Rick Steves' Favorite Destination In Italy's Iconic Cinque Terre
By Mina Elwell
VACATIONS
Italy's five Cinque Terre villages are all charming, picturesque, and intriguing, but if you have to pick just one, travel expert Rick Steves recommends Vernazza.
On his website, Steves says that Vernazza is his favorite out of all the little seafaring villages on the Mediterranean. Vernazza "is the jewel of the Cinque Terre," he writes.
In Vernazza, you can sun yourself on the rocks and take a dip in the beautiful blue water while listening to the ringing of church bells and the sound of the waves.
You'll find plenty of places to stop, eat, and shop, including the Tuesday morning street market that Steves loves. There, you can buy fresh produce, clothes, or flowers.
The hills around the village grow grapes for a white wine this area is known for. The best way to experience the region's natural beauty is by hiking the Blue Trail.