Cliffside Gems: A Journey to Cinque Terre & Positano

Italy is home to villages where the sea, sky, and human touch harmoniously blend. Among them, Cinque Terre and Positano stand as romantic symbols, miraculously perched on cliffs. Cinque Terre – A Landscape Painted in Five Colors Traveling by train along the coast from La Spezia, you are greeted by a fairytale-like scenery. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—the five villages of Cinque Terre are scattered vibrantly along the cliffs and coastline. Manarola, in particular, left the deepest impression. Its colorful houses seemed to cling to the cliffs, while the sound of waves crashing against the blue sea echoed below. At sunset, the village viewed from the lookout was bathed in orange light, shining like a masterpiece. This is not just a place to capture in photos but a village to walk through, breathe in, and feel with your whole being. Hiking the trails connecting the villages, you find yourself passing through vineyards and the sea, immersed in nature. Positano – The Queen of the Amalfi Coast Heading south, Positano offered a completely different charm as a cliffside village. Houses stacked like steps along the coastline, with the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea stretching beyond. Walking through narrow alleys, you encounter bougainvillea-covered walls, chic boutiques, and local lemon products—all exuding romance. The view from Positano’s beach was more beautiful than any masterpiece. As the sun set, long shadows stretched across the cliffs, small boats swayed on the waves, and a glass of wine added a touch of leisure. Here, there was no need for a watch or a destination. Simply losing yourself in the scenery and slowly breathing in the air was enough. Cinque Terre is a harmony of nature and humanity. Positano is an emotion in itself. These two cliffside villages remind us that travel is not just about moving from one place to another but about reviving the senses of life. Someday, I hope to walk these paths again, very slowly.