Cinque Terre 
 

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 f we would have followed all directions it would have been only a short drive…. And there we are at our campsite with some electricity for the car. Ok the car was not near our tent, but who cares and we had a nice tent with nice lookout towards our fellow campers.

 
 Beach time at the Mediterranean Sea – Deiva Marcina

We took the bus towards the beach. I think Paul was a little bit surprised when he saw the Italian way of beaching: Umbrellas, lawn chairs – in long rows and lots of rows and thousands of people… you nearly have to stand in line to go into the water.

We cooled ourselves down with jumping in the waves and having a lot of fun. Since it's so nice here we had to have Pizza – nothing better than to have a takeout and eat it overlooking the sea with sunset.


What is the Cinque Terre

• They say it’s the nicest coast at the Mediterranean Sea
• The "5 lands" consists of 5 villages – over centuries people built terraces on the rugged steep landscape right on the cliffs. Only by boat – walking or train they were accessible – cars couldn’t reach them
• Riomaggiore: the most southern town, in a small valley, it dates back to the 8^th century
• Via dell’Amore - Lover’s Lane: a 1 km path connecting Riomaggiore with Manarola, built in the early 20^th century for the workers when they built the railroad, they say it became a meeting place for lovers from the two towns
• Manarola: maybe the oldest town in the area and 2nd smallest, built on a 70m high cliff, is the most romantic and charming of the villages with a tiny harbour, boat ramp and coloured houses
• Corniglia: the only town with no beach access, 100 m above sea level – we only saw this little village quickly on the way by from the water and the train.
• Vernazza: founded in 1000 AD, a small fishing village – the medieval castle Belforte built in the mid 1500’s to protect the village from the pirates, today gives you amazing views and a natural pier with an amphitheatre look like  
• Monterosso: with a large sandy beach – the largest of the 5 towns, a little ruin a nice church back ground… here you feel like you visiting the Italian Riviera
  
  

 Via dell’Amore

We hopped on the train and went all the way to Riomaggiore – sure we had a window seat, but that won’t help a lot if you are mostly in tunnels

From Riomaggiore we started this famous walk along the coast – only downside, there were nearly too many people, still we had some breathtaking views on the coast. And even it is today not a little secret meeting place anymore – but still worth a kiss along the sea walk.

 
 Manarola

Ready for breakfast we arrived here and enjoyed one of the wonderful Focaccias. And since Paul wanted to eat them at the sea we found a gorgeous spot on some rocks, overlooking the water. Even Paul thinks 'Coke and Pizza’ for breakfast is a bit unusual – but then who cares, we are on vacation.

After exploring a little bit the town, going up and down the streets – we decided it’s too hot for a hike. We rather have a boat ride.

 
 Monterosso

Our next stop… since we had some time before the boat leaves, perfect weather for a swim– Paul again was amazed about the European style of beaching – so ok we didn’t pay for the lawn chairs… but the water was wonderful – after a “free shower in the free changing rooms” – we went on search for an ice-cream during which we also explored the beach town with the cute promenade a little.

 
 Boat ride from Monterossa to Riomaggiore

Finally on the boat and we enjoyed the fresh wind and the beautiful shoreline… it was wonderful, to see all the tiny villages along the coast


  Riomaggiore

Here we stayed for a while – exploring the harbour – the streets and the cute little town. It’s actually very difficult to say, which one is the nicest town. From here per boat we went to Vernazza.


  Vernazza

This town I really love, partly because it has a castle – and Gine so eager – we didn’t even took the time to fill up the water. It was hot and we are sweating and the view was awesome looking up and down the coastline. I think it is fantastic – EVEN we are very thirsty.

So back in town – the first we do is having a drink – and let’s go for a swim, but where? Paul discovered not only some showers but also a great spot. But where should we go in: the dirty sandy beach or into the waves and rocks – what about the boat dock and jumping in there – where the water is crystal clear and so Gine jumps right in... We already decided we skip the next boat trip and have supper here, because it’s so super nice.

So when it was time for eating, we went in search for a Pizza. Gine suggests a Pizza pesto – Paul agreed but had no clue what kind of ‘boring’ Pizza it will be – and was then severely complaining about the “not fully loaded Italian pizza”… and we also we had to wait a long time… but that gave us the time to have here an wonderful romantic sunset.

Back at the train station a Japanese guy told us the train was cancelled – but it still was on the screen display… ok I think he didn’t have it, our train came – the one in the other direction was cancelled. Then the train arrived at 8 pm, the bus leaves at 8 pm… so big hurry and running towards the bus… and guess what we waited, since the shuttle bus was late. We had a busy day and were bone tired… even it was final game tonight with Italy winning