Ruthi Daugherty

Travels

Cinque Terre & Milan, Italy

 

On the rugged coastline of Italy, the five centuries-old seaside villages that make up Cinque Terre are tucked into the cliff sides.

The town of Riomaggiore seems to be centered around the small harbor. Little apartment hotels and gelato shops sit precariously above the water while crowds of people walk up and down the narrow steps to different look outs. The boat launch somehow stays fairly quiet while energy buzzes the borders around it.

Through town, colorful houses line winding paths as they traverse up and down the steep terrain. Family owned restaurants that seem to be hidden within the walls serve up fresh specials.

A short ferry ride—or, in some places, a hike along the cliffs—connects the villages. The largest town, Monterosso al Mare, is home to a beautiful beach lined with brightly striped umbrellas and turquoise water.

Without a car in sight, one could wander for hours, weaving back and forth exploring all the nooks and crannies of these adorable towns.

 
 
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STAY

  • Allo Scalo - our little hotel, right on the harbor. AMAZING location nice interiors, good rates, helpful hostess. Won’t disappoint!

FOOD

  • Il Grottino - really delicious dinner and a fresh salad (these are very rare)!

DRINKS

 
 
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ACTIVITIES

  • Riomaggiore Beach - we went in Riomaggiore (down past the ferry launch) where the water was perfect temps but the beach is rocky. 

  • Wander out to the giant succulent (you’ll know the one) and further down onto the rocks for a great view at sunset

 
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TRAVEL

  • The Ferry - a fun and pretty way to get between towns.

  • Train - You will arrive and depart by train as no cars are allowed in the towns.

  • We took the train to La Spezia and rented a car there and drove to the rest of our destinations.

MONTEROSSO

  • Monterosso Beach - This is THE beach that you see in photos with the colorful umbrellas. The beach is lovely and worth renting chairs for the day!

 
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MILAN

I HONESTLY DON'T KNOW VERY MUCH ABOUT MILAN SINCE WE WERE THERE SO SHORT (FOR AN EVENT) AND DIDN'T EXPLORE MUCH OUTSIDE OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD IN WHICH WE WERE STAYING. BUT WE FOUND A FEW SPOTS...

STAY

  • AirBnb - our AirBnb was cute, right on the canals and near lots of restaurants and bars. Also near a Metro station. 

COFFEE, TEA & JUICE

  • Bar Luce - designed by Wes Anderson, it looks like a set from one of his films. Very quirky and fun. Good for coffee/dessert/drinks. 

FOOD

  • Taglio - don't go out of your way for this but if you're in the area, the food was great. Coffee shop, deli, restaurant, and market all in one. 

DRINKS

  • Ugo Bar - great little cozy cocktail spot near the canals

Bold - Highly Recommend

Travel, Travel GuidesRuthi Daugherty