Cinque terre, Italy

We stop at Levanto, and are lucky to get a spot for the van at the third site we try in town; everywhere is full to capacity. This town is the northernmost stretch of the regional railway that serves cinque terre, te five towns dotted on the coast and inaccessible by car or bike. One has to use the train, and then walk, or hike between towns to get the best views.

The Cinque terre national park extends from Monterosso to Riomaggiore, and we camped at Levanto, the nearest town to camp at. We found a place on our third site, having been turned away by two that were full, and finding the very last space in the third.

After checking into our site we unloaded the bike and had a look around the town.

The next day we went to the railway station and bought a two day cinque terre card which allows free use of the regional trains, and buses, and entry onto all the hiking trails.

We took the train to the end of the cinque terre line, to Riomaggiore, had a look around, and then took the trail over the mountain to the next town, Manarola. Ordinarily one might take the via dell amore, which runs along the coast, but this trail was closed because of a landslide that had completely blocked it, so it was a one and a half hour trail up some very steep steps and down the other side. Carol said she found it very hard going....

I think I look pretty exhausted sitting at the top.

The views on the hikes are pretty amazing, and the best views of the small towns of the cinque terre.

Most of the towns have marinas for boats, but the access is so small, and so limited, that boats are left in the streets of the small towns, right opposite pavement cafes.

 After two days of hiking 2 hours or so a day, and walking the streets, we were ready to move on.