Cinque Terra: Corniglia to Monterossa

Mary and I have arrived in Cinque Terre! Internet here has been a bit dodgy so I am a couple of days behind, but it seems to have recuperated now, so I'll update the blog.

We are staying in the small town of Corniglia.

Our first full day here we hiked from Corniglia to Monterossa, stopping in Vernazza. The trails are quite popular and well marked. Leaving Corniglea.

Looking back at our town after a few minutes on the trail.

The hills are terraced allowing many vineyards and orchards.

Many walls, steps, and doorways adorn the trail near the villages.

We stopped in the tiny settlement of Prevo for espresso and croissants.

An olive orchard with netting strung beneath the trees. Once the trees fruit the netting will be draped over the trees to keep birds from eating the olives.

Cactus are abundant here too.

As are shrines.

The descent into Vernazza was simply breathtaking!

Leaving Vernazza this is the view up the coast to Monterossa.

A seashell shrine.

Quite a rugged stretch of coastline.

Steps!

Getting closer to Monterossa.

The trail is narrow in spots.

and steep too.

All of a sudden we found ourselves out of the countryside and in a pleasant plaza in downtown Monterossa.

Bustling Monterossa

The weather was warm and the water not too cold, so we went for a dip. Refreshing!

We finished the day with a short stroll on the boardwalk to the train station and a quick ride back to Corniglia.

Molto Bene! (Very good).
An incredible day.