In terms of raw atmosphere, you can’t beat Cinque Terre. These little towns, joined together by a rail line and a foot path, are all you could ask for in terms of picturesque Italian country and coast.
The towns differ quite a bit from one to the next, though my favorite is Corniglia, it has no waterfront to speak of but the view is extraordinary. It has the least amount of tourism and is the smallest of the five, leaving it with a bit more of the charm that draws people here.
For a developed country, Italy has a lack of usable internet. There seems to be a law in place that links internet traffic to a document, such as a passport or ID card. I can only assume that this is a trend that will be making its way around the world, as much of the concern surrounding internet usage deals with anonymity. I may be wrong, but only time will tell.
There are hostels in Cinque Terrre, but they are sparse and book up in advance, so plan ahead. Thought it is not the 5 star accommodation that draws people here, but rather the hiking trails between the towns and the unspeakably beautiful land and seascapes. We saw signs all over the place giving tips for hiking and got a good laugh out of the one that said no high-heels. Until we actually saw a lady hiking in high heels. Take a look, then buy your ticket.
