Timeless Photos Capture the Dreamy Villages of Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre, a string of rustic coastal villages along Italy's Ligurian Coast has long been an inspiration for travel photographers. With plunging cliffs and dramatic vistas, the small towns are ripe for postcard perfect photography. But when Slovenian photographer Jaka Bulc traveled to the Cinque Terre, he immersed himself in a different side of the towns.

The result is a set of timeless images that peel back the layers of the well-loved vacation spot. As with most tourists, Bulc used hiking trails, trains, and ferries to move between the five connected villages. However, he purposely struck out on his own in order to escape the hectic crowds.

“I get off the train and walk straight into a deluge of other tourists. I quickly escape the crowds by wandering up a hill and into a network of narrow side streets,” he shares with Ignant. “The little lanes feel worlds away from the commotion of the popular areas and the locals are quietly going about their days.”

Quietly strolling the streets or relaxing in their apartments, Bulc captures the daily life of Ligurians who make the Cinque Terre their home. The photographer has a handle on how to pull out quiet strength from what is considered an area brimming with tourists. In turn, we learn that life goes on, as locals move unfazed by the tourist crowds that flock to the Italian coast.

A network of trains, trails, and ferries connects these five coastal villages.

The Cinque Terre sees 1.5 million visitors a year, but beyond the crowded beaches, life continues as normal for locals.

“I hop on one of the boats that ferry people between the villages and enjoy the cool breeze and the salty smell of the Ligurian Sea. We soon reach the village of Vernazza with its lazy harbour and the colourful parasols that surround it.”

Corniglia, the only village not directly on the sea, is known for it's incredible vistas.

Jaka Bulc: Website | Instagram
h/t: [Ignant]

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Jaka Bulc.