The Cinque Terre

Trip Start Jul 26, 2008
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Trip End Sep 19, 2008


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Flag of Italy  , Italian Riviera,
Sunday, August 24, 2008

Up reasonably early for a day in the hillside villages of the Cinque Terre. Short walk (about 10 mins) to the train station and onto the train. Decided to go to the furthest village (Riomaggiore) first and walk some of the paths back. Walked the picturesque Val D'Amore to Manarola. Walked down the very pretty 'main street' to the sea, where we marveled at the way the locals lower their small fishing boats over the cliff and into the 'port'. Decided to continue walking along the coast, with its amazing terraced vineyards. After about 1.5 hrs we came to Corniglia, and a huge flight of steps to get to the village on the other side of the headland. Another very picturesque village, with narrow streets and colourful painted houses. Wandered the streets for a while then had some lunch at a small cafe which was yum! Back onto the train for the next 5 minute journey to Vernazza. Walked around the town and onto the beach where we had a swim, and then some Gelati. Another quick train journey to the last town (Monterosso) and down to the 'beach - a stretch of coast where the waves crashed onto the shore consisting of what felt like fist-sized pieces of pumice! Plenty of people sunbaking (haven't heard of melanomas yet), but we braved the swim - which was OK while you were in the water, but getting in/out was pretty uncomfortable. Last train ride back to Levanto and a walk to camp. Drove all around town trying to find an open supermarket but no luck. A really great day.
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