{"id":19056,"date":"2017-04-19T20:33:32","date_gmt":"2017-04-19T17:33:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tstories.gr\/?p=19056\/"},"modified":"2017-04-19T20:51:53","modified_gmt":"2017-04-19T17:51:53","slug":"cinque-terre-train","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tstories.gr\/en\/cinque-terre-train\/","title":{"rendered":"Cinque Terre by train"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\" <\/strong><\/p>\n

Cinque Terre, the five villages.<\/span><\/h5>\n

Set amid one of the most picturesque and romantic sceneries of the world, Cinque Terre had me at hello!<\/strong><\/p>\n

This remote part of the Italian Riviera, consists of five tiny port towns in the Liguria region, hence its name; Cinque Terre. If you are to visit this part of Italy, I suggest you choose one of the five villages for your accommodation and explore the remaining four during your day there or, ideally, during a 3-day stay in Cinque Terre.
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Cinque Terre consists of five villages including Monterroso, Vernazza,\u00a0 Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, all part of the Cinque Terre National Park (Parco Nazionale della Cinque Terre) and since 1997 a Unesco World Heritage Site.
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

I admit I had never visited this magical part of the planet, not even during my 3-year stay in Italy a few years ago. It was about time I took the decision and booked my tickets to visit one of the most iconic, fairytale-like destination. I flew from Athens to Milan and headed to La Spezia by train, finally arriving to Riomaggiore also by train. Easternmost Riomaggiore is the first of the five villages and the place where I decided to stay.<\/p>\n

Riomaggiore<\/strong><\/span>
\n\"\"<\/h4>\n

Being my first stop during my stay in Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore quickly became my favorite of the five. Having experienced it during different parts of the day from dusk to dawn, as I chose it for my accommodation, in contrast with my day-trips to the other four villages, Riomaggiore won my heart.<\/p>\n

Riomaggiore, said to be established by Greek settlers fleeing from\u00a0 Leone III Isaurico in 1251, Riomaggiore is set between steep cliffsides with its colorful buildings lining up down the impregnable ravine.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Walking down Riomaggiore’s main street to the harbor, you’ll be astonished by the 3 or even 4-story tower houses featuring a rather complicated system of entrances, one by the main street and a second by the upper part of the road; a method used to quickly escape a sudden Saracen attack.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A stop before reaching the port is mandatory. Focaccia with pesto or fried calamari are both excellent options. With your stomach full, take a moment to appreciate the mesmerizing view from the port and afterwards, walk up to St. John’s cathedral on to the castle to enjoy the incredible view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Walk back to the historic center and take the train to Manarola. A 3-minute ride and you’re there! The walking trail leading also to Manarola, Via d’amore, remains closed since last April’s heavy rain and flash floods causing severe damages.<\/p>\n

Manarola<\/span><\/h4>\n

A 3-minute train ride will take you to the second village and one of the most touristic out of the five \u2013 Manarola. Featuring a fabulous view to the sea, set on an even steeper cliffside, Manarola resembles a medieval castle with a plethora of the existing houses built on the ruins of an actual historic castle.<\/p>\n\n\t\t