The reason for me coming to Genoa initially was to walk the Cinque Terre (meaning - 5 lands) - a 12 km trail that links 5 small UNESCO protected towns along the coastline south of Genoa. What I didn’t realise was that the train ride (5,80 Euros) to Romaggiore (the 5th town) was a 2 hour train ride stopping at nearly every station along the way - & that was the quick train.
When I arrived at Romaggiore, I wasn’t sure whether I was going to walk the full trail after reading online that it was challenging. But the Cinque Terre Pass (5 Euros) gave you entry to walk any path within the area, & I figured I could always hop on a train if I was feeling completely exhausted.
The walk from Romaggiore to Manarola was very easy - a 15 min nice paved walkway that still allowed plenty of time to take photos. From Manarola to Corniglia took 45 mins. It was an uneven path, but still quite easy, even though sturdier shoes were required. From Corniglia to Vernazza the path got a lot more difficult & there were far fewer people on the last two legs of this journey. I found this the most challenging part of the walk with lots of uneven climbing up & down, although the views were certainly a reward for the effort. Vernazza was a beautiful town with great little eating alcoves & a wonderful sheltered cove for swimming (I forgot to bring my swimmers). I sustained my energy with a pesto pizza (local speciality) & headed off again soon afterwards.
At the beginning of the trail from Vernazza to Monterosso, there was an outlook back over Vernazzo which was truly spectacular. This part of the trail had parts that were very narrow with steep drops off to the side here & there. I met a couple of Aussie women (Jill & Glenda) here & we had a lovely chat before I continued on. Monterosso was the largest town of Cinque Terre & was a beach resort with sun umbrellas lining the beach & bars dotted along the village. For completing the walk, I treated myself to a gelato & a cold drink, then hopped on another slow train to Genoa.
When I arrived at Romaggiore, I wasn’t sure whether I was going to walk the full trail after reading online that it was challenging. But the Cinque Terre Pass (5 Euros) gave you entry to walk any path within the area, & I figured I could always hop on a train if I was feeling completely exhausted.
The walk from Romaggiore to Manarola was very easy - a 15 min nice paved walkway that still allowed plenty of time to take photos. From Manarola to Corniglia took 45 mins. It was an uneven path, but still quite easy, even though sturdier shoes were required. From Corniglia to Vernazza the path got a lot more difficult & there were far fewer people on the last two legs of this journey. I found this the most challenging part of the walk with lots of uneven climbing up & down, although the views were certainly a reward for the effort. Vernazza was a beautiful town with great little eating alcoves & a wonderful sheltered cove for swimming (I forgot to bring my swimmers). I sustained my energy with a pesto pizza (local speciality) & headed off again soon afterwards.
At the beginning of the trail from Vernazza to Monterosso, there was an outlook back over Vernazzo which was truly spectacular. This part of the trail had parts that were very narrow with steep drops off to the side here & there. I met a couple of Aussie women (Jill & Glenda) here & we had a lovely chat before I continued on. Monterosso was the largest town of Cinque Terre & was a beach resort with sun umbrellas lining the beach & bars dotted along the village. For completing the walk, I treated myself to a gelato & a cold drink, then hopped on another slow train to Genoa.
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