Travel in Your Twenties. Destination: Cinque Terre.

This is my second installment in my Travel in Your Twenties series, designed to give you the quick and back-to-basics guide on what you need to know before you travel to a new European destination. (You can check out my guide to Prague here!)

Recently, my Instagram feed has been flooded with pics of fresh seafood, cocktails and views of the breathtaking harbor of Vernazza. I cannot take it anymore! I am so jealous she is visiting the crown jewel of Cinque Terre, and also the city where I stayed with my friend two years ago while exploring the charming Italian coast. The pictures of sunsets over the marina and best cappuccinos in the world made it obvious that this was the next destination I had to highlight. I can't keep it a secret from you forever!

While I advise visiting in early spring (late March, early April) when the crowds are much lighter, but the sunshine is still warm enough to allow for some sunbathing on the side of the trail, heading there in the summer also promises many fun attractions and full-use of the beaches. Watch out for the tourist crowds from cruises that come mid-day, and take time in the evenings to appreciate the stillness and almost remote-feeling solitude as the waves roll into the harbor and the town clock strikes from the square (with a glass of crisp local wine in your hand).

The Packing List

I feel that Italy is always a place of color and vivacity! Especially on the coast where you see the bright buildings and the electric blue of the Mediterranean. Pack accordingly :)

-Hiking shoes (preferably versatile ones that don't ruin your "look" when you're wandering through the towns, but definitely durable for the tougher trails)
-Colored jeans (pink, red, light blue-bring it to the coast!)
-Layers (it gets chilly in the evenings and early mornings, but by the time you've hiked a couple of minutes on the trail and the sun begins to warm up you need to be prepared to lighten up!)
-Swimsuit (obvi)
-Light blouses (once again, hiking=hot)
-Skirts & Dresses (for your evening drinks at a local outdoor bar)
-Sunhat (probably my favorite Italian accessory!)

The Bed

I highly recommend the cozy apartment where my friend and I stayed. It had the perfect location right off the trail in Vernazza, not too far from the train, and close enough to the harbor to hear the waves crashing in the evenings. Very convenient with a small kitchenette, private bathroom and double bed. And I loved the adorable balcony with a little picnic table where we ate our meals outside every morning and evening! 

Nothing beat sitting on the balcony after a long day of hiking, second glass of white wine in hand, listening to the waves crash in the harbor and gazing at the breathtaking Italian coast. The clock would strike every hour, each ring grounding me in this little coastal town with so much life and esprit de vivre to offer.

The Food

News Flash: Italy makes the best cappuccinos. EVER. Literally you must get at least one every day. They are sort of like heaven.

Other local flavors we picked-up from the markets included marinated veggies (to-die-for olives and sundried tomatoes!), fresh balls of mozzarella, and the red pesto. And everything goes perfectly with some pasta or a fresh baguette. 

Eating in Italy was usually very picnic-based for us (it is also much cheaper!) with our vegetables, cheese and bread. Of course, every evening you need to add some wine to the mix. We took the opportunity to try out the local vineyards, and we were pleasantly surprised. I would go for the whites! If I had more money, I would definitely have invested in at least one seafood meal, it is so fresh and LITERALLY right off the boat anchored a few feet from your table. Doesn't get much more idyllic than that.

The Tricks

Enjoy the relaxed pace of life. Let yourself lie in bed an extra half hour, listening to the waves and the ringing of the clock tower, just taking in the moment. Take the same amount of time and reflection on the hiking trails. Those views don't deserve to be merely glanced at while on your way to the next town. Step off to the side, take in the seascape, do more than snap a few pictures-take in the moment for yourself. Sit on the trail above a town to eat your lunch and appreciate the aerial view of the entire city, the intricate windings of the streets, the colorful facades, the miniature boats in the harbor. Do a lazy afternoon by the marina with a book (and perhaps an apéritif) to soak in the sun, the view, and the locals' conversations at the outdoor cafés.

The Memories

Stay in Vernazza! Seriously. Best views. Best location. Best trails. You're welcome. 

Guide to the trails: Monterosso-Vernazza is the HARDEST. Of course, this is the one we hiked three times since all of the markets were closed in our town to a flood earlier in the year. Yay for a little Italian cardio!
Riomagiorre-Manarola is the easiest. A simple sunny stroll with a fully paved path, barely any inclines and benches lining most of the way. Ideal for your sunbathing needs.
Unfortunately the other two paths were under construction during our visit due to the floods :(

Have you been to Cinque Terre? Other places you would check-out? I am literally counting down the days until I can go back. It remains one of the most romantic and picturesque places I have ever been.