Walk the Italian Riviera’s ‘Pathway of Love’ DISCOVER CINQUE TERRE
Imagine a cluster of ancient seaside villages nestled in the cliffs along the Italian Riviera so picturesque that it inspired a Disney film. Cinque Terre, or “five lands,” encompasses five breathtakingly photogenic fishing villages along the northwest coast of Italy. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage area, this national park offers all the attractions visitors love about Italy; extraordinary food and wine, exciting seaside views, vivid history and archeology. Childhood memories of Cinque Terre inspired Disney director Enrico Casarosa to re-create the setting for his Oscar- nominated coming-of-age film “Luca.” Cinque Terre’s narrow streets are often filled with day-trippers during the summer, nearly overwhelming the area’s 4,000 residents. The flood of tourists eases a bit in the winter, making it easier to savor Cinque Terre’s beauty and culture.
While farmers developed the area in the 11th century, Cinque Terre was inaccessible by road until the 1960s. One has to admire the ingenuity of residents who carved terraces into the steep cliffs, stacked houses down the ravines, and cultivated olives, grapes and citrus trees so superb that kings favored them during the Renaissance. Hiking is a favorite pastime here, and visitors this winter are in luck. One of the most beautiful walkways in the world, the half-mile Via dell’Amore (or Pathway of Love), reopened in August 2024 after repairs following a 2012 rockfall. Reservations are required, and visitors are only allowed to walk one way on the path from the village of Riomaggiore to Manarola. Unlike the steep, rugged hiking paths elsewhere in Cinque Terre, however, part of the Via dell’Amore is wheelchair accessible, and the breathtaking views are worth the effort.
Planning to drive in and around Cinque Terre isn’t wise. The clifftop roads are narrow (a little larger than a horse drawn cart) and frightening. It’s nearly impossible to get a photo because congested traffic needs to keep moving and nonresidents aren’t allowed to park in any of the villages. A better strategy is to take the train from the Genoa or Pisa airports (about 1–2 hours). Or consider the ferry that makes multiple stops along the coastline. One of the must haves is the Cinque Terre Card that gives you unlimited use of walking paths and electric village busses, as well as the elevator in Riomaggiore and cultural exhibitions. Check the national park website at Parconazionale5terre.it well before you arrive to learn about how to obtain the card and any storm closures, trail conditions and hazards.
Train Your Brain!
Creamy Thai Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup
INGREDIENTS
Inspired by CookieAndKate.com
• 1 tbsp coconut oil • 2 cups chopped yellow onion • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger • 2 tbsp red curry paste • 4 cups vegetable broth, divided
• 1/4 cup almond butter • 3 cups diced carrots • 3 cups peeled, diced sweet potatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste • Cayenne pepper (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. Melt coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté for 5–6 minutes. Stir in curry paste. 2. In a small bowl, whisk 1/3 cup broth with the almond butter until smooth. Add the mixture to the pot, along with the carrots, sweet potatoes, salt and pepper, and remaining vegetable broth. Stir to combine. 3. Bring soup to a low boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender. 4. Blend with an immersion blender until the soup is smooth. 5. Season with salt and pepper. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more spice if desired.
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