CINQUE TERRE - ITALIAN RIVERIA

Rob, Doug, Cliff & I drove to La Spezia to catch a ferry to Portovenere. We were hoping to explore the Cinque Terre. We arrived in La Spezia only to discover the cycle race "Giro d` Italia" finish line was in the town. There were so many road blocks we were unable to access the ferry terminal, so we continued on to Portovenere. 

Rob & Doug were only staying the day, so they went off on their own to explore the towns of Cinque Terre by ferry.

Meanwhile Cliff & I booked in to our hotel as we were going to walk the Cinque Terre from start to finish. The view from our room was pretty good for the price, plus breakfast. 

It was time to check out the colourful streets of Portovenere.

What to eat, what to eat - We couldn't make up our mind so decided another picnic was in order. More cheese, meats but this time a bottle of local wine (instead of a tetra-pak) We sat looking over the Mediterranean Sea watching a group of young people swimming & sunbaking - Cliff thought "that looks pretty good" so in he went. 

While I, on the other hand spent my time watching a baby bird - so cute (although Cliff thought the birds sunbaking themselves were even cuter)

The town is overlooked by Diora Castle (constructed in 1161)

Great views from the castle of St Pietro church (apparently built in the 6th century)

Next day we checked out bright & early to catch a ferry to the first town to commence our walk - The start of the walk on the Via dell'Amore (Street of Love) which is the easiest part of the walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola - we even had our padlock with our names engraved to attach to the fence. (just joking - no padlock for us) We met a really nice Kiwi couple who informed us all the trails were closed for restoration & the only part of the walk that was open was - THE HARDEST PART- the one with all the steps.

Photo of Riomaggiore

Back on the ferry & off to the last village of the Cinque Terre (or top village which ever way you look at it) On the way we saw the villages of Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza then our stop of Monterosso (after a while all the villages start to look alike)

Off we set  - it was an extremely steep walk (up hill) & busy - a bit like Pitt Street at lunchtime. 

We managed to complete the walk in 90 minutes & Cliff did it in thongs - a few people stared at his feet but only one person commented. WooHoo Vernazza -  we made it!!!

Lunch was in order, so we found a lovely restaurant on the dock & indulged in beautiful local seafood

The town was exceptionally pretty (but very touristy)

We caught a train back to Lucca. After a couple of hours we finally made it home for a well deserved rest. Tomorrow it will be time to explore Lucca & the surrounding villages.