EXPLORE THE ITALIAN RIVERIRA
The five little settlements that make up Cinque Terre are steeped in history (and high cliffs), yet they also resemble a child's imaginative picture. Around the harbours and hills are neatly packed homes and structures in pastel colours. Unmatched sunsets extend from the unbroken ocean of intense Mediterranean indigo blues.
Itinerary
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL AND EXPLORATION
Photo by Ryan
Aim to arrive in Genoa after 2pm from Rome or Florence. Genoa is a bustling port city. You'll have time to explore the maze of winding cobblestone alleyways ("caruggi") and spectacular palaces of the ancient old city after settling into your hotel room and taking in the bellisimmo that surrounds you. There are vintage drug stores, book stores, and pastry shops wherever you look. The signature treat of the area is the frisceu (apple fritter) or gobeletti (jam tartlet), so make sure to indulge!
DAY TWO: ALONG THE RIVIERA
Photo by Chris Curry
We will travel across Riviera's famous crescent-shaped coastline and vibrant beach villages after boarding the shuttle van. Romantics, poets, novelists, and artists have all been drawn to the Gulf of Genoa's pastel-colored houses and surreal Mediterranean blues; Ezra Pound and Hemingway were particularly fond of the Ligurian region.
The launch site will be in Recco, a popular beach resort town known for its focaccia con il formaggio. To avoid unapproved preparations, the culinary speciality is protected by the European Protected Geographical Indication. This bread with cheese is holy!
A brief overview of sea kayaking ins and outs (and wet exits) before setting out on the water. You 'll make the first stop at Camogli, a little fishing community. After quenching your thirst, you'll continue to go down the coast to the San Fruttuoso Monastery. Christ of the Abyss, a spectral underwater statue, was immersed in the waters off San Fruttuoso in 1954, 17 metres (56 feet) below the peacock-blue surface.
DAY THREE: PADDLING TO PORTOFINO
Photo by Chelsea Essig
The first stop is Portofino, which you reach after travelling along the shore of Parco Naturale Regionale Portofino. The town southeast of Genoa has long been known as Italy's glittering top beach destination, drawing famous people (and Wild Women) from all over the world. In the harbour known for its sunsets, vibrant buildings, seafood restaurants, and true "dolce vita," super yachts congregate. Although Ricky Martin enjoyed living large, it is clear that the "sweet life" is the focus here.
After paddling into the harbour, you'll stop at a gelateria for some gelato. You'll go on to Santa Margherita Ligure after a few photo opportunities and several OMGs. Villa Bardi, a family-run seaside farm stay, will be the idyllic overnight location and is only a short drive away. The water is clearly visible from the outside patio, and the surrounding scenery encircles the building. The restaurant of agriturismo is renowned for serving "zero kilometres" food. Locally produced "Jars of Happiness" jams are manufactured with seasonal fruit, and chemical- and pesticide-free olives are squeezed in the cold-oil mill. The family uses "peasant practises" to cure their meat, and they also bottle honey! It's a really wonderful stay!
DAY FOUR: CINQUE TERRE
Photo byKristine Tanne
To reach Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five "Cinque Terre" settlements, you'll take a drive down the captivating Riviera coast. Lemons, olives, and vineyards with terraces line the green slopes.
You will paddle the kayaks into the clear water and get a first-hand look at the rugged beauty of Italy's first (and smallest) national park's coastline! The five (cinque!) charming beach villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) that cling to the rocky Mediterranean shoreline in a mesmerising palette make up the region, which was declared a protected area in 1999. The settlements are an amazing collection of Benedictine monasteries, Roman villas, and historic churches, all of which are dwarfed by cliffs and coastal hills. Kayakers love to play in the protected bays and coves below!
DAY FIVE: CINQUE TERRE NATIONAL PARK
You'll carry on your close-up tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Cinque Terre National Park. Also, the park is acknowledged globally as a marine reserve and Sea Cetacean Sanctuary (established in 1999). In preparation for the winter, 2,000 fin whales, dolphins, goose-beaked whales, and sperm whales frequent the Ligurian-Occitan basin, which includes the Cinque Terre area as well.
As you get back to Corniglia, you can enjoy supper on the hotel's patio while sipping local wines and taking in the marmalade sunset.
DAY SIX: ROAD OF LOVE TO RIOMAGGIORE
Photo by Kirsten Velghe
You will continue exploring Cinque Terre from the finest seats in the house—the cockpits of the kayaks—after a hearty breakfast and a jolting cappuccino! You will paddle beside the renowned Via dell'Amore (Lovers' Lane) after passing past Manarola's beachfront (population 353 including the Wild Women). This famed 1 kilometer walkway connects Riomaggiore and Manarola but has been blocked since the 2016 earthquake. (The area's resilience was demonstrated by the disastrous floods in 2011!)
DAY SEVEN: PORTOVENERE AND LA SPEZIA
Photo by Kirsten Velghe
You'll go to La Spezia Centrale train station after a leisurely breakfast on the hotel patio. It is simple to go to Genoa Airport from this train hub or to move on to other Tuscany locations and beyond.