Lovebirds - Monterosso, Italy

While in Monterosso, I saw a couple, who looked they were newlyweds, parked their bicycles outside a gelateria for some refreshing gelato. Great place to spend a honeymoon..

More of Riomaggiore, Italy

My favorite town was Riomaggiore with the sea so close and was quaint and small enough to sit and eat gelato.

Manarola, Cinque Terre - Itay

After the trek, I popped into a nearby cafe for lunch and then explored the second smallest Cinque Terre town. It's set atop higher than the other seaside towns and because it's such a small town, there was an intimate feeling here.

Via dell'Amore - Cinque Terre, Italy

One of the best activities to see these Cinque Terre towns is by foot. I walked the Via dell'Amore (or "Pathway of Love") that connects the towns of Riomaggiore and Manarola.  Inspired by a teen novel, lovers would close a padlock onto the railing to manifest their love for one another. There were also graffiti and love notes along the trail. But also more breathtaking was the beautiful views of the sea. 

From Riomaggiore, I walked the trail and arrived in Manarola. It was just a constant stimuli of beautiful views. Here are the views at the end of the "Love" trail. 

Evening in Monterosso, Italy

I enjoyed this town so much. Even at night, I felt completely safe in this small town. Only a few shops were opened later in the evening.  It's definitely a place where one can do some soul-searching here. Or meet and know intimately the locals at a coffee shop.

Morning in Monterosso, Italy

There was something very peaceful and calming to wake up early and soak in the morning atmosphere of the town. 

Arriving in Monterroso, Italy

After I got off the train, I had to walk through the tunnel to get to the main side of the town.

It was great just walking through the town without the busyness of cars or buses.

After walking through the quaint alleyways of the old town, I arrived at my B&B:  L'Antica Terrazza, which was centrally located and had a balcony to view the locals while sipping my coffee in the morning. The B&B is on the left of the photograph below.

Monterroso, Italy

I stayed at Monterosso, the northern part of the Cinque Terre and I enjoyed staying here because there is much more nightlife and more choices for hotels and restaurants. It really doesn't matter where you stay because the towns are so close together anyway and just a short train trip away or a scenic hike or boat ride away.

Out in the waters were many rustic boats for people to enjoy the sparkling waters.  

Riomaggiore, Italy

From Monterroso, I took the train to the southern end of Cinque Terre to Riomaggiore. This town has one main road, lined with shops, restaurants, and gelato places. It was very rewarding to enjoy gelato after walking and photographing the sights. 

Musicians in Riomaggiore, Italy

Traveling to the Cinque Terre was one of the most memorable trips. These quaint, beautiful towns are just authentic and simple that I want to come back again and again. Getting off the train, I heard melodious live music from the tunnel that leads to Riomaggiore's waterfront. These were French musicians playing the violin and guitar. Loved it.

Lovely Portofino, Italy

From my stay in Santa Margherita Ligure, I took the bus down to the lovely city of Portofino. I can definitely see why this seaside village attracts so many people. It's truly a place for artists with its outdoor cafes and boutiques and colorful buildings alongside the calm sea. 

Colorful Village of Camogli, Italy

On my trip to the Italian Riviera, I was planning to visit only the 5 towns of Cinque Terre. But someone recommended Camogli and I took a spontaneous day trip to this small, charming fishing village. And I was in awe every moment I was there.  I was surrounded by beautiful, colorful buildings that lined up right next to the sparkling sea; lots of friendly people; and relaxing breezes that flowed through the town.

more street scenes of venezia!

A Church in Venice