Last weekend we went to Cinque Terre, a region northeast of Florence where there are five main towns nestled along a rocky coastline. Three days of sea air, one amazing view after another, trails to hike and rocks to climb, seafood to eat and alleyways to explore.
We arrived in Manarola on Saturday:
and started to walk around the town and hillside. The town clings to the hillside -- they have built on any ridge where they can!
Our first day we hiked uphill from Manarola to Volastra and back. Climbing down the trail from Volastra to Manarola we were surrounded by terraces of grape vineyards and olive trees. Joel counted 1400 steps down, but likely missed a few.
Here's a view of Manarola (to the left) in panaroma, from a seaside trail:
Tired but invigorated from our trek, we arrived back in Manarola...
And found our way to Trattoria dal Billy, with great seafood and a wonderful view of the setting sun.
On our second day we took the 5 minute train ride to nearby Corniglia for a quick breakfast and tour of the town:
And then walked from Corniglia to Vernazza (1.5 hours, 3.4 KM of up-and-down stairs)
But the stairs were worth it, since each town has its own character with breathtaking views and interesting scenery.
Downtown Vernazza, with seafood for lunch!
We dipped our toes in the Mediterranean...
and then decided to go back to Manarola and get wetter.
Even though it's high on a hillside, you can always throw yourself off a rock in the harbor:
A "super cable chain" thing to lower boats in the water...
This is a view of the trail from Manarola to Corniglia that is still closed since the devastating landslides in the Fall of 2011.
Day three saw a quick stop in Riomaggiore on the way back to Florence for Laura's 5:00 class.
All in all, a great time on the "Italian Riveria". Ciao!
Beautiful and what an adventure! I'm so glad Adam has joined you all now! You look like you are all having a terrific time.
ReplyDelete