Before arriving in Cinque Terre we figured we might was well get off the train in Pisa and check out the tower. This is the picture we took.
Cinque Terre is a series of 5 small villages perched on some intense cliffs on the Italian Riviera. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. Recommended by many backpackers the main attraction is to hike a path between the towns and to check them all out. Trains and ferries also run between the towns, so it is fairly accessible for non hikers to see the places as well.
We arrived in the first village called Riomaggiore where we had our hostel booked. As it turned out we forgot to get a copy of the directions to the hostel so we hoped for the best when we got off the train. Luckily a man was able to give us directions to the office where we would check in. We managed to find the place just before the rain started. As it turned out our room had an incredible view of the sea which was very cool. That evening we got some fresh pesto which Chinque Terre is known for and made a delicious pasta. Although there where some clouds on the horizon, the sunset that evening was also pretty amazing. Truly a beautiful place to visit.
The next day we got up at a reasonable hour and started our hike. They say a good hiker can do the trail in roughly 5 hours. So we started out and it was pretty easy going. The first 3 towns are fairly close together and had a well constructed path. This portion was so easy that we where seeing many school groups and old people along the way. The views and scenery on this hiking path where truly incredible.
After the third town we where getting a little hungry so we stopped for a small break but held off on lunch until after the 4th town. The 4th leg got considerably harder both in steepness and terrain, but it also got us into some even cooler areas. At times the path would be through an olive grove, then on the side of a cliff and then in a vineyard. So we descended into the 4th town of Vernazza where we finally stopped for lunch. It was a fairly warm day and we had only eaten corn flakes earlier so we stopped for some pizza and wine and enjoyed a nice leisurely lunch. During lunch, after looking at the map we realized we had the hardest and longest leg ahead of us. But we where confident it would be fairly straightforward. After filling our faces with pizza the continuous climb for 40 mins was a challenge, but we did it without a problem. In the end we finished that leg 45mins faster then suggested, NBD. That evening we took a walk around the final and biggest town of Montrosso where we searched out a bunch of fresh ingredients to make a great meal. After doing the shopping, we had a beer on the pear and enjoyed watching some guys fishing. A great way to relax after a good day of hiking. After the sunset we hopped on the train back to our hostel where we enjoyed a feast and passed out after a nice bottle on Cinque Terre wine. The next day it would be on to Rome.
