CINQUE TERRE
1. Take main train to La Spezia. From La Spezia you take the 10am train to your choice of the 5 towns. No matter what the schedule says . . .there is nothing before 10 am. The Cinque Terre train stops at each of the 5 towns if needed.
2. I like going to Rio Maggiore first. you just sort of wander thru this non descript town to the Strada Amore. It is a lovely paved walk along the cliff side through some gates with hearts on them. to end the walk- go through the ending gate with hearts on them and follow ramp downwards.
3. This brings you to Manarola. Keep walking through the tunnel and when you pop out turn left towards an elevated piazza (sort of). Then around through pics of the town in the old days and some shops and cafe's. Harbour dead ahead. I usually take the boat from there to Vernazza. I had some friends that did the walk to Corniglia and said it was nice (not really a hike . .just a little longer walk). If you take the boat ride (to see Corniglia from the water), you take the stairs down towards the harbor and buy tickets (small wooden shack) then catch the boat further on to the left and the end of a rocky point. Looks like it is nothing but a bunch of rocks . . .but somehow it works. If water is too choppy they will cancel the boat. I know there is a bus, but have never done it. plus, you can take the train to any town.
4. Don't know anything about Corniglia.
5. Vernazza is lovely. pretty yellow church, great harbor cafe's (this is usually where I eat lunch . . .remember to eat during lunch time, everything will close for reposo), rocky point, great shops . .etc. the hike from Vernazza is a little demanding and takes around 2 hours. I did not care for it . . .narrow paths on sides of cliff and tons of steps! Boat or train or bus to Monterosso.
6. Monterosso is like two towns. The southern most part of town has a harbor w/small boats & restaurants. but walk inland (under the track) and you will see a little park on your right and you head up to the left. Cool old church, small shops, and just past that is a fun little wine bar on the left (the house white is very tasty). As you come back towards the harbor, stay to right and head through another pretty tunnel (or around the cliff side). Here is a nice promenade, official beach, gelateria, etc. The train station is in an unmarked two story building in front of the beach (opposite a viewing platform).
If you decide to do the big hike . . .would go early before its hot and it is full of Germans and their ski poles . .lol! Therefore, I would start with Monterosso and work backwards. The hike does have beautiful sights . . but takes time out of your day and you will be sweaty! *Would not recommend the hike after any type of rain . .it will be slick.
It is a great place and every time I find new places and sights.
They will try and nickel and dime you on park passes, using an elevator, etc.
