From Modena we headed to Cinque Terre (Five Lands, comprising Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore), representing five villages clinging to the mountain sides on the northwest coast of Italy. They say it’s the ‘poor man’s Almalfi Coast’. We found it quite wonderful, and an incredible workout as most every place is either up or down. We were there for a couple days and managed to see Marionola, Vernazza and Monterosso. Reaching any of the towns via car is problematic, so we stayed in La Spezia, an industrial town just down the cost and took the train to Cinque Terre each day.

 

 

But first, need to say that our drive from Modena to La Spezia was beautiful over state road 63, stopping in the small village of Verrucola for a few pictures, the one here of Castello della Verrucola.

 

Our hotel was high up the hill above La Spezia with an incredible view of the Apuan Alps where Carrara marble is quarried

 

On the way to the train station in La Spezia – common sights of laundry hanging out to dry

 

The pedestrian tunnel from the train station in Manarola into town

 

The largest flat area we found in Manarola, so of course, kids kicking the soccer ball around

 

Down by the harbor there are unique rock cliff formations to the South with a path around which one can walk

 

And irresistible for those wanting a little better view

 

North of the harbor and up the hill is a small park and where you get the best view of the town – and from where most the pictures a Google search turns up

 

A close-up view of the town

 

And at twilight

 

Overlooking Manarola is a lovely statue of a girl with grapes.

 

If you continue on the trail North you’ll end up in Corniglia. I didn’t go that far, but this view looking back is interesting. Look closely for the two couples below.

 

And what best way to end the visit to Manarola but a beautiful sunset

 

So, more to come. Love to hear what you have to say about our travels.