My trip in May was exciting,
and I wanted to share some of it with you!
Pisa to Cinque Terre to Corfu. -- dreamy!
What if you could squeeze some of Europe’s most iconic and breathtaking destinations into a single, unforgettable week? That’s exactly what we did—starting with a quick hop through Pisa, soaking in the sun-drenched charm of Cinque Terre, zipping down to Rome by train, and wrapping it all up on a Greek island!
Pisa – A Perfect Kickoff
Pisa made for the ideal low-stress start to our trip. After landing, we hopped on a quick train ride straight from the airport into the city. For just €5 per bag, we stored our luggage at the station, freeing us up to explore on foot heading to the Leaning Tower.
And yes—the lean is even more dramatic in person.
We snapped the classic pics, soaked in the iconic setting, grabbed a bite, and continued on.
Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre – Where Time Slows Down
From Pisa, we made our way to Riomaggiore, our home base in Cinque Terre—and it instantly stole our hearts. We stayed four nights, which was the sweet spot for balancing hiking, village-hopping, and just existing in the beauty of it all.
We only did two hikes, but one—a 6-mile trek out of Vernazza—was unforgettable. Think: panoramic sea views, terraced vineyards, and that incredible feeling of hiking into a coastal village!
Village Highlights + Insider Tips:
- Riomaggiore: Laid-back, colorful, and perfect for long evenings with wine and sea views.
- Manarola: The best sunset spot—and the site of our pesto-making class, a hands-on experience that brought the flavors of Liguria to life.
- Corniglia: Quieter, perched high above the sea. Tip: Hike into Corniglia, then take the 300+ steps down to the train—your legs will thank you.
- Vernazza: Postcard-perfect harbor, fresh seafood, and our launch point for that epic hike.
- Monterosso al Mare: The flattest and largest village—great for beach time and wandering its maze-like backstreets.
Even with just a couple hikes, the rhythm of Cinque Terre wrapped around us: eat, explore, eat, repeat.
A Night in Athens then on to Corfu
After our Italian leg, we flew into Athens for one night before heading to Corfu—and it turned out to be more than just a stopover. Our hotel was right next to the ocean, and dinner that night was fresh-caught seafood, and olive oil-drenched everything!
Sometimes, it’s the simplest stops that surprise you the most.
Corfu
A quick one-hour flight from Athens brought us to Corfu, and suddenly we were on this lush, mountainous Greek gem!
What We Loved:
- Afionas at Sunset: The most magical sunset of the entire trip—perched on a cliff with a front-row seat to the Ionian Sea.
- The Locals: So friendly, so welcoming, and always ready to help. Greek hospitality is no joke.
- The Food: From stuffed vine leaves to grilled fish, every meal was wonderful. Honestly—you can’t eat a bad meal in Greece.
- Driving the Island: Yes, I braved the narrow, winding roads and dizzying hairpin turns. And it was fun!
Corfu was the perfect finale! This trip was proof that you don’t need three weeks or five-star resorts to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With a little planning and a spirit of adventure, we tasted new flavors, hiked dramatic cliffs, and ended every day with a view.
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