Cinque terre

The Cinque terre (five fishing villages along Italy’s north western coast) exceeded our expectations. All the elements of a good holiday for us: good (but quite steep) walking tracks linking the villages, great coastal views, warm swimming beaches, fresh seafood, foccacia bread and gelato. As expected, the narrow walking tracks were overcrowded in parts which made for one average afternoon. Our digs were in Volastra, about 350m above the main villages and the coast on a really nice part of walking track with figs, grapes, peaches and all manner of other produce as well as terrific views out to sea. Three days was just the right amount of time to experience the highlights – after which our sunburnt bodies were ready to move on.

Afternoon sun in Volastra:
Views from the trail:

Beach in Rionmaggiorie: