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 Cinque Terre "Five Lands (Villages)" from Lower Left Clockwise - Vernazza, our home base for 3 days, with the town center Harbor and Breakwater; Monterosso al Mare, the most beach resort Riveria style; Corniglias, the quiet town not on the water; Riomaggiore, described by Rick Steves' as "a more laid-back and workaday" of the Cinque Terre group and tiny and picturesque Manarola.
Cinque Terre
Cristian, our innkeeper host pulling our sole blue suitcase, meets his guests at the train station to make sure they find their way to their Vernazza "home".
Cristian, of La Marina Rooms, explains to Sarah what our options are should the rain drops continue to fall.
Near the train station is a large photo mural depicting the devastation and loss to homes, businesses and the community of Vernazza from the Flood of October 25th, 2011 - almost exactly three years prior to our visit. The photo in the lower right corner is what remains of a former home adjacent to one of the streams which overflowed and carried everything in its path to the harbor and sea.
Cinque Terre Vernazza
A rainy afternoon on October 13th, 2014, minutes after we arrived.
The same view on the main street after the flood of October 25th, 2011.
A town of many stairways, alleys, paths, archways, shutter windows and colorful walls and murals.
Interior view of our La Marina Rooms, Apartment # 12 overlooking the harbor -the climb up the stairs worth it many times over. Cristian will meet you at the station and help carry your bags. http://www.lamarinarooms.com with e-mail at mapcri@yahoo.it
In the Middle Ages there was no square or beach - the water went directly to the front of the buildings where the boats would tie up (like in Venice). The big red central house (in the shade on the right) where Genoan warships were built in the 13th century- used to be a guardhouse.
The Italian "Laundry Lady" in this photo is actually Sarah taking advantage of a clothes line directly outside our apartment window.
Raining and overcast at 5:47 P.M (see church clock tower) and within minutes...
...at 6:10 P.M there's a break in the clouds as the sunlight pours through.
Ready to dry after the rains.
A golden glow in the west.
An open umbrella while the sun is shining means there could be .....
.....a rainbow over the Vernazza Harbor Square...an omen of brighter days ahead.
"Yes, darling, our relationship will remain rock solid no matter the storms of life". Photograph is taken at the base of the castle tower which served as a watchtower back in the days of pirates and a Nazi lookout tower in WWII.
Embrace by the sea followed by......
...more hugging and kissing and......we're in Italy after all.
Sunset watchers at the Breakwater.
The purple-pink pastel after-glow of an evening sunset in lovely Vernazza.
A new day begins with the sun shining - a hopeful sign for the Cinque Terre.
Tuesday morning is market day in Vernazza - vendors set up produce and other stands for Vernazza shoppers.
There are frequent looks to the sky to see how the weather may change the day in Vernazza.