June 11 – Monterrosso to Vernazza

View from the trail


Another view from the trail


One of the many poppies dotting the path


Beautiful rose bushes on the descent to Vernazza


Vernazza


Umbrella's in Vernazza village


Doors in Vernazza village

Cinque Terre is located on the northwest corner of Italy on the Italian Riviera. Monterrosso is the most northern village, then Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore follow. Cinque Terre translates directly as Five Lands. Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore are located on the water; only Corniglia sits on top of a hill.

A walking trail and a train line connect the five villages. There are no cars in the villages. On our first day in Cinque Terre, we hiked from Monterrosso to Vernazza. Little did we know, this was the steepest, most gruelling part of the Cinque Terre. I’m not much of a hiker, and wasn’t really looking forward to breaking a sweat in the 30C+ temperature. BUT. Once I did break a sweat, and hiked onwards and upwards, it was so enjoyable. The path is steep and snakes around olive groves and vineyards. There are beautiful vistas all along the route, flowers in abundance, and the sweet smells of the woods permeated our walk. Coming around the corner and seeing the view of Vernazza was the highlight of the trip.