September 2018 www.womanthismonth.com 62 LIFESTYLE | travel Have a stroll through the cosy streets between colourfully painted houses and maybe even engage in conversation with the locals Literally meaning "Five Lands", Cinque Terre is a group of five fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera. Noted for their gorgeous pastel-coloured houses, they overlook the Mediterranean and create a picturesque scene best viewed in person. Each village possesses its own personality. Stroll through the narrow streets amid buildings painted in bright and sunny colours that double as a mood uplift and fantastic background for pictures. Look for fresh pasta shops in Genoa, that serve little disks called corzetti, often embossed for decoration. Follow the hiking trails to see as much of the five villages as possible. If you’ve only got limited time, we suggest a boat tour. If you’re lucky and weather permits, you will be able to stop in lesser-known coves for a dip in the sea. Due to its irresistible allure, Cinque Terre sees a great number of tourists every year, sometimes, unfortunately, more than it can handle. Damaged walkways are just one of the repercussions. In an effort to limit tourists but not discourage them, an app serving as a waiting list for paid walking trails was developed in 2017. This is to ensure the safety of travellers as well as maintain the delicate ecosystem. As it is often difficult to limit the number of tourists, the Cinque Terre Card offers various services to tourists. The revenue from these cards helps with the upkeep of these beautiful villages. Additionally, earlier this year, the decision was made to disallow tourist entry into Cinque Terre once the number of visitors reached 1.5 million. If you’re keen to travel to this stunning little collection of coastal villages, ensure you check entry limitations thoroughly before go! A sunrise or sunset boat tour from Vernazza with a chance of a swim will leave you in high spirits. Visit Riomaggiore, largest of the five villages, and home to a harbour that is beyond picturesque at sunset. The popular artisan focaccia with cherry tomatoes, pesto and rosemary is a mouthwatering delight. Acciughe, meaning anchovies, are among Italy’s favourite fish, incorporated into various dishes. A six-hour hike will allow you passage through all five villages if you’re on a day trip. Sightseeing by way of cycling is a great idea around Monterosso or Levanto. Cinque Terre
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