I promised I would write about Cinque Terre, the five villages on the Ligurian coast that are part of the Italian Riviera. Susan and I spent three lovely days in Vernazza, the fourth of the five cities. We were so busy having fun, I neglected to write while we were there. Now, as we wait for a train that will take us back to Florence, I find I have time to write.
Susan was much more active that I was. Every morning she got up early and went for a hike to either Monterosso or Cerniglia. I walked around town, which was fun and I got some exercise, too. There is hardly any flat ground in Vernazza. The same holds true for the other 3 villages to the south: Riomaggiore, Manarola and Corniglia. These little towns have buildings seemingly Super Glued to the mountainsides. Walking around any of those little towns gives you plenty of exercise.
In Vernazza, the trail twists and turns before you get to a tower. This particular tower is at the east end of town.
Monterosso, to the north of Vernazza, does have some flat ground, and of course, it has the largest beach. People come from all over to swim in the Ligurian Sea at Monterosso.
Our days were filled with walking, exploring and enjoying the fantastic food of the villages. Since Vernazza is a fishing village, our meals were primarily seafood. I did read the menus carefully, for some seafood delicacies are not items I want to try. I suppose I should be more adventurous in that respect.
Yesterday, I wanted to relax at the beach, so I took the train to Monterosso. I walked down to the Bagno di Stella, where I usually go to swim. I rented a chair and umbrella for the day and spent most of the day right at that spot. The Bagno has a restaurant, so I was able to have lunch without leaving the area.
Finally, after I had enough sun and water, I met Susan at the train station. We went back to Vernazza and we both took long naps. We had to renew our energy for more wonderful eating. Dinner last night was at Gambero Rosso, our favorite restaurant. I had some fish in a red sauce with capers and olives. Susan had fried fish, which looked tasty.
Now we will go to our second home, on Via Dei Servi in Florence. We will stay there for ten days. Perhaps we will have time to find all our old favorite places, visit the OK Bar a time or two. One thing I know for sure, I am going to the “mercato” and I will be cooking many of our meals. I am going through cooking withdrawal.
I cannot leave you without giving you a Vernazza sunset. I do hope you will be able to come here some day and witness a sunset for yourself.
I will post more about Florence later. Stay tuned!!
Ciao for now,
Dolly
Cinque Terre Gay Travel Resources
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