Levanto to Bonassola

The last few trips to Cinque Terre, we've started to explore the towns north of the five villages.  Today we take the train to Levanto, the first town above Cinque Terre and hike north to Bonassola, passing over the hills between the two towns.  It's a cloudy, windy day and the Monterosso beach umbrellas remain furled as we walk through town to the train station.

A quiet day on the beach

Similarly in Levanto, the beach umbrellas are furled as we walk past the beach and head north to the trail.

A quiet day in Levanto

The path head up several series of steps, then continues along the ridge toward Bonassola

Steps up

Looking back at Levanto

Soon we lose sight of Levanto and continue (up) along the path until Bonassola appears in the distance.

Heading up

Views of the sea

Levanto growing smaller

Continuing along the trail

Intersection on the trail

Bonasolla growing closer

The trail descends into the city and we wander past the train station and through the streets to the harbor and beaches.

Descending into town

As we enter Bonassola, we are greeted by large flowering plants beautifying the streets.

Floral greetings

Entering the city

Reaching the harbor

The weather has started to improve and the beach umbrellas are open in Bonassola (although the beach is also more sheltered than Monterosso or Levanto), making for a picturesque greeting.  We stop to admire the color decorating the beach, then continue north along the sea to the next town (Framura), which is a new destination for us.

Exploring Vernazza and Finding Lunch

Vernazza is the only natural port in Cinque Terre and dates back to 1080 when it was an active maritime base and a point of departure for naval defense against pirates.  Over the next two centuries, Vernazza was vital in the Republic of Genoa's conquest of Liguria, providing port, fleet, and soldiers and most of the powerful families of Vernzza pledged their allegiance to the Republic of Genoa.  In the 15th century, Vernazza once again focused on defense from pirate raids, then suffered a period of decline through the 17th century that reversed in the 19th century with a return to wine production and an end to its isolation with the construction of the Genoa-La Spezia rail line.  Now, a thriving tourist destination, this beautiful village is a fabulous place to wander and we do so, finding narrow, intriguing pedestrian streets, small parks, and great views of the sea as we reach higher levels of the village.

Streets of Vernazza

Glimpses of the sea

Up through the streets

We head south (and up) on the village streets toward the trail to next town south, Corniglia, with the intention of seeking lunch at La Torre, a restaurant above the city with great views over Vernazza and toward Monterosso.

Looking back at the village

Views from our table at La Torre

We lunch fabulously on linguine with lobster and octopus with lemon and potato puree.

Linguine, octopus

After lunch, we walk down to the harbor in Vernazza, observing the people dining in Piazza Marconi and enjoying activities in and on the water.

Dining in the square

Water sports

We take one last look at Piazza Marconi and then walk through it, heading to the station for a train back to Monterosso.

Looking at Piazza Marconi from the end of the harbor

Passing by the piazza

It's been a fun day hiking to Vernazza and exploring the village, now it's time to return to Monterosso and think about dinner.

Hiking to Vernazza

On our trips to Cinque Terre, we often take the path along the Mediterranean from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza, the next village south.  We decide to do that today and leave Hotel Villa Steno, head down to the beach, and turn left to find the beginning of the trail, passing the private/pay beach (with lounge chairs and umbrellas) and then the public (free) beach (with sand and rocks).

Private beach

Public Beach

Looking back at both beaches as we start

The trail initially heads up the hill past Hotel Porta Roca and turns south on a ridge along the coast, through vineyards, olive groves, and forests.

Heading up

Along the ridge

Looking back at Monterosso

Looking south toward the other four villages

Continuing along the trail

Monterosso getting farther away

Soon, we round a corner and see Vernazza in the distance.

Continuing along the trail

Vernazza comes into view

Monterosso around the corner farther behind us

The path continues along the ridge, then descends into Vernazza, bringing us out into the narrow streets of the village that flow into the main street (Via Roma) and down to the main square at the harbor (Piazza Marconi).

Path continues, then descends to town

Descending into Vernazza

We decide to explore the town and find some lunch.