There are 5 towns linked by hiking trails which thread, sometimes precariously on the cliffside, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea waaay below. There are no cars allowed into the towns so the other main connection between them is the train. Each of the towns has its own character but they all basically survive on wine making from the vineyards perched on terraces above the towns, olive groves, fishing and the tourist trade.
From Riomaggiore we set out on the easiest section of the trail, a stroll in the park, so to speak. It didn’t seem like much of a challenge. The scenery in every direction was breathtaking; sea, rocks, vineyards, mountains and always another quaint town beckoning in the distance. In about 30 minutes we arrived in the town of Manarola. A friendly local pointed out the best views which were from the cemetery. Naturally the deceased get the best outlook of the town and the seascape. On the trail to the next town, we got caught up in a parade of tourists with their walking poles, but we lost them on the steep stairs into Corniglia. After a brief stop for yummy forcacia and lemon soda, we headed out for Vernassa. The longest stretch of the trail, it was much tougher and the crowds thinned out. This and the last section to the fifth town are not for the faint of heart, Thank goodness for skiing and Pilates or I would have expired in a heap half way along the final tortuous climb before the vertical descent into Monterosa. But at the end of the journey we were rewarded with a swim in the ocean. The local train got us back to our little home base of Riomaggiore in half and hour; somewhat quicker than the 6.5 hours (with stops for lunch and gelato) that it took us to hike.
A good bottle of local wine from the vineyard of the friend of our waiter, and a thick tuna steak gave us enough energy to stagger back up the hill to bed. This time we had the sense to close the windows and the blinds so that we wouldn’t be jolted awake with the chimes from the church tower followed by cocks crowing – but well preceded by the trundling of garbage trucks cleaning up the town for the next onslaught of tourists.
I have to thank a friendly ski guide at Sun Peaks and Ben from the office for recommending the Cinque Terre as a special place to visit.
From Riomaggiore we set out on the easiest section of the trail, a stroll in the park, so to speak. It didn’t seem like much of a challenge. The scenery in every direction was breathtaking; sea, rocks, vineyards, mountains and always another quaint town beckoning in the distance. In about 30 minutes we arrived in the town of Manarola. A friendly local pointed out the best views which were from the cemetery. Naturally the deceased get the best outlook of the town and the seascape. On the trail to the next town, we got caught up in a parade of tourists with their walking poles, but we lost them on the steep stairs into Corniglia. After a brief stop for yummy forcacia and lemon soda, we headed out for Vernassa. The longest stretch of the trail, it was much tougher and the crowds thinned out. This and the last section to the fifth town are not for the faint of heart, Thank goodness for skiing and Pilates or I would have expired in a heap half way along the final tortuous climb before the vertical descent into Monterosa. But at the end of the journey we were rewarded with a swim in the ocean. The local train got us back to our little home base of Riomaggiore in half and hour; somewhat quicker than the 6.5 hours (with stops for lunch and gelato) that it took us to hike.
A good bottle of local wine from the vineyard of the friend of our waiter, and a thick tuna steak gave us enough energy to stagger back up the hill to bed. This time we had the sense to close the windows and the blinds so that we wouldn’t be jolted awake with the chimes from the church tower followed by cocks crowing – but well preceded by the trundling of garbage trucks cleaning up the town for the next onslaught of tourists.
I have to thank a friendly ski guide at Sun Peaks and Ben from the office for recommending the Cinque Terre as a special place to visit.
Bonjorno Karin & Peter!!
ReplyDeleteSo great to read your blog. The photos are fantastic - oh to be there with my Olympus - I'd never come home! lol I really admire your amazing stamina and yes, I'm sure skiing and pilates played a role in that. I'll show Ben your comment about Cinque Terre. Take care for now - have fun and look forward to reading more and seeing pics when you get back to the office!
Susan