Best Villages along the Romantic Road in Germany

Germany’s Romantic Road (Romantische Straße) is a picturesque 290 mi (460 km) long road stretching from Füssen in the south to Würzburg in the north. In the south, it loosely follows the old Roman road. The path was deemed the Romantic Road in the 1950’s as a way to promote the collection of medieval villages as a tourist destination.

During the Fall of 2020, my family and I explored the villages of the Romantic Road. Each village has beauty and charm, but eventually they began to blend together. So, when putting together this list, I included the ones that made a lasting impression due to uniqueness or its stunning, traditional beauty. Below are my favorite villages along the Romantic Road.

Nördlingen

This village is amazing because the entire village is built in the cater of an asteroid that struck this area of Bavaria more than 15 million years ago. If you look closely, the buildings have a shimmer to them because the stones used to build them came from within the crater where the intense heat the asteroid created upon impact produced tiny glass, crystal and diamond specs embedded within the stones. The crater stretches approximately nine miles into the German countryside and the entire village of Nördlingen is nestled within the crater.

It is also one of the few medieval villages in Germany that has a completely intact wall surrounding it. I recommend climbing the tower of St.-Georgs-Kirche for an aerial view. From that height, one can see the complete wall, the red roofs of the traditional timbered houses and the surrounding countryside. The climb can be a bit intense. I don’t recommend it if you have health issues.

Dinkelsbühl

This is definitely one of my favorite villages along the Romantic Road. It is one of the best-preserved German villages from the Middle Ages and still has a completely intake surrounding wall. Formerly a free imperial city, it flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and was a prosperous trade and craftsman village. Exploring it is like stepping back in time.

It is said that the preservation of this city can be credited to its children. During the 30 Years War (1618 – 1648) parts of Germany were destroyed, while the medieval city of Dinkelsbühl was spared because the children of Dinkelsbühl begged favor with the Swedish colonel. For the past 100 years or so Dinkelsbühl has celebrated its delivery during the Kinderzeche Festival where the whole story is performed again and the children in the procession are presented with treats to show gratitude.   

There was a street fair during our visit, which made it difficult to take pictures inside the village, however it was quite pretty with the colorful, half-timbered buildings and the cobblestoned streets and alleys, and of course the impressive churches and cathedrals rising up to the sky.  

It is also very beautiful to stroll along the outside wall. There are many places to relax and experience picture perfect views back toward the village.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is probably one of the most popular villages along the Romantic Road. It is quite beautiful and fun to explore, however it felt touristy and was more crowded than the others, which wasn’t so great. My family and I thought this would be the case so we woke up early to experience the village before the crowds.

Again, similar to the other villages, it has beautiful architecture, cobblestoned streets, half-timbered buildings and a surrounding wall. You are permitted to walk quite a long way on the upper, interior section of the city wall to experience some great views and learn about the defensive battlements and towers of the Middle Ages.

You may decide to purchase a Christmas ornament from the famous Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Store. There is a large variety of ornaments and Christmas items to consider.

Füssen – Neuschwanstein Castle

This is a pretty village, but what I think is most interesting about the area and probably most well-known is the Neuschwanstein Castle that is nearby. This is not an original castle as it was built in the 1800’s, so, if you’re a purest, you might not like it. I, however, think it is quite stunning and it is one of Germany’s most famous castles. It is even the inspiration behind some of the Disney castles.

Also, the story of the castle’s creation and history is quite interesting.

We did not go inside the castle as you have to make reservations several months in advance, but we did hike up to it and then up to a lookout point for a picture. What I noticed from the hike, was that the castle looks quite unique from various perspectives, but each is beautiful. The hike was not difficult.

Interesting fact: The Nazis stored much of the artwork they collected during War World II within the walls of the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is said that there was an order for the castle to be destroyed toward the end of the war to prevent the allied troops from gaining access to the artwork…but the order was not followed…thank goodness.

Landsberg am Lech

Another photo worthy village along the Romantic Road is Landsberg. When we arrived, we were lucky to see a beautiful wedding procession walk from the cathedral at the top of the hill to a restaurant down the hill for the reception. Each wedding guest walked along the cobblestoned street, dressed in suits or flowing knee-length dresses, carrying a large, fresh sunflower, even the children.

It was lovely to see this wedding procession with the historic backdrop of cobblestoned streets, half-timbered buildings, grand churches and colorful ivy climbing its way up the buildings.

This is a great village to stop in for lunch as there are many cafes and eateries throughout with a large variety of options. Quick note: there is a busy road in the center of this city so be careful. We saw a huge tractor for farming make its way through the city.

Make sure to walk outside of the village just over the bridge to get picture of the village with the river in the foreground.

Schongau

Ok, ok. This is not the most spectacular village along the Romantic Road, however, if you have read The Hangman’s Daughter by Oliver Potzsche, as I have, then you must include a brief stop here as part of your itinerary. This is the exact village that the story is set. You’ll be tempted to nerd out a bit as I did.

Along the outskirts of the village there is still a tower and section of wall that you can climb up into and explore. There is interesting architecture and several places to stop in for coffee or food. Though, if you did not read the book, then you might not find this village as exciting.

Though I only featured a few cities on the Romantic Road in this blog post, there truly are many beautiful additional sites to tour along the 290 miles. I hope this blog inspires you to plan trips of your own.

Happy travels!

What’s so Great about Living in Germany? – Alcohol (part 2)

Adjusting to life in Germany was difficult at first. I was excited, but honestly felt a bit overwhelmed by the rules and the differences in culture. However, the longer I live here the more I enjoy the nuances of the culture and even appreciate the rules. Moving here has opened my eyes to new experiences and ways of doing things; ultimately motivating me to evaluate and question ideas that I once thought of as the ‘norm.’

While there are still some challenges associated with living here, alcohol is an aspect that makes living in Germany so great.

Yes, alcohol. Germany is awesome when it comes to alcohol in many areas including; the legal drinking age, quality and variety and of course the beer and wine festivals.

Drinking Age

The German drinking age is 16. While it doesn’t directly impact me, I think it makes more sense than the U.S. drinking age of 21.

It is so strange that in America at age 18, you are deemed responsible enough to vote for the leaders of our country and can join/be drafted to serve in the military, but you are not deemed responsible enough to legally drink.

I know this is an old debate, but here is what I’ve observed in Germany.

The most important benefit is that the 16-year-olds are being supervised as they drink. They are learning their limitations in a more controlled, safe environment. 

In the U.S., teenagers are still drinking, but are trying to hide it for fear of getting in trouble instead of having open communication. However, if they are among the few waiting to drink until they move out of their parents’ house (18) or are of legal age (21), that puts them in college…unsupervised, not knowing their limitations and making mistakes.

In contrast, my German neighbor’s 16-year-old son has his friends over on the weekends and they have a few beers sitting around a table in the back garden or in the courtyard.

He does sometimes have the occasional party in the large space over the wood barn. Yes, he and his friends get loud and sing American songs (love it) at the top of their voices and jump on the trampoline (safety nets) with a strong buzz going. My favorites of their renditions are “Sweet Caroline” and “Gangsta’s Paradise.” Now that’s entertainment. I digress.

While they have fun, they never seem to get out of control. There is a level of supervision because his parents and the parents of the other village teenagers are nearby.

I feel like I should also mention that my neighbor has a 15-year-old son and he is very strict about the 15-year-old not drinking until he turns 16.

The Germans have a strict drinking and driving law.  

Quality and Variety

Beer

Germany is a beer lovers dream. I am not a beer connoisseur. I just know I like German beer. There is a large variety of tasty options and because I live in Germany, the price is affordable and the beer is easily accessible. To learn specifics about each brew category, I recommend reading The KegWorks Field Guide to German Beer Styles. It does an excellent job of explaining the different characteristics of each type and best times of the year to drink a specific beer.

Each region has its own local brew and My husband and I have noticed as we’ve traveled from region to region that pubs advertise the local brew on the outside of their buildings. This is great because it designates a pub and it lets you know that you’ve entered a new beer zone – get those tastebuds ready. My husband and I enjoy sampling the local beers as we travel around Germany. Plus, beer and German food pair together exceptionally well.

  • Side note: Germany’s neighbors have delicious beer as well. Belgium beer is a favorite of mine.
  • Tip: Always choose beer in Prague because it is less expensive to order a beer with your dinner than it is to order water…and Czech beer is tasty.

Wine

Germany has several different regions and varieties of wine, but my favorite is the Riesling trocken (dry) produced in Germany’s Rhine Valley. Riesling is the most popular wine in Germany and makes up more than 20% of all wine grown in the country. I find the Riesling in the U.S. to be too sweet, but here there are great dry options.

To learn more about Germany’s other varieties of wine, I recommend reading The Best German Wines you Need to Try at least Once by Culture Trip.

Festivals

I will have a separate more detailed post regarding German festivals in the upcoming weeks, but for now just know that in the Fall (Herbst) there are many beer and wine festivals throughout the country to celebrate the harvest.

Prost!

What is so Great about Living in Germany – Location (part 1)

This is a series of posts about my favorite aspects of life in Germany.

Adjusting to life in Germany was difficult at first. I was excited, but honestly felt a bit overwhelmed by the rules and the differences in culture. However, the longer I live here the more I enjoy the nuances of the culture and even appreciate the rules. Moving here has opened my eyes to new experiences and ways of doing things; ultimately motivating me to evaluate and question ideas that I once thought of as the ‘norm.’

While there are still some challenges associated with living here, below in my opinion is an aspect that makes living in Germany so great.

Location – Access to Different Cultures

Germany’s central location probably tops most people’s list – well, at least most Americans. Germany is bordered by nine countries that each have their own unique cultures.

Easily explore Poland, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Each of these countries has its own language, traditional foods and history.

Think about having the ability to jump in your car and drive to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower and spend the afternoon in the Louvre, or walk across the Charles Bridge in Prague, or ski and toboggan down the Alps, or drink beer and eat waffles in Ghent, or float down the canals in Amsterdam.

I love seeing the traditional architecture of each region. To me, it expresses what the past inhabitants of the region valued and what life was like.

Having the opportunity to explore and experience these different cultures has been amazing. My husband and I are especially grateful for being able to share this with our nine-year-old daughter. We hope these experiences will help her expand her worldview and evaluate ideas on a deeper level – realizing that there is more than one way to approach a situation or problem.

Recommendations:

I suggest at least learning the basics of each language in order to show respect to the locals. A little prep goes a long way. Don’t assume that they know English. I use Duolingo to learn the languages. My focus is on German (Deutsche), but each time we travel to a new country, I learn the basics of the language where we are traveling.

I suggest at a minimum knowing how to say:

  • Hello
  • Goodbye
  • Please
  • Thank you
  • Cheers
  • Good
  • Bad
  • I do not understand.
  • Do you speak English?
  • May I speak English?

I have found that the locals of a region and or country appreciate the attempt you make. Most know some English (their English is probably better than your French, etc.) Attempting the language is a sign or respect.

On a different note, let’s talk about food. If you want to try some of the traditional foods of the country or region, I suggest asking your waiter/waitress for recommendations.

Also, to avoid landing in a tourist trap, try restaurants away from the main squares and ask your hotel concierge or Airbnb manager for suggestions. We actually received a really great restaurant recommendation from our tour guide in Verona, Italy. It was a restaurant not easily found by tourists and a location popular with locals. It had the BEST Amarone rice – traditional food of the region. It is unlikely we would’ve found it without a recommendation.

Still on food, if you are traveling with a child, I suggest at least making them try the traditional foods of the region. You might be surprised what he or she likes. My daughter loves escargot and crepes, spaetzle and bratwurst, seafood pasta, etc. All of these foods, she tried on our trips.

One more recommendation, stay in an Airbnb if possible. It makes the experience feel more authentic. If not an Airbnb, try a local hotel or inn. Staying at a chain isn’t quite as immersive or enjoyable in my opinion. 

Germany’s location is perfect for easily experiencing and exploring new cultures. I love it here. 

Next Sunday, I’ll reveal my thoughts about alcohol in Germany.

Exploring the Islands of the Venetian Lagoon – Murano, Burano, and Torcello

If you are planning a trip to Venice, Italy, you need to schedule some time to visit the three most famous islands of the Venetian Lagoon – Murano, Burano and Torcello. It’s like taking a trip back in time and is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. You will marvel at the unique personality and charm of each island and the picturesque surroundings will leave you in awe.

My family and I booked the Murano, Burano and Torcello half-day sightseeing tour through Viator. If you just want to hop off the boat, take some pictures and grab a quick gelato, then you may like this option. While it was nice, I would recommend finding a different tour because we were only given 45 minutes to explore each island which was far too little time to really enjoy it. I constantly felt rushed.

I prefer to explore slowly and enjoy stopping in cafes for a coffee, wine or a snack. I like to take my time strolling through shops, meandering around canals or cobblestoned streets and viewing the unique architecture.

One other thing about this tour. It was supposed to be translated into English, but since my family and I were the only English speakers on the boat other than the tour guide due to Covid-19 travel bans, disappointingly it was not translated into English. 

Here is a bit about our experience touring Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

Murano

The first stop on the boat tour was the 1,134 acres island of Murano which became the manufacturing center of Venetian glassblowing in the 13th century and peaked in the 16th century. Many glassblowing artisans have created unique Venetian glass pieces through the centuries from this island and distributed them all throughout all of Europe. Venetian glass is still produced on and exported from Murano, but on a much smaller scale.

We were able to observe a presentation by a glassblowing artisan at Ferro-Lazzarini. We watched while he skillfully transformed blobs of glass into a wine goblet and a horse. My eight-year-old daughter thought it was amazing. The pride the artisan felt and skill required to produce such pieces were evident in how he transformed the raw materials into unique pieces of art.

After the presentation, of course they were persuading you to stop inside the shop and purchase your own unique Murano glass pieces….and…well, we did. Possibly a little too much.

Torcello

The next stop on the tour was the tiny island of Torcello, founded in the 5th century it is older than Venice and was once an important trading and political center, but now only boasts a handful of fulltime residents. The island has a deserted, eerie feel to it. You can sense that it was once an area of great prosperity, but has been more or less abandoned by many of its former residents as illness decimated its residents and Venice and nearby islands grew in size and popularity.

I think it would provide a nice setting for a spooky story of love, loss and ghosts.  

While my family stopped for lunch at one of the several restaurants that lined the Maggiore Canal, the waterway that connects the historic center of Torcello with the lagoon, I explored the sparsely populated island, best known now for its Venetian-Byzantine churches and Devil’s Bridge.

Three main attractions on the island:

  • Devil’s Bridge, Ponte del Diavolo: There is a legend associated with this bridge. Through research, this is what I have found out about the legend. Legend has it that during the Austrian domination over Venice, a young lady fell in love with an Austrian soldier, who was subsequently killed by her family as they opposed their unpatriotic relationship. True…I don’t know, but it makes for an interesting story.  This bridge is a popular photo opportunity.
  • Church of Santa Fosca: Built in the 11th and 12th centuries, this octagonal church has a beautiful portico with raised archways in a Venetian Byzantine style. It is one of the most ancient religious building in the Veneto, and contains the earliest mosaics in the area of Venice.
  • Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta: Established in 639 according to the wishes of the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius and the Exarch of Ravenna. An inscription at the site, dating from the cathedral’s founding, is considered the oldest known document in Venetian history. The church was expanded and renovated on several occasions over the centuries, reaching its current size in the 11th century.

After exploring, I met back up with my family and devoured a basic ham and cheese sandwich they had ordered for me and a water. We took a minute for a photo at the Devil’s Bridge and rushed back down the sidewalk along the main canal to make sure we arrived at our boat in time for departure.

Burano

The next and final stop on our boat tour was the beautiful and colorful island of Burano. Stepping off the boat onto this island was like stepping into a box of crayons. Every building was brightly painted. Known for its long history as a fishing village, it is said that the buildings were painted in these bright colors so that the fisherman from the island could find their way home even in the fog.

The island of Burano is known for its lacework, which I found odd at first, but if you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Inhabitants of fishing villages were probably having to mend nets constantly so why not capitalize and expand your skill a step further and create beautiful lace pieces.  

This was my favorite island of the three because it was so colorful and lively.  I wanted to spend hours here, but we only had 45 minutes. 

Wrap Up and Recommendations

I hope this information inspires you to visit these beautiful islands of the Venetian Lagoon in Italy. As mentioned before, my family and I recommend you seek an all-day option instead of a half day in order to truly explore these islands at a more enjoyable pace. At a minimum, see if there is an option that provides an hour and a half at each stop. It will be worth it.

Happy travels everyone!

Lex

A Weekend Near Dieppe, France

My family and I recently spent a long weekend at an Airbnb located on the top of a cliff with a view of the French coast near Dieppe.  It was by far the most relaxing vacation we’ve taken since moving to Europe.  It was a simple weekend of simple pleasures.

I won’t write much in this post because the pictures express it far better than my words.

We walked along the shore each day in search of sea glass and shells and dipped our toes in the cool waters of the English Channel.  My daughter and I even ventured into the water up to our waist…well…my daughter stumbled a bit when a wave hit her and was soaked from head to toe, but it was purely accidental.   

We witnessed the setting of the sun each day from the cliff top.  These were some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen.

Beautiful sunset, cliffs and beach near Dieppe, France.

We grilled out each evening and ate at a makeshift table in the garden.  My husband prepared steaks that we brought from home and fresh seafood from a market in Dieppe. I worked on the sides of pasta salad and veggies.  While we waited for the steaks to cook, we played soccer or bean bag tic tac toe with our daughter in the yard.  We ate at sunset and asked each other trivia questions while sipping on wine and munching on brownies.

We spent a day walking through the historic streets of Dieppe, France. My husband’s mother vacationed here as a teenager…so we spent some time trying to figure out the exact house.  We toured the castle art museum and walked along the pebbled shore where we bought a kite, a slushie and pomme frites. We stumbled upon a farmer’s market selling fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants and seafood.  We bought seafood from a market to grill for dinner. We ventured down to the historic harbor and our daughter rode the carousel.  We marveled at the historic architecture and the city’s historical importance.

People dining at an outdoor cafe in Dieppe, France.

We flew a kite for hours and picnicked on the cliff.  We took turns flying the kite and munching on snacks.  The black cat from next door ventured down to us for some snuggles. We are cat lovers…so…she was a welcomed addition to the afternoon.

We hiked. There was a nearby cliff that was higher than ours.  So, we hiked up it to see the view from the top.  It was worth it.

We played Uno as a family after dinner.  Each night we sat around the coffee table listening to music and playing Uno.  Our daughter dominated the first night and I was able to squeak out a win on the second.

The weekend was beautiful and simple.  It was perfect in its simplicity. 

The Five Villages of Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre is a collection of five villages on the north west shore of Italy along the Ligurian Riviera offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and a perfect place to unwind and enjoy an Aperol Spritz.

My favorite part about Cinque Terre is how difficult it is to access.  It is a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site because its inaccessibility has left the area untouched by modern department stores and mega builds and allows for a step back into a more peaceful time.

The five villages of Cinque Terre date back to the Middle Ages and are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. My family and I recently had the opportunity to explore these beautiful villages.

*Quick Tip: It’s pronounced (Cheen Kwah Terra) and literally translates to Five Lands.

Monterosso

Beach of Monterosso in Cinque Terre, Italy. Orange and green striped umbrellas line the shore of the Mediterranean Sea.

Monterosso is the northern-most village of Cinque Terre and where we rented a hotel room. It boasts relaxing beaches, a historic city center with narrow alleyways, a robust nightlife and plenty of excellent restaurants.  Speaking of restaurants, Monterosso has many delicious seafront options. Every morning we enjoyed cappuccino and pastries at Bar Gio’ with a view of the Mediterranean.

Monterosso is perfect for the traditional, relaxing beach day.  You can rent an umbrella/chair combination at one of the cabanas and spend the day laying along the shore, swimming, and enjoying snacks and beverages at the café. 

*Quick tip: Arrive early.  The private beaches, which are the nicer ones with the most amenities, open at 8:30 and the umbrellas and chairs usually sell out by 10:00 each day during the peak season of June-August.

I don’t have a favorite place to eat in Monterosso because everything we had was delicious.  We usually chose to have dinner along the shore in this village because there were many options with great views and the sunset here is beautiful.  My favorite dishes in this area are the seafood pasta and the caprese salad.

*Quick tip: Make a reservation.  Because of Covid-19, seating was limited.  So, if there is a specific restaurant you really want to try, then make a reservation.

Vernazza

The village of Vernazza in Cinque Terre, Italy. People play in the water and along the shore surrounded by colorful architecture from the Middle Ages.

Vernazza is a beauty with great energy. Its protected cove offers the perfect spot to swim surrounded by historic seaside architecture. More confident swimmers can jump off rocks from this village into the open sea. Many people sunbath and relax on the half-moon shaped rock structure that protects the cove. 

A tower on the cliff provides stunning elevated views of the Mediterranean Sea and a different perspective of the village.

All the villages are pretty, but to me this is the prettiest village of the five.  We spent the morning of the first full day of our trip in Vernazza, swimming and exploring its narrow alleyways built in the Middle Ages.

Corniglia

A town square in the village of Corniglia in Cinque Terre, Italy. A church from the Middle Ages is central to the square.

Corniglia is a charming clifftop village with narrow alleyways and some of the best gelato I have ever eaten. It’s not easily accessible, but worth the trek to explore. From the train station, you have to walk about a quarter of a mile and then climb 377 steps to get to it.  Not the most fun experience on a sunny day in late July, but well worth it.

Because of its elevated position, the views from this village are stunning. 

Back to the gelato…Corniglia is home to the best gelato I have ever tasted…Alberto Gelateria.  Try the basil flavored gelato topped with olive oil.  I know, it sounds strange, but your taste buds will thank you.  My daughter enjoyed the Nutella flavored gelato.

Manarola

The village of Manarola in Cinque Terre, Italy on a sunny day. The colorful architecture climbs the side of the mountain and people splash in the swimming lagoon and jump from rocks.

Manarola boasts beautiful and colorful architecture. Its main attraction for the adventure seeker is the cliff jumping opportunities for all skill levels.  The swimming options in this village are picturesque and consist mainly of lagoons and protected coves.

We swam in Manarola for hours.  Jumping off the rocks into the lagoon was my daughter’s favorite part of the whole vacation.  My husband jumped from the highest rock, which is estimated at being as high as a three-story building. 

Best food in Manarola is hidden gem of Cappun Magru.  The flavors were so well balanced and the dishes are traditional Genoa recipes.

Riomaggiore

Colorful boats are tied to the shore of Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre, Italy.

Riomaggiore is the southern-most village of Cinque Terre and offers great swimming for adults. This picturesque village is steep and the colorful houses slope up the side of the mountain wasting no real estate.

A steep, protected trail along the edge of the cliffs offers picturesque views of the sea and the colorful buildings of the village.   

This village seemed quieter and less crowded than the other villages, but it may have just been our timing.

I hope this post helps you better understand the differences between the five villages of Cinque Terre, Italy.  Each has its own unique beauty and is worth exploring.  My top three were Vernazza, Monterosso and Manarola, but you may enjoy one of the others more. 

Happy travels!

The Aperol Spritz

One late afternoon as my family and I dined on seafood pasta watching the sunset in Monterosso in Cinque Terre with salt and sunblock still coating our skin, a waiter brought the four people at the table behind us each this strange looking bright, orange-colored drink served over ice in a wine glass. 

This was not the first time we had seen this drink during our Italian vacation.

The tan woman in the light blue sundress excitedly proclaimed, “It’s not summer until you have one of these.” All at the tabled nodded their heads in agreement, clinked their glasses together and drank.

My curiosity, love of tasty alcoholic beverages, and the realization that the group of people at this table spoke English – my Italian is ‘rusty’…and…by ‘rusty’ I mean never fully acquired – finally won out and I leaned back just a bit to ask the woman closest to me, “What is it you’re drinking?”

“Oh, it’s an Aperol Spritz!  You must get one!  It’s amazing!”

Who was I to argue with such a rave review? So, my husband and I ordered one each.  It was refreshing…not my favorite drink in the world, but definitely summery. 

Here is the official recipe of the Aperol Spritz for the International Bartenders Association.

Aperol Spritz:

  • Combine 6cl Prosecco
  • Followed by 4cl Aperol
  • Build into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice
  • Top with a splash of soda water
  • Garnish with half orange slices

Enjoy!

Okay.  So, what is Aperol?

Aperol was created in Italy in 1919 and according to Aperol.com, “Aperol is the perfect aperitif. It’s unique bittersweet taste and bright orange color derive from a secret and original recipe, that has remained unchanged over time.  An infusion of ingredients including oranges, herbs and roots which make a perfectly balanced combination.”  

Overall, it’s a light, tasty summer drink to enjoy.

What to do in Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre, Italy is a charming collection of five villages along the Mediterranean Sea.  Its kaleidoscope of colorful architecture from the Middle Ages, access to beautiful beaches, delicious dining and hiking trails make it a popular Italian vacation destination.

Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a national park.  The villages of Cinque Terre are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. 

My family and I had an amazing time in Cinque Terre. It was so great that we are already planning our next trip.

*Quick tips: Cinque Terre’s season is March to November. It’s pronounced (Cheen Kwah Terra) and literally translates to Five Lands

Below are some of the things we think you should do and see in Cinque Terre, Italy.

Cliff Jump in Manarola

Manarola offers swimming options for all ages and thrill-seeking levels.  It is not a traditional beach.  It’s more like a collection of lagoons with large, natural rock structures rising upward from the water. 

Two guys stand on the rock cliffs in the village of Manarola in Cinque Terre, Italy at sunset.

The most popular of these is located right in the center.  It offers jump ledges for every skill and nerve level from one foot from the water to the height of a three-story building.  The water is deep enough, but only barely.  Many of the people who jumped from the highest ledge spoke of skimming the bottom. 

My daughter jumped from the two-foot height, I chose the four-foot ledge and of course my husband chose the highest.  It looked thrilling.  I was just nervous about the potential of skimming the bottom. 

We stayed here swimming and cliff jumping for hours…no exaggeration. This is not a relaxing swimming area, but it is definitely exciting and worth a visit.

Travel by Train or Boat

If you drive to Cinque Terre, park your car at your hotel and do not get back into it until it’s time to leave.  The roads connecting the villages are narrow and not easy to navigate. 

When we were driving down to Monterosso to our hotel, there were actually parts of the road that had eroded off the side of the cliff, making a nerve wrecking experience even worse. 

Trust me.  Use the train or a boat. 

The Cinque Terre Express connects the five villages, is easy and affordable to use and offers consistent and reliable schedules.  We bought a two-day pass for my husband and I.  They do not offer a two-day pass for children.  So, we just purchased two of the one day passes for my daughter.

The Cinque Terre Ferry has stops at Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore.  It is a beautiful way to see the villages from the sea.  We chose to take the ferry all the way from Monterosso and departing in Riomaggiore on our second morning.  We then used the train on our way back to Monterosso stopping along the villages we wanted to revisit. There is not a stop in Corniglia.  If you choose to use the ferry the whole day, be aware of the time because the last ferry pickup in some villages is 5:00 p.m., which in the summer, seems a bit early since there is so much daylight remaining.   

The large white ferry boat in Cinque Terre, Italy docked at the shore in Monterosso.

You can also book private boat tours.

Explore the Five Villages

Each of the five villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore) is charming with plenty of amazing photo opportunities, swimming options, historic architecture, and food.  Stroll through the narrow alleyways and, as hokey as it may sound, observe their stories. 

View of the village of Manarola in Cinque Terre, Italy.

Because Cinque Terre is difficult to access by a major road, it has been left remarkably untouched.  Colorful fishing villages rising up from the Mediterranean Sea, perched precariously along the sloping edges of mountains.

Eat, Drink and Eat some more

If you leave Cinque Terre without eating seafood pasta, were you ever really there?  Obviously, I’m joking, but it’s delicious and a staple of every menu.  I mean it’s Italy…and you’re by the water. I think we had it three times. 

My next advice is super specific.  In Manarola, after exiting the train tunnel take a right and follow the main road up the mountain, keep going.  You will come to a small, non-descript restaurant…it is the epitome of “hidden gem.” It was one of the BEST places we ate at in all of Italy.  It’s called Cappun Magru and offers traditional Genoa recipes. 

Food from Cappun Magru.

The chef makes a limited number of each recipe per day and when the item is sold out, it is not replaced.  So, arrive early.  The recipes are perfectly flavored.  The restaurant is tiny – three tables inside with three high top tables on the patio.  I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Last food advice.  In Corniglia, up the main alley is the Alberto Gelateria, home to the most unique and delicious gelato flavors.  My husband and I had the Basil flavored gelato topped with olive oil.  Sounds weird, right?  But it tastes delicious.  My daughter had the Nutella gelato.  Getting to Corniglia by train is a beast because once you depart from the train station you must climb 377 steps to reach the city.  I would make the trek again and again just for the gelato…and the views.

Basil flavored gelato from Alberto Gelateria.

Hike from Village to Village

While I didn’t personally hike from village to village because it was July and the sea was calling to us, I wanted to let you know about the beautiful hiking opportunities in Cinque Terre.  If you want to check out hiking specifics, view Wandering Wanda’s hike.

Experience the Beaches

Beach at Monterosso in Cinque Terre, Italy. Colorful umbrellas and beach chairs are lined up in symmetrical rows.

Each village in Cinque Terre has its own unique beach.  Here is a quick description of each.

  • Monterosso – Traditional beach, rent umbrella and chairs, easy access to refreshments, panoramic views.
  • Vernazza – Surrounded by beautiful architecture, safe bay for young children, open sea swimming and rock jumping for a thrill.
  • Corniglia, – No convenient beach access from village.
  • Manarola – Protected lagoons for swimming and plenty of rock jumping opportunities for thrill seekers.
  • Riomaggiore – Difficult spot for children, nice for adults, requires climbing onto rocks to lounge.

If you want more details about the beaches, visit my previous post: Best Beaches in Cinque Terre, Italy.

I love Cinque Terre, Italy.  It is a stunning, relaxing destination with so much character and history combined with delicious food, wine and fun.  I hope this post inspires you to plan your own trip to Cinque Terre. 

Best Beaches in Cinque Terre, Italy

In honor of National Beach Day, I wanted to take this opportunity to give you a brief description of the beaches of Cinque Terre, Italy. 

Cinque Terre is a collection of five villages on the north west shore of Italy along the Ligurian Riviera.  It is a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and a perfect place to unwind and enjoy a swim in the salty water.

The five villages of Cinque Terre date back to the Middle Ages and are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each village has its unique waterfront and swimming options.  In this blog, are the details of each village’s “beach.”

*Quick Tip: It’s pronounced (Cheen Kwah Terra) and literally translates to Five Lands.

Monterosso

Orange and green striped umbrellas symmetrically line the beach near Monterosso in Cinque Terre, Italy

Monterosso is the northern-most village of Cinque Terre and is perfect for the traditional, relaxing beach day.  You can rent an umbrella/chair combination at one of the cabanas and spend the day laying along the shore, swimming, and enjoying snacks and beverages at the café. 

The water is not very deep and there are rocks about 20 yards from the shore.  So, if you swim out a bit, be careful where you step.

*Quick tip: Arrive early.  The private beaches, which are the nicer ones with the most amenities, open at 8:30 and the umbrellas and chairs usually sell out by 10:00 each day during the peak season of June-August.

Vernazza

The beautiful cove of Vernazza in Cinque Terre, Italy.

Vernazza is a beauty. There are two swimming options in this charming village.  The first is the protected cove encircled by historic seaside architecture, which is great for children.  Adults interested in wading in and relaxing might enjoy this option as well. 

The other option is on the opposite side of the rocks protecting the cove.  More confident swimmers can jump off the rocks into the open sea.  The rocks also provide a great spot for sunbathing or relaxing with a book. 

*Quick tip: Do not be surprised if you encounter women sunbathing topless from the rocks. Welcome to Europe!

Corniglia

Corniglia is a charming clifftop village with narrow alleyways and some of the best gelato I have ever eaten. It is not easily accessible, but worth the trek to explore. No real beach option for the average visitor.

Manarola

Swimming lagoons and cliff jumps in Manarola in Cinque Terre, Italy.

Manarola boasts beautiful and colorful architecture. Its main attraction for the adventure seeker is the cliff jumping opportunities for all skill levels and swimming in picturesque lagoons.  This “beach” is atypical, and is not the best for relaxing, but it is exciting and offers thrill seekers a great opportunity for an adrenaline rush. 

It is still a great spot for children because they can jump off some of the smaller rocks into the lagoon fairly safely and grow their confidence.

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is the southern-most village of Cinque Terre and offers great swimming for adults. It is not an area I recommend taking your children to swim, but if your party only consists of adults, then there are some opportunities to swim from rock outcroppings.

I hope this blog inspires you to visit the beaches of Cinque Terre and or spend some time at your own favorite beach. If you want to know more about Cinque Terre, Italy visit my website.

Happy National Beach Day!

In the comments below, tell me about your favorite beach.

Why Visit Burg Eltz in Gemany?

The idyllic river flows gently around the castle mound.  It’s cool, shallow waters and smooth stones are perfect for a barefoot walk. 

As my daughter and I stacked pebbles and stones into precarious pillars in the middle of the river the hem of her cotton dress skimming the water’s surface, small children splashed and giggled in their underwear a bit downstream.  

Cyclists dismounted from their bikes for the opportunity to dip their hands in the chilly waters refreshing after a long ride. Families lounged along the shore with picnic baskets heavy with homemade lunches and a time-worn couple relaxed in the shade on a paint chipped bench reminiscing about their youth. 

From its hilltop perch, Burg Eltz elegantly reigned over the valley observing another generation enjoying a beautiful, sunny day by the river.

My family and I recently had the opportunity to visit the medieval Burg Eltz in the Rhineland-Palatinate state of Germany.  Built in 1157 along the lower Eltz River, which serves as a tributary to the Mosel River, this castle was once situated along a popular trade route, which has since been abandoned leaving this regal beauty nestled within the German wilderness.

Here are some reasons why I think you should visit Burg Eltz.

Burg Eltz has never been destroyed.

Unfortunately, many castles in Germany have been destroyed as a result of conflicts, or due simply to neglect.  While beautiful, it’s expensive to maintain a castle and in modern times is not considered a comfortable place to call home. Therefore, most castles in Germany are ruins, or have been rebuilt and lack originality.  I’m not a castle snob, but I prefer the original builds and even the ruins to a reconstruction.

In this regard, Burg Eltz is a gem.  It is a time capsule, a walkthrough museum to explore.  Taking photos is forbidden within the castle.  As a result, the only way to see what lies beyond the gate is to actually experience it.

Burg Eltz has been owned by the Eltz family for its entire 853-year existence.  A family, which held extensive political power at its prime and still occasionally occupies the castle, when in the area.  If walls could talk, I think Burg Eltz would have many stories to tell.

Great place to hike.

As I mentioned, Burg Eltz is surrounded by wilderness making it a great place for hiking.  There are well-shaded, clearly-marked hiking trails at varying skill levels that offer scenic wilderness views as well as different perspectives of Burg Eltz.  This castle is beautiful from every angle.  So, be sure to wear your hiking boots and bring a camera/phone. You’ll be tempted to take many pictures. Most of the hiking trails can be managed by families with children and some people brought dogs with them, but note that your pup will not be allowed inside the castle grounds.

Eltz River

The Eltz River that runs next to Burg Eltz was an unexpected highlight of the trip.  It was fun to play in the cool water with my daughter and was a great place to people watch and enjoy the view of the castle from a lower elevation.  I recommend bringing a lunch and having a picnic in the shade next to the river.  If possible, try to stake a claim on the central island next to the old bridge.  Great spot.

Quick Tips:

  • Arrive early in the morning to try to avoid a line.  We arrived in the early afternoon and easily waited an hour to enter because there is a limited number of guests allowed within the castle grounds at one time due to Covid-19.
  • You will not be permitted inside without a mask.
  • Bring sunblock.  There’s no shade while standing in line. 
  • Use the bathroom before you arrive.  Like I previously mentioned, the wait can be long and there are no restrooms until you enter the castle grounds.
  • They accept euros and credit cards.

I hope this post inspires you to add Burg Eltz to your destination list.  It was a wonderful way to spend a day in Germany. 

Happy travels!

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