amy lashelle

Our next romantic destination was Cinque Terre.

This unique national park holds five cities built on the cliffs of the Mediterranean Sea. They were built as farming towns, harvesting the sweet grapes of the ocean, and as a second industry they were (and still are!) excellent fishers. The mixture of sea village and vineyard is just as romantic as it sounds. Orange life savers and blue & white boats next to green terraces and lemon trees. (Speaking of they have fabulous homemade limoncello)

This, for me, was the most relaxing of the towns we visited. It seemed that their life was suspended in a time where people strolled the streets in the morning chatting with friends, or neighbors through the windows. Life for them was one that required hard work, but also required a two hour siesta over lunch. Although some super cute gentlemen choose to use nap time for some good old fashion card playing. Seriously, even the restaurants were closed from 11-2… dolce vita.

This little contraption helped them in working the really steep vinyards. It was kinda like a disneyland ride that would take the worker from the top of our side of the hill, all the way down and up the other side (see the track in the second photo?)

Cinque Terre also holds another wonder, Via Dell’Amore or the Walk of Love. Such a great name for it too. It is the ridiculously old stone trail that rims the ocean cliffs. It links all five of the villages of Cinque Terre, and it’s logo is two people kissing. I love it.

There is one spot in particular that has a covered walkway that must have been built in the 1300’s. So old. And it has been tagged with lovers from this century. Millions have left their art, their names, and the reason for their walk of love. Anniversaries (see such a great spot for us!), engagements, renewed love, “Cupido” works well in this spot.

People also leave locks as a symbol of sealing their love on this romantic walk. One Italian gentleman I talked to pointed to his wedding ring and said “I lost my freedom there.”

We happened to be wise, or blessed, enough to be returning home (back to Manarola were we stayed) during sunset. If you think the walk of love is romantic during the day – you have to go at sunset. Seriously gorgeous.

We have two more destinations in Italy to visit… what have been your favorites so far?