I always look forward to Robin’s Walktober celebration. Below are my past walks:
- 2013 first: My (now old) neighborhood looking at fall colors
- 2013 second: A look at fall seeds
- 2014: My current town
- 2015: The historic and Alhambra in Granada, Spain
I had several ideas for 2016 – but then it hit me …. Let’s board a plane for one of the most beautiful and desirable walks in the world. Are you ready to join me in Cinque Terre, Italy!
Cinque Terre is a gorgeous short strip of very hilly terrain (some say rugged) along the amazing blue waters of the Ligurian Sea along Italy’s northwestern coast. The “Five Lands” are five small villages that are unique and outstanding: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Not only is this area an Italian National Park, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Although (three years ago) I have spent an afternoon in this visual wonderland, my wife and I were not only looking forward to visiting each village, but also anxious for the challenge of walking from Monterosso to Vernazza … so I decided to take my readers along to celebrate Walktober. Besides, some of the other paths between towns remain closed from damage suffered in a 2011 severe storm.
For us, we boarded a train to La Spezia where we purchased a Cinque Terre pass for the trails and the local trains … followed by the short ride to Monterosso, the most western village of the five.
Monterosso not only has the longest shoreline of the five, it also has the most beaches. Add the blue sky and the blue water … wow! … wait until you see how blue the sea on this walk!
The walkway out of town is obvious, so after a snack, “Good bye Monterosso”
… and discovered a special Home for Wayward Bloggers.
After a short walk and around the corner, we discovered another part of Monterosso that I didn’t know existed .. but we kept moving … after all, we didn’t know what’s ahead … Arrivederci Monterosso.
It wasn’t long thereafter that the terrain and the path changed. Oh crap … we have to go way up there? … and it was straight up with higher than normal steps.
The path is actually an ancient path used by people with mules and persons without a boat. The path can be narrow, steep, rocky, and high steps … so keep moving!
That’s Monterosso (where we started) …. but no sign of Vernazza …
… yet people live up here to tend to their grapes, olives, and/or citrus.
Along the way, everyone is treated with spectacular views
Finally, a glimpse our destination – Vernazza
… but the twists and turns caused Vernazza to play peek-a-boo to tease us …
… and Monterosso seems so far away …
What does up must come down – and on this day that means we enjoyed the long descent into Vernazza (while we watched those going in the opposite direction who were wondering if the climb would ever end and what lies ahead).
At the end, I look back to see the start of those who walk in the opposite direction.
To celebrate the journey, my wife chose a gelato treat … of which she says was the best gelato of the entire vacation.
… then let’s sit on the rocks by the water.
After walking and relaxing in Vernazza, we let the train take us to the next town – Corniglia (possibly my favorite village)- which involved 382 steps up to the town from the station. Then we trained to Manarola for dinner, and then Riomaggiore with the sun already below the horizon- so on this day, we visited all five villages of this beautiful part of the world.
If you enjoy fall walks, join Robin and others at her post. All you have to do is click here.
Wow! What an amazing and beautiful walk, Frank! Thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The scenery was breathtaking (and I bet all that climbing was too! lol!). So glad you picked such a gorgeous place for your Walktober walk. Thanks for joining in. 🙂
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Robin,
I knew you would enjoy this walk … as well as one that you would enjoy talking in person. It was less than 2 miles … maybe 1.5 miles … but it took use a few minutes shy of 2 hours.
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Whew!!! I’m starved….are we there yet? When’s lunch? Missed lunch? Supper then…..
Brilliant, aFa. absolutely brilliant!!
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Raye,
Definitely had to have a bite to eat before this walk … plus a snack afterwards. Cinque Terre is unquestionably a beautiful place … and the towns have great charm! Hope all is well in Portland!
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We didn’t blow away and weren’t washed out to sea. All in all….life is good (and rainy wet) in Portland! xoRRR
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Oh that’s right … Thought of you when I heard the storm news, … then shame on me for forgetting to see if all is well. Hopefully the rest of the rainy season will be more normal.
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Beautiful, Frank! Thank you for sharing.
When I went to Italy with older daughter (school-related trip), we went to Capri and walked up to see the villa of Tiberius. And in Assisi with younger daughter, we walked up and down the steeply inclined streets. But we never visited 5 villages in one day. It looks like a wonderful trip!
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Merril,
As you know, Italy is a walker’s paradise, and (although I haven’t been to them), I can’t imagine Capri and Assisi being any different!
Cinque Terre is so interesting as each village has it’s own unique character and setting. You love the pics at Google Images … Enjoy. http://tinyurl.com/zqhcjbk
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A beautiful walk, Frank, and a sumptuous post. TY!!!
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Resa,
A beautiful walk indeed … but also tiring … gelato .. wine … biscotti …. or whatever is necessary for a finishing treat.
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I understand. Yet, walking is my favorite thing to do besides eating, wine & family. Walking is A+because you stay healthy & discover a lot!
Yours was a great walk!
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Glad to know that any of the list (and more) are suitable for your post-walk treat! We walked a lot on vacation … many days over 17,000 steps … and on this day it was 23,000+
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Yay!
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Such a fabulous walk, with terrific scenery, concluding with delicious gelato.
Makes me want to travel there…..
x
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Melanie,
Glad you came along for the experience. … and hey … Cinque Terre is much closer to you than to me. 😉 … Beautiful indeed!!!
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Ah ha ~ who knows, an Italian sojourn might be just what we need?
Thank you for the suggestion x
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FYI: I think there are London to Pisa flights. … and Ryan Air goes into Pisa.
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Thank you.
I might just look into that.
x
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I’m impressed with those steps Frank – I’m sure I would have needed a wee lie down after the first half dozen! What a stunning part of the world to see, even if it was done in just one day! Which is also incredibly impressive, it must be all that dancing you do 🙂
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Pauline,
Thanks for the kind words … and yes, dance helps us, plus we like to walk when home. Needless to say, we were tired at the end of this day. … but it was a day with many Wow moments.
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Looks amazing. Though I lived in Switzerland for seven years, and traveled quite a bit, I didn’t spend much time in Italy. I’ll have to change that!
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Beautiful, Frank. It is amazing that it was only one day. (But what a day)
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John,
It was unquestionably a full day … If I recall, we even got a later start than we hoped. Thanks for walking along.
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🙂
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I think that I outta get my luggage packed and head for Europe, even when it rains it’s gorgeous in Italy, in Canada, the rain ☔️ is dreadful! Especially because a large part of BC had rain all July and August. Yup, time to get the luggage out and go on a vacation.
But, I do love Canada, it’s spacious and each province has its own beauty.
Maybe I should get the skates out and get ready for ice skating instead. 😉
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Genie,
Their are many beautiful places in the world … and no question – Italy has it from head to toe. But hey … those Canadian Rockies near you are also quite the sight! … (although I haven’t been there … at least not yet). Stay dry this winter!
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Oh Italy is magical. Thanks for letting me come along. Especially since I didn’t have to climb! Fantastic pictures!
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Elyse,
You are very welcome and glad you came along. Besides, I recall you saying that you travel through me.
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That looks like such a nice place. I was intrigued and looked it up on Google Maps. While I was there I found a nice view of Vernazza. Lucky you. https://www.google.com/maps/@44.1402844,9.6796743,88a,20y,157.37h,61.79t/data=!3m1!1e3
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Jim,
Awesome pic … Many thanks. Because the two of you enjoying walking and hiking, I think you would enjoy Cinque Terre!
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I agree.
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What a gorgeous walk! It really looks pretty demanding but all that scenery must’ve made it worth the effort!
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Kerry,
Thanks for joining us. This walk took a lot out of us. (ages 63 & 60) … BUT … we saw people along the way that we older … others had some ailments, but they kept trekking along. Interestingly, it is rated as “average” difficulty. I think I read that the trek from Vernazza to Corneglia is a bit more difficult than this one.
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Wow, that is quite the trek! The views you and your wife saw, are just amazing.
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Catherine,
Definitely a trek more than a walk … better amazing views for sure …. and one after another after another …. simply a continuing visual feast.
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Thanks for the walk, just two hours you say? I’m terrible when I go walking, I have a pace that a racing snail would be proud of and of course there’s a camera stop at every photo opportunity.
I loved the wayward blogger’s house on the hill and the hidden part of Monterosso, but then the views from high up were better, and looking down onto Vernazza, more wonderful still.
And then those beautiful colourful streets… Spoiled for choice. 😊
I’ve really enjoyed walking with you. Thanks for sharing. 😊
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Sallyann,
Thanks for coming along on the trek (rather than a stroll). Lengthening this walk to 3 hours would be no problem … so go for the slow pace and many photo ops. Although I didn’t show much of the towns, each was a visual feast. Monterosso and Vernazza are the most popular, thus the most crowded … but each village has its own character … so I encourage you to go!!!!
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Simply gorgeous, Frank. I know a few people who have visited and they have said what you have shown. It’s on my bucket list but something tells me Inshould have done it when I was a bit younger..:)
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George,
It’s a wonderful place, so I hope you get to visit. The walk is doable … just take your time and have water along.
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What a wonderful walk, Frank! Cinque Terre is on my ever-expanding list! Hmmm… maybe I should participate?
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Dale,
Cinque Terre is a delight …. a combination of so Italy and so unique. We also saw it from the air when leaving … another delight to this story.
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Nice!!
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Such a lovely walk in Italy 🙂 I am sneaking a spoonful of gelato now!
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Christy,
No sneaking of gelato allowed …. only face plants in the bowl or box. 😉 … thanks for walking along.
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So lovely. The walk, too. I was first speaking about the gelato. 😉
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Betsy,
LOL …. gotta love gelato! … I think my wife had one in every place we visited.
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She’s a smart woman. You’re a lucky man.
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You are on a roll today!
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🙂
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I love Cinque Terra! Lucky you were there on the beautiful walk. I loved the memories the photos evoked for me. Thanks for sharing. 😁
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Laura,
Glad I was able to renew some of your memories. This place is a photographers paradise! Did you walk between any of the villages?
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We did! We stayed in Vernazza (this was before the flood some years ago) back in 2002 I think. We stayed in this little place wayyyy up at the top of the hill in Vernazza that I found on google (yes google way back then). It was a shot in the dark and it turned out to be a gem of a place overlooking the Agean sea all by itself. We hiked up on the hills and to a few of the towns. I have pictures (film pics) somewhere with us on that hike. It was fabulous! We then took the train to Monrovia? Is that it? Just so we could see the town with cars. 🙂
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That’s awesome … and finding hidden gems is so rewarding! I know the train also stops at small towns went of Monterosso, but I don’t know the names. Well, Levanto because friends of ours were just there. … Imagine how many pics you would take in this region these days with a digital camera!!! Your eyes must have been on overload! 🙂
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Oh Monterosso…that’s it! Monrovia is a country isn’t it? lol I would be in 7th heaven with my digital cameras! We’re going on a cruise down the Danube for 12 days next fall so I’m excited for that!
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… and that cruise is also on our radar!!! Enjoy!
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Thank you! We’re doing it through Tauk. I cannot WAIT!!!!! Well I guess I’ll have to though. lol
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I’ve heard good things about Tauk!
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Me too! We are so excited. Can you imagine seeing places like Prague, Salzburg, Vienna and Budapest???? It will be amazing!
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A similar itinerary is on our 2018 radar.
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I’ll definitely be doing posts with all the pictures when I return so you’ll be able to get a sense of it.
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Awesome …. now I have to remember that for a year. 😉
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What a wonderful walk!! 5 villages in 1 day amidst so much scenic view and the gelato, things were definitely exciting and fun!! 😀
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Mithai,
Cinque Terre is one of those beautiful places in the world that is a pure delight … and including a hike is a great way to enjoy the day. … and what a day it was!
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It sure was a great day! Have fun and even more adventures 😀
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I’d have had my hubby carry me biggie-back up those hills. Although, he may have fallen into the ocean. LOLOL
WOW … the mediterranean waters are gorgeously blue. Pretty, Pretty Pretty ….!!!
The sunset is wondrous. I love all of the photographs. I could never have walked with my bad knees. I’ll enjoy your journey and relish in the thought of a yummy gelato. I’ll be having one on my cruise in December. I always look forward to that. ~~~ : – )
Isadora 😎
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That’s biggie-back … my spell check friend is always butting in. hahaha
Chow Amigo
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Isadora,
Because of your knees, taking you along for this journey was my pleasure. This water was a wonderful blue … simple amazing! Besides the gelato, we did have a wonderful dinner. Thanks for coming along for a walk! … and hey … go to Robin’s site for more walks!!!!
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I sure will. It sounds like a fun way to take an adventure. Tank you, aFrank, for a fun walk. 😎
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Such exquisite beauty, Frank. I love to hike and can manage inclines, altitude and distance if the view is worth it, and I’d say this walk was one for the memory book! I’d go for the gelato as my reward, too!
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Debra,
I have no doubts that you would greatly enjoy this walk …no doubts at all … even if gelato wasn’t available at the end. But good news is, … gelato IS available.
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Looks like a great tour though Italy.
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Rabirius,
Welcome first-time commenter. This was a wonderful place to walk. For more on our Italian trip, more posts are to come! Have you ever visited Italy?
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Okay. I’ll look for them.
I’ve been to Italy several times – but it has been a long time ago. Recently I traveled more east. Armenia, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and the like.
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Wow … those places must have been interesting. Did you post about them?
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Yes. They are.
I usually post single pictures – but I have a tap in the navigation called “Regions” where you can find everything I posted to one picture.
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Thanks.
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I visited Cinque Terre in 2002 and stayed in Vernazza, from which we hiked, trained and boated around. Your post was a wonderful stroll down Memory Lane!
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Eliza,
Oh my … I love the fact that I rekindled your memories. Being that you’ve visited, I know you can attest to the area’s beauty. On the visit, Vernazza was very busy! Thanks for joining the walk.
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I stayed in a house facing the harbor, it was wonderful watching the shopkeepers in the morning open their shops and hose down their sidewalks. I loved the semi-wild cats that would hang around the restaurant kitchen doors waiting for handouts. It was such a charming village.
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Watching local life is always a treat!!!! In the last two towns we noticed more locals as they were coming out to sit and talk with friends …. and probably also watch and talk about tourists. 😉
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Wow! That was an amazing walk! I’ve been to Italy but not to this part. How beautiful and adventurous you guys were to walj between the towns!
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Dawn,
Thanks for coming over from Robin’s to join in the community effort. This was a special walk … and I went knowing this would be my Walktober contribution … so I’m happy to share it here!
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