Cinque Terre was my first excursion beyond Florence. With my roommates, we learned how to navigate Florence’s train system and sightsee all in one day. We had one mission: go to the beach and see more of Italy.
Our first train ride to Pisa Centrale was stunning. I fell in love with the mountains and vineyards of the Tuscan countryside. I saw poppy fields that made me understand Monet’s need to paint such landscapes. It felt like a movie, with an imaginary camera alternating between shots of me gazing out the window and mysteriously reading my book (a romantic comedy, of course).
After arriving at Pisa Centrale (sadly, we didn’t stop to see the Leaning Tower), we connected to La Spezia, and I continued to enjoy the live-action painting unfolding outside my window.
Eventually, we made it to Monterosso, Cinque Terre. As soon as we stepped off the train, we were greeted by salt air, sweet summer heat, and crystal-clear blue water. To say it was magical is an understatement. I couldn’t help but think, Somebody pinch me—am I actually on a beach in Italy?!
Going to Cinque Terre served as more than just a spontaneous day trip from Florence. It marked an accomplishment—exploring more of Italy and making it outside of my study abroad “headquarters.” When I first dreamed of studying abroad—a dream that once felt so out of reach—I only hoped to see more of Italy. And here I was, standing on the most beautiful beach surrounded by mountains on my very first weekend abroad.
The steps for our movie-montage-worthy beach day were simple: find something to eat, get towels, and then swim.
We first stopped at the cutest focaccia place by the beach, where I got a fabulous olive and tomato loaf (oliva e pomodoro).
Next door at a souvenir shop, I found the perfect blue “Dolce Vita” towel with little lemons on it—very coastal, very Italian.
With food and towels in tow, we made our way to the beach. It was covered in smooth stones of varying colors and sizes. The area where people laid out was made of finer rocks that gave the illusion of sand. The water was crystal clear and ombré-d into a rich, deep blue. While the water alone was breathtaking, the surrounding Northern Apennines made the scene even more stunning. Colorful homes were scattered across the mountains, adding a cheerful charm to the powerful stillness of the landscape. ABBA’s Chiquitita was playing on a loop in my head.
After eating and applying sunscreen (a must in the Italian sun), we eagerly made our way into the water. It was a crisp kiss of cool in the blazing heat. (Getting in the water had me feeling poetic—what can I say?)
We were little mermaids out there, and I had no desire to leave until it was time to catch our next train. I truly wanted to be part of that world.
After hours of swimming and making new friends who were also studying abroad, we decided to catch a train to another Cinque Terre village: Riomaggiore.
Catching the train wasn’t without its challenges—delays and confusion over which line to take tested our patience. But we made it, and I learned the value of staying calm and flexible when it comes to public transportation.
Riomaggiore was another breathtaking sight. More colorful houses dotted the cliffs, and the view of the vast ocean offered a whole new, enchanting angle.
We stopped for aperitifs at a restaurant tucked into the side of a mountain. As we ate our caprese salads and sipped Hugo Spritzes, we took in the natural beauty of the northern Italian Riviera coastline.
After dinner, we ascended further into the village, surrounded by orange and pink houses, wildflowers, and sailboats in the distance. We even ran into a beach cat perched on a heater, lazily enjoying the evening in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Eventually, we made our way back to the train station and called it a day. Cinque Terre was a spontaneous and peaceful escape—an unforgettable start to my Italian adventure.
My journey in Italy has now come to an end, but I’m excited to use this blog as an outlet to reminisce on my travels and all the valuable lessons I’ve learned while studying abroad. Stay tuned for Siena and Lake Como!
Ciao for now,
Madeline
Madeline in Florence 
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