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Family Vacations

Ten Hip Family Vacations

Italy: La Dolce Vita

by Linda Samuel

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Not long ago, this lovely pastel-hued chain of villages on Italy’s Ligurian coast was a backpackers’ secret, a place where college grads roaming the continent came to relax and savor la dolce vita on the cheap between big city stops. Cinque Terre is no longer hush-hush, but its niche location—practically carved into the cliff sides—and old-world vibe make you feel like you’ve discovered a sliver of hidden Mediterranean paradise.

For vacationing families, it’s an ideal destination. There are activities galore—swimming, hiking, paddling, sightseeing, boating, and eating (yes, it’s an activity here)—for all ages, and a traffic-free environment gives parents one less thing to worry about.

Walking trails, train tracks, and, of course, the sea link the villages and make for fun transitions from place to place. Depending on your energy level and where you’re headed, you can take a strenuous hike, hoof it gently on Via dell’Amore (Path of Love), ride the train, or cruise the waters. No matter how your brood gets around, stunning vistas of land and sea are guaranteed on the way.

Monterosso, the northernmost town, hosts the largest sand beach as well as the only resort hotel. But there is plenty of lodging to be found in the rest of the towns—small hotels, B&B’s, apartments, and private villas are available. . And, finally, there is the food. In the place that created pesto, you know the fare is going to be good. Even the most finicky of eaters will find a favorite dish here.

And they, like you, will want to keep coming back for more.

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