The Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera

On Monday, October 13th, 2014 we traveled from Florence by train via La Spezia and arrived at our "home" base of Vernazza for a 3 day adventure. The Cinque Terre (pronounced CHINK-weh TAY-reh) "The Five Lands" comprises the five villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Our plan was to walk the Cinque Terre park trails connecting the villages, but due to rains prior to our arrival the trails were deemed unsafe and closed. Nevertheless, we explored Vernazza from hilltops to harbor, as well as walking and exploring Monterosso al Mare, and the larger town of Portovenere to the south. A water taxi on the Ligurian Sea provided wonderful vistas traveling past all of the Cinque Terre villages and each and every village excursion included friendly greetings, Old World vistas and exceptionally fresh and expertly prepared cuisine. Come along.

The pedestrian tunnel connects the old with the new.
Busking for euros - the end of the tunnel is perfect position for amplifying sound and for receiving coins of appreciation.
Arriving at the Vernazza station platform.
After the evening train arrives there's an increase of foot traffic on the Via Visconti as new arrivals find their abodes or a nice place to eat and watch the sunset.
Young Italian surfer "wanna-bes"
Look out !! An actual wave !
The young surfer return from the waves.
Life is to be savored and appreciated.
Vernazza as viewed from high on the terraced hills to the North.
The Cinque Terre trails wind along the coast (the subtle curve to the Red over White means turn left ahead).
Vernazza at twilight, looking south.
Vernazza
Wednesday, a new day and time to explore the terrace hills surrounding Vernazza.
Cinque Terre Vernazza
Day 3 - we took the trail as far as we could until the young lady guard told us "Closed". She took our photo and we all had a good laugh about it.
Sarah on the trail with Vernazza and the Ligurian Sea coast behind her.
Day 3
On the trail we notice a stalled stair climber to transport goods to a restaurant at the top.
Here's the reason - not enough gas to make it up the steps.
A long way to walk and then return for a gallon of gas.
Ready to go again on our return.
Before tourism, for six centuries, the economy was based on wine and olive oil. The terraces that surround the Cinque Terre comprise some 3,000 miles of stone walls and are reported to have as many stones as the Great Wall of China.