cinque terre - literally translates to five fishing villages
otherwise it's a collective term for an italian coastal strip
today we are going to visit the towns travelling by train
the choice comes down to train or boat - inaccessible by car
we are slow learners at the moment as we wait in another queue
this time at la spezia train station to obtain the required tickets
cinque terre is a popular tourist destination and it's prime time
we take the train to the end of the line - monterosso at mare
it's been a bit of a late start for us so already it's chockers
even getting out of the train station is quite a slow shuffle
looking down on the water's edge and people are everywhere
hiding under the rows of sun umbrellas or already in the water
townside the shops are busy and the street vendors are hard at it
oh yes the holiday season has kicked in big time - moving on
put a tick against the first town and back on to the next train
vernazza requires a walk down through the town to the sea
the shops and restaurants are full and the narrow lane is busy
pretty town - pastel colours on the houses against the blue sky
there's an enclosed bay with various access points for swimming
we find a spot and consider a swim but a more privacy is wanted
we take a clamber up some steps to an empty looking bar/cafe
sorry - fully booked (though empty) - not interested in casuals
we go into reverse gear and retreat back up through the town
stopping at a customer-free gelataria for a delicious little treat
back on the trains and the next stop is corniglia high up the hill
the theory is this place will be less crowded as it takes an effort
a sign at the station warns of the 382 steps required up to the town
ouch - in this heat too - but we psyche ourselves up for the walk
just as a local bus pulls up offering a one-way trip - thanks - taken
we jam into the bus and enjoy the ride up the narrow twisting road
jump out at the town centre and notice an immediate difference
yes - less people - happy about that as we go into wander mode
we scramble quite aimlessly around various narrow walkways
then are seduced by the cute signs at an empty outdoor cafe
sheltered by a grape vine and direct views down to the sea
yummy salads and cold platters with friendly service follow
with energy levels restored we then decide to walk back
spectacular views are enjoyed as we descend the 382 steps
a few vendors and buskers along the way add some interest
on the flat heading to the station we smirk at oncoming people
they have no idea what a climb they are up for - good luck!
next stop - manarola - another long walk through a tunnel
we cannot resist the fried anchovies - the local specialty
pushing through the town and now determined to get wet
a string of rowboats are moored alongside a concrete pier
that'll do - a plunge into the cool, clear waters is so good
a paddle out into the deeper waters with buoys on offer
this is the real deal and so a good time spent wallowing
upon exit we consider a boat cruise to the starting point
but the cost and the likelihood of a crowded boat are high
we stick with the train which then returns us to la spezia
cinque terre - tick - maybe a future re-visit at off-peak time
the day concludes with a search for a suitable restaurant
so many on offer but a rotund bearded chap wins us over
and then provides fine italian food, wine and hospitality
a slow amble home allows for reflection on a fine day...
