This part of Italy has some of the most picturesque scenery we have seen on this trip . 

The Cinque Terre coast is UNESCO World Heritage protected and has sensational walking and climbing cliff paths. The Cinque Terre is a magical part of Italy the name meaning five towns. A myriad of paths link the villages with spectacular views of cliffs, coast and cultivated, dry stone terraces. 

We spent lots of time hiking and did thousands of up and down steps but also enjoyed swimming and sunshine which had been sadly lacking in most parts of Europe we have travelled in so far. 

Staying a little away from Cinque Terre in a town called La Specia as a much cheaper option but it took only 10 minutes by train to reach the area. La Specia itself is a pretty town and our hotel was a grand dame of the past with even a bidet in the bathroom! We also had a fridge and a supermarket close by which meant it was easier to feed ourselves more healthily.

We enjoyed time at the beach in a lovely little secluded cove that we first accessed via a goat path down a steep cliff but later discovered we could access from the town of Corniglia by way of a disused railway tunnel and walking some 2 klms through. The catch was a 5 Euro charge as the tunnel is owned by a private person.

It was with sadness we left this beautiful area and caught the bus to our next destination, Nice in France.

Footnote: Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto) are UNESCO World Heritage listed.