Day 3 - An action packed day in the Cinque Terre

Today we were up with the sparrows……….catching the train at 7am to go from Riomaggiore to Monterosso to begin our walk from to Vernazza.  This is reportedly the hardest walk in the blue zone and we had read some pretty scary stories talking about the level of fitness required, tramping sticks and level of difficulty – anyway we decided to do it anyway as we were from New Zealand………..and it was only 2 hours and we reckoned about the same climb as the Manawatu Gorge which we had done a few times. 

We decided to start at Monterosso which was reportedly the harder side but the one with the best views and it was amazing.  It started with about 550 steps……….so was pretty hard but with a few stops were were quickly up and the steps were up through vineyards so thinking about wine powered me up……… walking along the flats and the views were amazing – it was a great walk which we all enjoyed.  Connor was our leader for the walk, encouraging me and letting me know when there were dodgy or bigger steps – it was very cute! Took lots of photos and arrived in Vernazza to a nice coffee and danishes – perfect.  

Vernazza is one of the most popular villages in the Cinque Terre and is picture perfect! It really is absolutely beautiful……this area is just fab!   We then strolled the streets checking out the shops before heading to Manarola for an explore and a look around, more shopping before heading back to our apartment to freshen up.  Manarola was very cool and even busier than Vernazza.  We walked around the coast and again this whole area is just gorgeous – I am so excited that we got to come here and given how this was my one must-do of this Europe trip, I am so pleased that it lived up to all my expectations………….

I went for a wee walk around the coast while the boys chilled in the shade - amazing views they missed out on

Had to take a selfie with no one else there...........

Then some retail therapy

We headed back to Riomaggiore for showers and a relaxed chill lunch – pizza, pasta and salad all round – perfect.  The food here in Italy is amazing.  

We then got into our togs and jumped back on the train to head to Monterosso and the large sandy beach.  Ah perfect! We swam and chilled and then the boys headed out on the peddle boats and I had 30 minutes of peace and people watching – great times.  I then explored the shops a little while Karl chilled and the boys played catch in the water!

We then headed back home for dinner on the streets.  We all felt like different things from different little food stalls and so decided that we would grab our beers and coke from home grab a bench seat and buy the foods we wanted – fish and chips for Connor, a burger and pizza for Loki, pizza for Karl and a seafood mix for me.  We all agreed this was a great dinner and of course it was followed by gelato for me and the boys.  Karl wanted a cornetto cone however he could not find one! We then headed to have a quick look at the views as the sun was setting………and there he found his cornetto – everyone was then happy.  It was then time for bed – our last night in the Cinque Terre.