Italy – Cinque Terre 5/9/16

Well this was a day trip to remember to Cinque Terre, which translates to 5 towns. We took the train to Monterosso, (the first of the 5 towns whilst heading south). This is the only one of the 5 that has a beach, so to say it was packed was an understatement. A quick walk around, a cold drink and we headed for the Cinque Terre Trek. Once found we put our best foot forward and proceeded up a hill next to the edge of the sea. At the top of this hill was a sign asking us to get our tickets ready for inspection, what tickets we thought as we hadn’t purchased any, so we trotted back down the hill in pursuit of said tickets. Once at the bottom we spotted a sign indicating you can purchase your tickets at the ticket inspection office at the top of the hill. We certainly was getting our exercise in today! Tickets bought (At the top of the hill – €7.50 pp as entrance fees into the Cinque Terre National Park), so onwards and most definitely UPWARDS, we continued. The information we had read about this trek was that you needed “a moderate level of fitness”, wow an Olympic athlete would have trouble. The terrain was very steep steps up and over the crest of a huge hillside, some say about 300 in total, but I reckon there’s loads more. It was around 12 noon when we started, the sun was blaring down, no clouds in the sky and absolutely no breeze in the air. It was stifling. A mixture of age groups were on this walk, mostly middle aged upwards who’s fitness levels were severely comprised, ours included. Everyone had to take regular breaks to catch their breath as the hills were very very steep. However the views were magnificent, beautiful unspoilt natural flora and fauna as far as the eye could see. The never ending azure waters of the sea, the reflection of the shimmering sun, the endless blue skies, the rock formations, the aroma of the wild flowers in full bloom all made the journey so worth it. At one stage an entrepreneurial farmer had extension leads emerging from behind bushes and attached to this was an electric juice machine. He had dozens and dozens of oranges, all being made into fresh juice, which he was selling. The queue for this refreshing tonic was around 20 people deep when we got there. How inventive for him, how rewarding for us the walkers. So the trek continued, people passing each other, some walking in the opposite direction, others just taking their time enjoying the views. Everyone was polite and friendly, nationalities from all over the world, different languages spoken on every corner, the world wide diplomatic services would be proud of us all, what an experience. Once we bridged the top of the last hill we caught our first glimpses of Vernazza, the second of the 5 villages. The sight of this made everyone overcome with joy, it was spectacular, even though it was in the distance a few kilometres ahead of us. It seemed to give everyone the momentum and enthusiasm to continue over the next hill. Then finally, the view of Vernazza became clearer by every step we took, I’m sure our pace quickened. Then finally moments later we were sat outside a bar on the seashore downing a well deserved beer or two, as we congratulated ourselves on completing the first leg of the trek. Then it hit us, it was only the first leg, we had 3 others to do, and it had taken over 2 ½ hours to get this far! We were knackered, couldn’t move for at least an hour, so decided we would continue the trek by train. A 1 day train pass of Cinque Terre cost €16 pp, well worth it by every means. Tickets bought, and within 15 minutes we were at the last town, Riomaggiore, (the last and fifth of the villages).We had decided to get to the end of the trek, have a look around, take a few photos, have lunch and head backwards. Another great town, with awesome views out towards sea and of course the very impressive, photogenic, colourful, world famous views of the village, staggering gracefully upwards from the edge of the sea, climbing higher and higher towards the sky, BEAUTIFUL. We had a great lunch here, mostly liquid before catching the train to Manarola (town number 4). As before great views and a lovely coastal town. Very hilly, but again worth every wince, and tortuous step we took to look around whilst having the best Gelato I’ve ever had. Back on board and within minutes we disembarked at town number 3 Corniglia, this town is different from the rest as the train doesn’t stop directly in the town, instead you either walk up yet another hill or catch a bus. We chose neither so turned around and got back on the next train.
What a fabulous, yet very tiring day. The pain is all worth it, the memory of this day has definitely made its stamp on me and will remain with me forever. Each of the 5, are unique and individual in their own way, however, all are at the sea edge, at the foot of the most amazing hills, and all have the most colourful array of residences. I wish we had stayed a night or 2 in each of these lovely towns, but due to the cost of accommodation it really was out of our budget. Anyway a fantastic day trip and as were off to Rome tomorrow, we’re no doing anything but riding a train for over 5 hours, so enough time for resting up.