Suspended between heaven and earth in Italy

Where did you go? The Cinque Terre – which means the five lands – a series of peninsulas and bays with five towns wedged between sea and land. We chose to stay in Corniglia.

Where did you stay? The Villa Sandra for 55 euros per night. It was clean and beautiful inside with a balcony that overlooked the Mediterranean. Of the five Cinque Terre towns, Corniglia was the least touristy and the people were most down-to-earth.

What did you do? We came to the Cinque Terre to hike the trail between the five towns of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Manarola. Before the railroad was built, this trail was the only thing connecting those villages. We spent some time at the Corniglia beach and befriended a little boy who taught us how to say different Italian words to name each of sea creatures – such as starfish – in the little cove.

Where did you eat? There were only a handful of restaurants to choose from in Corniglia, one of which was up at the top of the hill, overlooking the vineyards and the beach. Although I don't recall the name of it, the meal was reasonable – around 10 Euros – for some very scrumptious pesto pasta. Plus, the view overlooking the town and the cliffs that border the Mediterranean was an added bonus.

• Where have you been? What did you do? Write us at Weekend