The Cinque Terre is an absolutely stunning area that serves amazing food in small, family-run restaurants before you head back to your small, family-run hotel.
Unfortunately, the Cinque Terre experienced devastating flooding and mudslides in October 2011, which basically destroyed two of the towns, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. We spent four amazing nights in Monterosso for our honeymoon, and I considered it my favorite place in the entire world. I was heartbroken to learn of the devastation.
However, the other three towns (Riomaggiore, Manarola and Corniglia) were not as affected. If you were considering a trip to the Cinque Terre, don’t let the news of the flooding stop you. These small resort towns and family businesses need all the tourist dollars they can get while they rebuild. You can stay in one of the other towns, which are all connected by train, and support the slowly re-opening businesses by dining in their restaurants and shopping at their stoers.
Rick Steves gives some updated information about the disaster and tourism in the CT, as well as some organizations to which you can donate to support relief and rebuild efforts here.
The Cinque Terre: A must see area in Italy! There’s nothing better than fresh focaccia and wine on the Italian Riviera.
✈ GINA
