Corniglia to Manarola to Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

To complete our goal of hiking between all the towns each year, we have one more to go, Corniglia to Manarola to Riomaggiore.  The path along the sea is still blocked by landslides, so this itinerary will take us up into the hills and back down for each journey.

We catch the train from Monterosso al Mare to Corniglia and start up.

Heading up (again), which we love. That is where the views are! 

Once we reach the ridge, the path leads through vineyards and fields, with Corniglia becoming smaller in the distance and Manarola approaching.

 Heading along the ridge

Corniglia in the distance

Through vineyards and fields

The trail goes through someone's back yard

With great views of the terraced vineyards and the Mediterranean

(Monterosso in the far distance)

Soon, we pass through the small town of Volastra and take the stairs (many steps) down into Manarola.  Down is much better, the people coming up the stairs do not look happy!

 Stairs (down) from Volastra to Manarola

Passing quickly through Manarola, we start up the steep path from town.

Serious up again

 Followed by a similar steep descent into Riomaggiore, with more great views along the Mediterranean.

Final descent into Riomaggiore

Monterosso even farther away

Once we get into Riomaggiore, we wander over to the Via dell'Amore, the strolling path along the sea between Riomaggiore and Manarola.  The Via dell'Amore is still closed by landslide and blocked off to keep the adventurous out.

Via dell'Amore

We end our hiking day with a train ride back to Monterosso for an afternoon of swimming in the Mediterranean off the Monterosso public beach, followed by thoughts of dinner.  So many incredible choices.  Stay tuned for the next post!