Italia... Cinque Terre

 

We left Rome first thing in the morning to head toward the western coast of Italy. Our route was to take us somewhat close to the coast line so we did get occasional views of the water. We planned a short stop in Pisa since it really wasn't that far off of our route and if you're that close to the leaning tower of Pisa, why not stop to see it?

Occasional glimpses of water on our drive. 

We found a parking lot to park outside the city's ZTL but also close enough to walk to the tower. We walked the parameter of the area which also included the Cattedrale of Pisa and the Battistero di San Giovanni. I snapped a few pics of the tower in comparison to these buildings because it really gives perspective to how much it is actually leaning - it's a lot!

As we made our way back down the main corridor, we were both struck by how many photographs were being made of people simulating holding up the tower. It was quite the experience and I felt I had to include photos of it because it was soooooo predominant and so much a part of the visit to the tower. It was quite an entertaining people watching experience, and Chris and I had a fun time finding people striking "the" pose!

We headed back to the car to make our way to La Spazia - we were were parking our car there and taking the train from La Spezia to Romiaggiore - the southern most town of the Cinque Terre. 

The Cinque Terre is a coastal area in Italy in the part that is considered the Italian Riviera. It is also a National Park. The Cinque Terre is made up of five towns along the coast. It also contains hiking trails from one town the next. We would have considered possibly walking from at least one town to the next if it hadn't been a kagillion degrees! 

The train ride from La Spezia was about seven minutes to Riomaggiore. We got off the train and headed to our rental - the instructions were NOT super clear so it took us a while to find it and then we discovered that our place was up about 8 flights of super steep stairs (not on the Airbnb info!!)!! My comment up was, "There better be an amazing view at the top!" Well, in fact, there was!!

The immediate view when we stepped off the train in Riomaggiore.

View from our terrace.

Still, with 80+ stairs to the place, we weren't eager to go in and out! We decided to head down though to check out the water. Several of the Cinque Terre towns have water access but they are not what we think of traditional beaches. Riomaggiore has a quaint little harbor area for small boats and then a few areas people were using for water access to wade and swim. However, the coast was nothing but rocks with entry to the water involving navigation around giant rocks and part of the shoreline being comprised of a little smaller rocks. 

Riomaggiore Harbor

Shoreline in Riomaggiore - shore was mostly rocks about the size of your fist or foot. Not a lot of people in the water here because the waves are strong and bed was nothing but giant rocks under the water.

Definitely shows the force the water comes in toward the rocks.

Climbing down to the water in a calmer area.

We found a spot to get in the water that was buffered from the waves somewhat by a rock barrier, and it wasn't warm but it wasn't so cold that that I couldn't stand it - I DO NOT like cold water! As we made our way out - I ungracefully busted it on some of the larger rocks - not fun! I banged up my shins and cut up one of my feet so walking back up the 80+ stairs to our place was not fun! I was in for the night. Chris graciously went out to get dinner and we enjoyed it on our terrace. After all, we had the view!!

Dinner with a view!

Yum!!

Up the mountainside view from our terrace into the town. You can see a church in the middle.

The next morning after check out, we stored our luggage at a small place in Riomaggiore and grabbed a Cinque Terre train pass - it gives on and off access to the train all day up through all of the towns. We rode to the northern most town, Monterosso. It is probably the largest town of the five. If you want more of a traditional beach, this is the town to visit. Much more developed coastline and swimming area but with that - more crowds.

Monterosso Beach - sunbathers, swimmers and snorkelers here!

Even a lifeguard on duty

The water was clear and pretty but not nearly as stunning as Greece last summer!

The rocky point into the water just above Monterosso. It kinda marks the end of the Cinque Terre area.

Self portrait - look closely!

The other side of Monterosso. The train rail is in the foreground and just below it (out of the shot) is another beach area with umbrellas.

Vineyards on the hillside of Monterosso

There is a WWII bunker visible on the rocks.
There was one on each side of the cove area that  is in the foreground.

Our next stop was Vernazza. In getting off of the train we were immediately in the middle of the little town and had to walk a little way to the water. It was a smaller town, like Riomaggiore with a quaint harbor area and probably a little less water access for swimming than Riomaggiore had.

First view of Vernazza once you leave the train station.

Bell tower near the Vernazza harbor - it started ringing while we were there.

Event the boats are colorful!

Vernazza Harbor

We only glimpsed Corniglia from afar because it is the only Cinque Terre town not directly on the water and to visit it, you have to climb over 360 stairs from the train station. At this point, we are a little jaded in regard to stairs! Hahaha!

Corniglia up on the ridge of the rocks

Manarola was the next town we visited. It was probably my favorite in regard to views. It had a walking trail along the coast that took you to a great lookout point that I could see all the way up the coastline to above Monterosso and from the point, you also got great views of the town of Manarola. It's a popular town for visitors because it's know for points that swimmers can jump from the higher rocks into the water. 

A view from Manarola that shows the point just above Monterosso in the distance and Corniglia on the ridge in the middle of the shot. Vernazza is tucked out of sight in between the two.

This hole in the cliff made a loud booming sound when water entered and splashed. It reminded me of the thunder hole in Acadia National Park when we visited there.

Manarola

Swimmers jumping off the rocks.

Finally, we made our way back on the train to Riomaggiore and picked up our luggage. We rode the train back to La Spezia and to the car. This adorable classic was parked in the garage near us!

I am adding one of these little Fiats to my classic car wishlist! So cute!!

Overall, the visit to Cinque Terre area was a great stop - minus the stairs and the busted shins!! The towns are beautifully colorful! They each have their unique qualities and all have lots of little shops and restaurants. It's a fun people watching place and a great place to experience the water of the western coast of Italy and take a dip in the Ligurian Sea. I would definitely visit again for a longer period. Maybe stay in one of the smaller towns like we did but take the train early to get an umbrella spot in Monterosso. And maybe in slightly cooler weather so the hiking trails would be more enjoyable! 

Beautiful mountains in the distance as we drive!

Next stop, the mountains and water of Lake Como!!