Many enjoy a light hike as a way to prepare for or wind down from a lovely meal in one of the villages. Another popular activity is packing an exquisite, possibly romantic picnic involving fresh vegetables, cheese, and cured meats paired with a refreshing bottle of white wine; the untamed wilderness and gorgeous views make for an especially ambient meal! 

Since Cinque Terre is generally perched high about the sea on cliffs, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea's crystal waters requires a bit of effort. The least picturesque beach, but easiest to get to, is Monterosso's public beach. It is a bit crowded but if you are willing to pay a small sum you can get your own private lounge chair. For those in search of a bit of adventure, Guvano beach is right up your alley. This very remote pebbly strip is, in fact, a nude beach, although feel free to wear a bathing suit since they are not necessarily prohibited! Super experienced hikers might prefer to take the steep and dangerous route stemming from the Vernazza-Corniglia hike. For those not as keen on dying young, there is, alas, a safer route. At the north end of the Corniglia train station there is a gated entrance. Ring the bell and pay the guard, who will guide you through a poorly lit tunnel for about a mile or so. If you can endure the journey, waiting for you at the other side the lovely Guvano beach and hordes of naked people. A final alternative is the minuscule beach beside Riomaggiore.

Lastly, no visitor leaves Cinque Terre without raving about the food. The omnipresent olive groves produce wonderful extra-virgin olive oil that is the base of all local cuisine. As you will see while hiking, mushrooms and herbs like oregano, rosemary, and sage grow like weeds in the forest. Also along the hiking paths grow the delicious pine nuts used to make the Ligurian delicacy pesto (basil-based pasta sauce). Local fishermen make a solid contribution as well with delectable anchovies, squid, mussels, clams, and other shellfish. A nice way to begin a meal is with antipasti di mare, which is an assortment of local fresh fish. A must-try dish is tegame alla Vernazza, a mixture of anchovies, potatoes, tomatoes, infused with white wine, olive oil, and herbs. Even you if are an avowed hater of anchovies, this dish is worth trying, as its taste is more mellow than expected, and is remarkably tasty! Another favorite is pansotti, ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach and served with a sauce made from local hazelnuts or walnuts. Lastly, an excellent and different way to indulge in pesto is with pesto lasagna, or pesto spread on focaccia, which is a specialty of Liguria. The wine drunk here comes from the vines crawling all over Cinque Terre. It is a white wine called Sciacchetra, made from the Albarola, Bosco, and Vermintino varietals; and because of the grapes low yield, this wine is as flavorful as it is refreshing.

Vacations you may enjoy in Cinque Terre:

• Northern Treasures
• Respendent Italy
• Old World Splendor
• Jewels of the Riviera

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