Nestled along the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera, the five tiny fishing villages of Cinque Terre have become one of the more popular destinations among travelers to Italy and, for many, one of the most memorable highlights of their trip. The five historic towns date back to the early medieval period and for centuries, due to the steep coastline and challenging topography, were kept isolated from the rest of the world (and to some extent from each other) which resulted in each community developing its own unique “personality” and cultural traditions.

As Ingrid Williams recently wrote in the New York Times – “This wildly rugged slice of Ligurian coast with its five tiny towns is a delight for hikers, foodies and wine enthusiasts” – Cinque Terre has got my name all over it! (Okay, maybe not so much the hiking part.) Nonetheless, from the moment I first arrived in the spring of 2011, I fell in love with the place and I just knew I just had to come back with my husband and children. Six months after my inaugural trip to Cinque Terre, I was saddened to hear about how the torrential rains and mudslides of October 25, 2011 devastated much of the region, particularly the towns of Monterosso and Vernazza. Fortunately, the area quickly recovered from the flooding and we were able to visit Cinque Terre all together as a family in the summer of 2013.

This month we are proud to share this gem of a video entitled Moments in Life – Cinque Terre, Italy, created by a young Italian photographer / videographer named Riccardo Bertolo (a.k.a., Rik Berto).  The film was inspired by those moments in life that change you completely.  He writes, “Cinque Terra has been one of those for me, which I will remember forever.” Riccardo, I couldn’t agree with you more!

Sharon Betts

Co-Owner, Travel Advisor