Cinque Terre, Italy

Even if the romantic fishing villages are no longer an insider tip, you should still let yourself be enchanted by them once in your life.

Dream bays, rugged coastlines and houses in a thousand colors - these are the Cinque Terre. Here, the locals lived from fishing for a long time. Today, the five dreamy villages on the Ligurian Riviera are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and attract millions of tourists every year - among them photographers, hiking enthusiasts and beach vacationers. If you want to visit the centuries-old coastal villages, you should pack sturdy shoes and be good on your feet: there are countless steps waiting to be climbed. Beauty has its price! But the picturesque views of the ocean from the villages and the terraced vineyards on the steep slopes are well worth the effort. If you're short on time and don't want to walk more than necessary, we recommend taking the train that connects all five villages. It is also possible to get there by boat. It is best to leave the car behind, as the villages are difficult to reach due to the winding mountain roads and can only be reached by detours. Alternatively, the villages are connected by a total of over 120 kilometres of panoramic hiking trails. Plan enough time for this - we promise you'll want to make more than one photo stop! Good News: If you can be patient, you can hope to even walk along one of the most popular hiking trails, the "Via dell'Amore". Since a landslide in 2012, the romantic path that connects the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola has been closed. However, it is now scheduled for renovation and is expected to reopen in 2023. If we were asked to name our favorite Cinque Terre village, we probably wouldn't be able to decide. The charm of each village is too great! Therefore, you should definitely pay a visit to all five. The largest village, Monterosso al Mare, is home to the only large sandy beach in the Cinque Terre, as well as many small seafood restaurants, bars and shops. Vernazza is considered the most beautiful of the five villages and is as colourful as Italian culture itself. The picture-perfect harbour with its traditional fishing boats forms the centre of the colourful scenery here with its small piazza by the sea. Corniglia is the most difficult village to access, but the winding old town is well worth climbing the 365 steps up from the train station. Walk a little way out of the village and you'll get a great view of the colourful houses and coastline. In the neighbouring village of Manarola, known for its caves, you should definitely try anchovies with lemon and olive oil. We find: Everyone should have seen the romantic fishing villages of the Cinque Terre at least once in their life. Andiamo!

HOTEL TIPS

Grand Hotel Portovenere

STYLISH, LUXURIOUS AND ELEGANT

Modern luxury of a boutique hotel, stylishly combined with the historical structure of a Franciscan monastery and embedded in an inimitable landscape: the large windows and the terrace of the Grand Hotel Portovenere offer a view of the sea and the charming village of the same name. Turquoise green like the sea, natural white like the beach and yellow like the sun, the colours shine in the rooms of the hotel, reflecting the colourful Cinque Terre. The style is simple and linear, classic and contemporary. This creates a relaxed atmosphere full of luxury and style. Wooden floors on the spacious terraces are reminiscent of the seafront, and palm trees add an exotic touch - inspired by the island of Palmaria opposite. In the hotel's own SPA you will find a Turkish bath, a sauna and a relaxation zone. The offer is completed by a fitness room and relaxing beauty and wellness treatments. Culinary delights await you in the exclusive restaurant "Palmaria". Located on a spectacular veranda, it is set in a kind of contemporary sailing ship and is designed in nautical style with teak flooring. Nothing is left to chance here, as chef Massimiliano Volonterio knows how to make discerning palates happy. Maritime specialities by candlelight, excellent service and a large selection of gluten-free dishes are the hallmarks of the "Palmaria". The Venus Bar is located under the high vaulted brick ceilings of the historic building that once housed the Franciscan monastery. Enjoy your drink here in style - in summer also on the terrace with sea view.

Double room from € 250 / night | portoveneregrand.com

La Sosta di Ottone III, Levanto

PERSONAL HIDEAWAY WITH SEA VIEW

This boutique hotel is synonymous with authentic food, good wine and warmth. Away from the hustle and bustle, La Sosta di Ottone III is set in the magical landscape of the Cinque Terre, at the top of the medieval village of Chiesanova. Up here on the hills overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and the valley of Levanto. Only six rooms - that's what they focus on here, because high service quality is particularly close to the team's heart. Feel cared for, yet not crowded. All rooms offer a cosy mix of Italian flair, antique elements and impressive marble in the bathrooms - renovated together with local artists. High-quality food is also indispensable for feeling good: the hotel's own restaurant combines traditional Italian flavours with innovative elements - all in a cosy atmosphere. In this family-run hotel, you will personally experience the southern hospitality, which not only, but also goes through the stomach. Professional sommeliers offer wine tastings in the immediate vicinity, and olive oil tastings on a small scale will truly make your taste buds explode. The very special dolce vita feeling of the Cinque Terre is omnipresent here. Also from the region is Valentina, the day designer, who will plan her personal day program with you. Valentina listens carefully to you and then suggests suitable activities for you based on many factors such as your day shape, your interests and the weather conditions - for example a gourmet boat tour or a private excursion to the surrounding wine-growing areas.

Double room from € 199 / night | lasosta.com.

Eco del Mare, Lerici

DREAMLIKE LONELY BAY

The Gulf of Poets: this is the name given to the bay over which Eco del Mare towers. Because since time immemorial, creative spirits have sought inspiration here, in the tranquillity and unspoilt nature. It is not for nothing that the bay has been awarded a Blue Flag, which praises the outstanding water quality as well as environmental protection aspects - and this is noticeable. Walking down the 140 panoramic steps to the private hotel beach, you are already enchanted by the poetic beauty of the sea. The berths in the small bay offer a lot of privacy, as they are widely spaced and separated by a privacy screen. It is as if you are lying all alone on your own beach in paradise. Listening to the crashing of the waves creates a beautiful melody while the sea regenerates the soul. The aroma of the sea can also be tasted, as the Eco del Mare restaurant plays with the authentic flavours of Ligurian cuisine. Sustainability is particularly close to the chef's heart, which is why local products are used. How fortunate that Eco del Mare is located by the sea and therefore always serves freshly caught fish and seafood. The rooms are also designed to be close to nature. Earth tones and natural materials give the rooms and suites an elegant flair full of tasteful cosiness. The relaxed atmosphere is underlined by a unique art collection with works by young Italian and international artists.

DZ from € 290 / night | ecodelmare.it

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

1st Ristorante da Felice, Chiavari

Charming little trattoria in Chiavari - here you can enjoy classic Ligurian cuisine with seasonal products in a rustic atmosphere.

2. Nuovo Eden Bar, Monterosso

Cult bar in Monterosso including beach feeling. Relaxed place with dolce vita feeling, delicious Mediterranean food and an incredible view.

3. bagni sillo, sori

A popular beach club in Sori with fantastic sunsets. The atmosphere here is exuberant, with a phenomenal sea view.

4. abbazia di San Fruttuoso, Capodimonte

Cultural secret tip in Capodimonte: Benedictine monastery, pirate cave and fishing village with a lot of history and top restaurants directly on the sea.

Picture credits: Grand Hotel Portovenere; La Sosta di Ottone; Eco del Mare; Unsplash (Dimitry Anikin, Belinda Fewings, Brendan Greenway, Bailey Gullo, Sami Hobbs, Michael Liao, Karl Muscat, Giorgio Parravicini, Margherita Turrin).