Italy's Cinque Terre



The harbor of Vernazza - the first village south of Monterosso al Mare.

 
On my birthday in October of 2013, our friends Ed and Laura joined us for a trip to the Cinque Terre along the western coast of Italy.  The Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is tucked away along the northwest coast of Italy just north of Pisa.  It is made up of 5 villages that were only accessible by boat and later on a meandering trail was carved along the coastline from town to town.  You can now take a train from Pisa to any one of the 5 villages.  We chose to stay in the northernmost town of Monterosso al Mare. This is the largest village and the only one with a beach.

We eventually visited all 5 towns by using many forms of transportation... boats, train, and hiking.  All were a great way to experience this unique area. Due to a massive mudslide back in 2010, some of the hiking trails had been washed away so walking the entire stretch was not possible.  This is Italy so we didn't need to ask why the trails had not been repaired in 3 years. The hike was more exhilarating than we imagined from Monterosso to the next town of Vernazza, so we celebrated by eating lunch and thanking the Italian work ethic. Then took a nice, relaxing train ride to Corniglia further south along the coast.

Anchovies and sardines are abundant here as are lemon groves, apple and cherry trees.  Of course, the food is Mediterranean-style, local and fresh.  From the Middle Ages and the Ottoman Empire, this area has been populated with fishermen and bandits.  We were in good company.




Starting out on the trail from Monterosso al Mare.  Already peeling off clothes.

                                             


Nice view of the narrow path along the coast.



A view of Vernazza from the trail.

Looking back to where we began our journey in Monterosso.

At last... made it to the centre and rested under colorful umbrellas.

Colorful boats are stacked up next to the sea, ready for action.

Another break for crazy 8s and wine on the shoreline.



A view of Manarola from the sea.



A beautiful, bright and colorful church - unusual for Europe!

The beach on a sunny day in Monterosso al Mare.



Another view of Manarola from the sea.



Laura and Ed strolling through Riomaggiore.

This boardwalk connected Monterosso center to the train station at the westernmost edge of Cinque Terre.