Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre

The Italian Riviera

We traveled by train to Cinque Terre, which is actually made up of 5 coastal cities, just north of Carrara.  We took the train to the furthest city North, Monterosso, then traveled by ferry boat between cities, working our way back.  It was a delightful day.  We  wore swimsuits and shorts so we could enjoy the kayaking and swimming along the way.  Each city was unique and charming, and tucked into the rocks and hills.  We hiked and swam in Monterosso, and Brad had to explore the WWII pill boxes on the cliffs.  We rented kayaks and ate the best pizza and calamari in Vernazza.  In Manarola Brad joined the teenagers in jumping off a big cliff into crystal clear water, and we all went swimming again (so hot).  We hiked the hills in Riomaggiore, where the houses are literally built into the hills.   Each narrow steep stairways through the city led to fabulous overlooks of the Mediterranean.