a
overlooking the village with magnificent views. steep promontory close to a hill with many vineyards.
PM: The weather was perfect so we decided to begin Corniglia’s origins date back to Roman times and its name
our walk along the old mule trail to the next village. derives from the Gens Cornelia, the Roman family to whom
For centuries, walking trails were the only way to travel the land originally belonged. After more time wandering
between the villages and the Azure Trail we followed is one the streets and sampling the local ice-cream and coffee
of many. Narrow, and at times precipitous, the Azure Trail it was time to head back to Monterosso. To reach the
offers spectacular coastal scenery. Almost immediately train station we made our way down the Lardarina, a long
the path led us high into the hills and through pretty staircase formed by 382 brick steps that zigzags down the
farmland with olive groves and lemon trees and vineyards. hillside.
Fresh basil was growing everywhere like grass! Along the
way we were offered freshly-squeezed orange juice from
HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : SPRING EDITION
