Not all beaches boast tropical drinks and palm trees. But all beaches have one thing in common; a front row view of the big, beautiful ocean. While hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza of Cinque Terre in Italy, we had just that—front row, on top of the world panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea.
This postcard view was one you had to work for…and it was worth every step and drip of sweat. It took us about an hour and a half to hike to Vernazza where we rewarded ourselves with an ice cold Birra Moretti upon arrival. We arrived about an hour before sunset and discovered this picturesque, little town turns in early. However, before the sun set on our adventure, we discovered a little slice of paradise before the restaurants closed—fresh anchovies drizzled in olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. And thankfully, we found one bar to stay open late for us to continue our celebration of our day’s feat on foot.
Over the next few days as we ventured from Vernazza to Manarola and Riomaggiore, two other towns of Cinque Terre, we sampled more anchovies, local wines, limoncello, pesto, and pastas.
