Proposal in the Cinque Terre/Vernazza area of Italy
Hello Tilderonis! I'll be in the Vernazza area of Cinque Terre next month. While there I plan to propose to my girlfriend :)
My current plan is to find a nice part of the "blue trail" with a nice lookout, track down a florist, and prepare that spot with some of her favorite flowers before we get there. Her family is joining us on the trip so I'll get them prepped as videographers. That night I want to take us all out for a nice dinner.
Okay so now the questions-
In general any potential snags you see with this plan?
Does it matter what time? I was thinking something in the late afternoon so we can do dinner soon after. Any issues with bugs or anything at certain times?
Anything else I can do or add to make the moment a bit more special?
For dinner I'm looking at Belforte Ristorante but definitely open to suggestions.
Thanks!
I was in Vernazza ~10 years ago! One of the most beautiful places I've ever been - perfect location for a proposal 🤗
Here is a picture I took from the beginning (and end I suppose) of a trail there. We didn't walk it, but I think it was as high as you could go up the cliff. I'm not sure if this is the blue trail you mention but it definitely seems like it.
Google Earth view.
Street view.
Can't speak to your choice of restaurant sadly but I would agree with pnknblck that sunset seems like the best time of day. Hope this link works. You can see that sunset hits it perfectly so seems spectacular indeed :)
I see no snags with this plan!
Love it thank you! That picturesque view is exactly what I'm going for
Are you hiking from Moterosso or Corniglia?
Belforte is amazing. Definitely book in advance to ensure you can sit at the tables at the top. Sunset is spectacular!
Edit: Sunset picture
We'll just be doing a small portion of it that day so we'll just start the trail from vernazza and then head back. Good tip on the restaurant I just submitted for the reservation and asked for the top. Thanks!
Also, if you are wine drinkers, the Vermentino is an amazing, crisp white wine from Sardinia. And I'm not sure if it was just the time we were there, but Belforte's house red was disappointing.
If you head towards Monterosso, you will get a great view of Vernazza just past the park official's booth. Unfortunately, from what I remember its pretty narrow at that point. The beginning is not too much of an elevation change, but it can be taxing with stairs and the incline. My Dad, 80 at the time, had to turn around and go back because it was too much for him.
Heading towards Corniglia is less of an incline but doesn't have the great views of Vernazza. It does have a wider path.
Before you head out, make sure everyone has a Trekking Card - sometimes they check, sometimes they don't. But it's better to be safe.
And going in May is wonderful weather! It was easy going until the very end of our hike.
Do you recall if there are some more open, wider sections like viewpoint cut-outs on the trail? I'm starting to notice the trail is thinner than I initially imagined. I hear nice things about the harbor area too, I think I'm going to keep that in my back pocket as an alternative
There are definitely wider viewing points, but they are further into the trail to Monterosso. I'll see if I can figure out just how far.
Thanks! I came up with another idea. The castle Doria is next to where we're going to dinner so I'm thinking I just take us all there first. Supposed to be beautiful views there too and It's one of the rare times we'll be in our nice clothes which is a nice perk.
That is an amazing idea. The entire city is picturesque and you can't go wrong.
Awesome, I'm looking forward to this. Thanks!
My spouse loves Cinque Terre :)
A couple small questions: how hot is it in May? How much of a hike to your destination, and how tired/sweaty/ self conscious will she feel to be surprised in the middle of a trail? If you want her to remember this beautiful moment maybe she'd want to feel especially beautiful as well. Plan it at a spot where she could refresh for a bit first? Then again I'm a squishy strictly indoors type so maybe that wouldn't be a concern for you and your girlfriend .
Another tip is to plan for very flexible arrival window. Last thing you'd want is for her to zip right up and you'd have to fumble for a delay, or if she wanted to take it really nice and easy but you keep rushing her forward.
:) excited for you!
Good advice, thanks! We'll have someone who is a bit slower with us on the trail so my hope is it won't be too sweaty but I'll pack a towel and cold waters just in case.