2Cinque Terre – A Colorful Coastal Escape
Yes, even the iconic Cinque Terre is reachable from Florence in under two hours by high-speed train to La Spezia, followed by a quick regional hop. This string of five fishing villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—is one of Italy’s most photogenic destinations.
Pastel houses cling to cliffs, fishing boats bob in the harbors, and the scent of the sea mixes with basil and lemon from local gardens. You can hike between villages, take the scenic train, or simply relax with a glass of white wine and watch the sunset over the Ligurian Sea.
Though it makes for a long day, Cinque Terre is worth every minute—it’s Italy at its most colorful and romantic.
