Manarola

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Today we decided to forgo the recommended hike to Portovenere since we'd already spent some time there. Instead, we decided to explore several of the Cinque Terra Villages which weren't on our self guided hike itinerary: Manorola, Corneglia and Riamaggiore. We took the train to Riamaggiore which is the first village (most southern) of the Cinque Terre. The village, dating from the early thirteenth century is known for it's historic character and it's wine produced by the town's vineyards. Naturally, we decided we should discover the finest of the town by starting our hike with a glass of the local wine and a plate of local cheeses at a great little spot with an amazing view. Our plan was to hike the Via dell'Amore (Love's Trail), a seaside trail leading to Corneglia, but it was closed so we formed Plan B, which was to hike over the mountain (instead of around it) to Manarola and what a hike it was! The ascent was probably the most challenging but then again maybe it was just that we had several days of strenuous hiking already behind us. But nonetheless, it was an awesome experience with our fearless trailblazer Alec leading the way! He was kind enough the take most of the pictures as Ralf and I struggled up the rugged rocky trail behind him. And it can be said, that there was just a bit of mumbling under my breath on the first half of this hike. But a few hours later we emerged on the other side of the cliff and finally spotted Manarola. The trek down was very steep at points but well worth it. The village or Manarola was just as quaint as the others and possibly my favorite. Since it was Mother's Day, the boys had promised me a lunch or dinner at a Cliffside restaurant as I had seen pictured online before our trip. And what a place they found! The only problem was we had to wind through the village and back up the hill on the other side of a village in order to get there. We enjoyed a great lunch of bruschetta, focaccia, and pizza here and thoroughly enjoyed the view. After lunch a little more exploring and then the train back to Sestri Levante. The highlight of the day for Alec was a stop at the grocery store back in Sestri Levante where he acquired 5 bottles of Italian wine to take home with him! He loved the wine there and couldn't get over how inexpensive it was. I'm hoping he's planning on sharing it but that remains to be seen! Then a wonderful Mother's Day dinner with my boys to round out a perfect day!

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Photos

Riomaggiore - Manarola
Alec making himself comfortable on the train!

Riomaggiore - Manarola
Our first stop before beginning the hike for some local cheeses and a glass of wine.

Riomaggiore - Manarola
Our first stop before beginning the hike for some local cheeses and a glass of wine.

Riomaggiore - Manarola
Alec was kind enough to find me a walking stick. I think he was afraid I wasn't going to make it!

Riomaggiore - Manarola
Or original plan was to hike from Riomaggiore to Corneglia via the Via dell'Amore but the trail was closed so we had to take a different (much more strenuous path!). This trail is known for lovers placing padlocks on the fences declaring their everlasting love. You can see some in this photo.

Riomaggiore - Manarola
The beginning of our ascent - lemon trees were in full bloom

Riomaggiore - Manarola
Then on through the vineyards