Cinque Terre: Terraced Hills and Rocky Shores

Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy

I had seen pictures of Cinque Terre - picturesque, colorful towns built on the steep and rocky shores of the Italian Riviera. But now we were really here in Manarola (one of the five little towns), after quite a series of trains, having just arrived from our week in Lucca. A very long tunnel led from the train station into the town itself, and as we entered the tunnel, we heard a little band inside playing stereotypical "Italian" music. As Joanne described, the rain and the steepness of the narrow streets that wove between those little pastel-colored houses really made our full backpacks feel heavy, so arriving at our new hotel room (after initially missing a turn) was a nice relief.

Joanne jones for a chip from the truck

The rain subsided, and we walked down to the main part of town to get a bite to eat. Joanne fell victim of the power of suggestion upon seeing a potato chip delivery truck, and we got to sample our first helping of yummy white anchovies! We walked down to the the water's edge, but swimming there was not very inviting; it just looked a little too "public", so we saved that for another day.

A wine worker with his grapes

We walked along a cliff trail, which provided beautiful views of the ocean, but it only went a short way. It was closed due to bad storms in 2011. As a result, we were not sure if we could hike to the neighboring towns, but on another day, we hiked a higher trail, which worked its way up the amazing terraced hilside, nearly to the high ridge, and then down to the town of Corniglia. Mid-way on this trail, we happened upon a small settlement where grape handlers were delivering boxes of lucious fruit. We asked if we could take a picture of one of the guys, and he nodded. He didn't look to happy in the picture, though.

Joanne swims in the Riviera

After lunch at Da Mananan in the tiny town of Corniglia, we descended to the sea, where there was a much less "official" and more private area to swim. It was a beautiful little cove. Joanne went first, and then I enjoyed some time in the sea. After swimming, we walked back up to town again for a photo with Manarola in the background.

Joanne and I in Corniglia, with Manarola in view

Visiting Cinque Terre is a special treat. No one can deny the charm and beauty of this part of Italy.