Cinque Terre is not for the faint of heart or the faint of legs. Boasting stunning views along the Mediterranean coast and leg-breaking hiking trails (but only between Vernazza and Monterosso and between Corniglia and Vernazza), Cinque Terre is definitely worth two or three days in Italy.
Tour guide book talk aside, we had a great time (how often am I going to say those words, but mean so much more?). We hiked from our room in Vernazza to Monterosso, hung out in Monterosso for several hours, took the train to Riomaggiore, walked to Manarola, then took the train back to Vernazza.
The Vernazza-Monterosso hike was… difficult. Difficult is such an inaccurate word. The path was not well-maintained (where did my 5 Euro park entrance fee go?) It was narrow, often muddy, rocky, and sometimes steep. On more than one occasion, we had to stand in unsafe places so that people could pass us. When I say unsafe, I’m talking about two people standing on a tree trunk jetting out from the side of the mountain while a family squeezes by on the path (barely wide enough for a single person, much less two). Did I mention that these hiking trails are through the mountains overlooking the ocean? I should probably explain that Cinque Terre refers to the 5 cities (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) and that the paths (hiking trails) between the five cities are considered national park area and an admission fee is charged (5 Euro per day).
The walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola was far more… bland. The whole path was wide and paved and less interesting, but the views were still stunning. I don’t know how many photos I took of brightly colored Riomaggiore jutting out over the ocean. I’m sure I took even more of Manarola in the slowly descending sun.
As hard as I try, I can’t quite explain just how amazing being here is. I’ve attached a few photos, but I’m not completely sure that even those do Cinque Terre justice.
Me hiding.
Look carefully. Can you see him? There is a giant rock man in this photo.
Monterosso.
One of these things is not like the other. One of these things just isn't the same. Can you guess? This is the women's toilet at the train station in one of the Cinque Terre towns. Yes, I did use it. Very carefully I might add.
This is a view of Vernazza from the hiking trail. This is before the trail became particularly difficult/narrow/windy/steep.
Tomorrow we will hike between Corniglia and Vernazza.
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