Paradise on the Ligurian Sea

I don't remember if I have mentioned the weather yet.  It has been sunny everyday.  And warm almost every day.  Not a little warm.  Summer warm.


Every year we stay one town north of the official Cinque Terre - in Levanto.  Levanto is a beautiful village with a nice beach and, importantly for us, a place to park a bus.  I like Levanto as much or more than any of the five towns that make up the cinque (five) terre (lands).

So what's a perfect day in this region?  First - great weather.  Second - hiking way up into the hills that overlook the five towns;  or, taking the train and visiting the five towns.  Third - gelato at some point during the day - best after a long hot hike, but good anytime.  Fourth - a dip in the Mediterranean at Levanto's beach, with curious locals, dressed in long winter coats, looking on in surprise.  Fifth - a huge Italian feast at Ristorante Moresco.  That was our day!

Ready for dinner at Ristorante Moresco

Ready for a big day in the Cinque Terre region

Looking back at Levanto early in the hike

Feral cat of the Cinque Terre

The trails have a good balance of exposed vistas and shady groves

One of the great views, looking north on the way out of Levanto

Everyone is excited for dinner.  Except Joey

Keegan did NOT like the hostel we were staying

            

First view of the five towns, from the lookout meeeeeeee

The adults who did the long hike

Kids who did the whole hike.  This is at the ruied monastary of San Antonio

Red and white means you're on the right path

Fun near the top

Even the dogs want some of the water from the old stump

Everyone was thirsty at the top

The sanctuary of San Soviore at the top elevation of the hike.  It is always open, and contains a really old carving (3rd century) of Mary and Jesus.

At the Sanctuary of San Soviore.  An hour and half before this picture, we were at the furthest high point on the ridge behind us, just above Jacob's and John's heads.  These guys are amazing hikers!

They missed the red and white sign - Mrs. Marshall gets the troops in order though

Finally - our destination comes into view - Vernazza

Some of the massive devastation of the floods on October 25.

The middle of this olive grove was ripped apart by the flash flooding.

One of the many parts of the trail that has not been repaired yet

Jacob on the Via Roma - the old Roman road that leads down to Vernazza

The lemons look good here - but they aren't free!

Go to the light...  the last final steps before emerging in Vernazza for the long promised gelato.  Unfortunately, most of the businesses in Vernazza are still closed and under going renovation/reconstruction.  The place we usually go is just a shell with boards in front of the door.

Some pictures taken soon after the flood of business owners and their shops/restaurants

Jacob realizes that was supposed to be our train!

The hikers finally get gelato after the short train ride back from Vernazza.  What a great day!