Cinque Terre

The train from Sestri Levante, covers all 5 villages that make up the Cinque Terre, Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia and Riomaggiore, as does the ticket. Tickets have to be validated before you board the train so, make sure you do that before you get on!

First stop is Monterosso and it's a lovely place. The station is a bit manic with tourists a-plenty rushing from platform to platform but, that's understandable I suppose. The temptation for us was to try and take in all 5 stops in one day. You may manage it, we didn't and in truth, I would suggest that you need at least two days to do them justice.

There's some legwork to be done, in order to get the best views.

We were going to walk to Vernazza, as a lot of other people were doing but, after just a hundred yards or so, got seduced in to a seafront cafe for a spot of brunch, and that was that!

Two and a half hour hike, or lunch? Hmmmm

We did have a walk around though before we got the train to the next village.

The trains are very efficient and provide a great service up and down the line of villages and, if you are on a tight schedule, this is definitely the way to go.

We visited the next village of Vernazza, and very nice it was too but, by the time you've had a good look around, maybe had a bite to eat, or even just a drink, the realisation that all five won't be achieved on the same day, hits home.

Best views? On high or from the sea.

We decided to get the train to the last stop, Riomaggiore, and see how we were doing on time before deciding which, if any, of the remaining two we would visit on the way back. As it turned out, Riomaggiore didn't float the boat of either of us and it's a lot of work in the heat of the day, climbing the steep roads or trying to get higher to snap some good pics.

A Bit too much hype maybe?

By 4.30 pm we decided to call it a draw and head back. I can see why people like the villages but in truth, they are best seen either from  on high, or from the sea. I would have liked to see them at night, just to see them lit. It wasn't to be and our first day visiting the Cinque Terre, proved to be our last.

I can see the appeal but, not really my thing.

It had been a pleasant enough day out but, in all honesty, I was hoping that Italy was hiding it's best silverware, just awaiting our arrival, elsewhere.

Now, isn't there a leaning tower somewhere in Italy?

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