Cinque Terre, Italy. The puzzle vs. the real thing.

Exploring Cinque Terre: From Puzzle to Paradise

In 2020, amidst the global lockdown, my wife and I found solace in completing a challenging puzzle depicting the stunning Cinque Terre region in Italy. At the time, we only knew that it was somewhere along the Italian coast, but its exact location remained a mystery to us. Little did we know that nearly three years later, we would have the opportunity to experience this breathtaking destination firsthand.

Our journey took us on a two-week exploration of the Riviera and Tuscany, visiting iconic locations such as Nice, Siena, Monaco, and the charming towns of Cinque Terre. During our time in this picturesque region, we dedicated a few days to discovering the five colorful coastal villages that make up Cinque Terre. It was a special moment when my wife recognized the view of Manarola—which we had previously seen only on the puzzle—standing in front of us. Witnessing such a scene in person was truly surreal. While photographs can capture moments, nothing compares to the awe-inspiring presence of a place like this in real life.

Residing in Denver, Colorado—a landlocked state characterized by vast flatlands and majestic Rocky Mountains—the idea of a seaside village like Cinque Terre was utterly novel and enchanting. Despite the presence of numerous day-trippers, we cherished every moment exploring these ancient towns, marveling at how residents built such extraordinary communities centuries ago. The architectural ingenuity and perseverance required to craft these scenic cliffside villages remain awe-inspiring to this day. Naturally, our explorations involved quite the workout—discovering the narrow pathways and steep staircases that define these towns.

Our experience in Cinque Terre was nothing short of magical. It reaffirmed the allure of exploring new places and connected us to history, nature, and human resilience. We are already eager to return in the next year or two, eager to deepen our appreciation for this extraordinary part of Italy.

If you’re ever considering a trip to Italy, don’t overlook Cinque Terre—a place where natural beauty and historical wonder blend seamlessly. And for those who, like us, have only admired it from afar through puzzles or photographs, remember: someday, you might just find yourself standing right in the middle of this coastal masterpiece.