Our plans for visiting Cinque Terre were for spending most of our time in Monterosso, which we felt was the more livable town, and visit the other four. First, Vernazza by hiking to it from Monterosso, then taking the train and by-passing the subject towns to have lunch in Riomaggiore. Subsequently, taking the train indirectly back to Monterosso by way of the other two smaller towns quickly in the afternoon. This means that even with an approximately two-hour hike in the morning to Vernazza, you too can visit all the towns this way too!
Manarola
Manarola being a smaller town has few things to do, but its a colorful little town and is busy with activity.
Manarola will also remind you that it’s still a working fishing port, or that’s what they want you to believe at least. As you head toward the old port you will increasingly come across boats that have been dragged up from the shore and stored along the street sides.
Of course there is always the sea to visit and a short walk down to the seaside is a must.
If you have to eat in Manarola we can definitely suggest the old Cinque Terre Gelateria, they have gelato, unlike some others we have come across (and there is bad tourist gelato around), that is just amazing.
Corniglia
After jumping on the train again we found ourselves in the last of the five towns, Corniglia.
This town has the dubious distinction of having four hundred plus steps to reach it from the train station. While my wife Patti and daughter Ericka decided it was a bit too hot to attempt to summit our last town, I took on the challenge.
In the baking heat, and it was reaching low to mid 90’s each day here, before you even reach the stairs you are, shall we say, uncomfortable.
The stairs are well-kept and there is some shade along the way where you can rest. Since I am no longer in my twenties, I availed myself of the shade twice (before I blew a blood vessel or suffered a stroke). Fortunately when you reach the top the town has strategically placed a fountain where one can top off their bottle of water (thank you!). If you continue you will quickly realize by the signs that you have gone the wrong way and you will meet the customary trail signs to the next town. Turning around you should notice the town and your mistake.
Getting to the center requires a little navigation, but you will eventually pop out close to the town center and where the bus stop is. Even climbing the steps and taking several short breaks I was still able to beat my wife and daughter to the town center, but I admit that was on a busy touristy day!
Climbing the stairs to the right of this church yields an uncomprimising view of the water.
…and that just about sums up our visit to Cinque Terre. Though a lot of traveling is involved, walking, hiking, climbing and sittings on buses and trains it is more a less worth it. However, one can also make the argument that it is a bit of a manufactured tourist trap and part of an industry to help the locals out and/or inconvenience them, some times its difficult to tell. We leave that thought for the reader to consider before visiting.
Absolutely stunning scenery and beautiful little towns.Thanks so much for sharing your Cinque Terra adventures!