Deliciously Hot Cinque Terre Walk

September 2009, by Gini

With Andy & Nicky and Dave & Sonia travelling Europe on a shoe string, we couldn't resist putting on our mini packs once again and joined them for walk in Italy. The minute we stepped outside Pisa airport (which is the easiest airport we have ever been through!) we knew we were in for a treat with the weather. It didn't take us long to walk from the airport to the B&B the others were staying at late on Friday night, we got there just in time for some beer and spaghetti.

Next morning of travel consisted of a crazy one handed bus driver who clearly couldn't add 6 bus fares in his head, an easy train ride from Pisa to La Spezia and then onto Manarola where our Hostel was situated. The hostel was right at the top of the hill but had a great view and nice terrace. As it neared mid morning we decided to set out on our first part of the walk, Manarola to Corniglia, roughly one and half hours walk. Lets just say it was bloody hot and stopped in the village for light refreshments and pizza. When it had reached midday we set off for the next part of the walk which was Corniglia to Vernazza, roughly 2 hour walk. Again the sweat reared it's ugly head, but what a beautiful day and the views were just inspiring. Looking back from where we had walked we got some great views of the two villages we had walked through and how compact they looked from afar.

Vernazza had a great swimming bay and we deserved a refreshing dip! After a crab stole my sunnies we used our train passes to get back to hostel for a token shower in time for a dinner in the first square in Manarola. I think we were all pleasantly surprised after the rude waiter delivered us fresh seafood and tasty pasta.

Day two, we took the train to the end of the track, Monterosso - the most touristy spot with sandy beaches and restaurants at every turn. As it turned out we ended back at Venazza for another swim and pizza on the rocks in the sun, life couldn't get better than that! We relaxed there for a bit and checked out the tower with another great view and then decided to finish the day by drinking the local beer (Italian) and then walking the last part of the lovers path (only 20mins) in the dark to complete the walk in its entirety. We ended up in Riomaggoire for dinner and had a cheery mamma serving us. The gnocchi with sundried tomatoes inside was amazing!

Day three was goodbyes to the travellers Dave & Sonia as they set off on the rest of their back packing journey. A lovely lunch down by the cliff in Manarola with Andy and Nicky and some crabs, a few swimming dips and then a slow migration back to Pisa. While we were at La Spezia waiting for our train, we were very temped to hop aboard a train to Florence and relive our lovely 6 months of travel, we blame the others for putting the idea back into our heads - reality kicked in and back to London we went. But the seed has been planted...

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Vernazza from the south side of the path

Vernazza from the south side of the path

The backpackers ready to go, but not down

The backpackers ready to go, but not down