Cinque Terre- Manarola, Vernazza Italy

Stay: Levanto as per yesterday
Visited: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso

We planned to catch the 9:03 stopping all stations train to Manarola, but when we got to the station we got on an earlier train not realising it was an express to Riomaggiore! So we thought 'ok we will just catch the next train back'. Which we did but it would be in another hour! Oh well...we had a another walk around and had a coffee and then got on the very packed train. 

To our frustration it turned out to be another express train stopping at Monterosso! We weren't the only ones looking confused and annoyed. I asked the ticket office what happened and she said we got on the 9:57 train which had arrived late at 10:03...any way we  pushed through the crowd to change platforms as the train was coming. Feeling a little nervous...was it going to stop all stations? And yes it did and we finally made it to Manarola along with masses. 

It was pretty with its coloured houses cascading down to its tiny harbour. We walked around getting to as many vantage points for some memorable photos. So through the tunnel we went back to the station and were lucky enough, because the doors were closing on us, to get on the very crammed train to Vernazza. This was my favourite as it had a bit more space with the little piazzetta that fronted the harbour. 

We had some lunch whilst watching a wedding couple throw bucket loads of lollies from a balcony into the crowded street below. Love seeing these different traditions. Feeling hot we decided to have a splash in the refreshing water before taking on the only part of the walking track that is officially opened to Monterosso.

. Even though it was not ideal being hot and the middle of the day, the hour and 3/4 walk was doable even in our sandals and we are really happy we did part of the Cinque Terre walk. We rewarded ourselves with a gelatti before having another dip in the ocean. 

The 5min train ride back to Bluey went without a hitch and we relaxed with a few beers after doing another load of washing.
Our overall point of view of visiting this area- you could visit all the villages in a day by train (if you caught the right trains), you dont have to buy the daily ticket €12 incl trains, bus and walks -  you can just purchase the local train ticket which would be cheaper if you don't want to walk. The only official coastal walk open is between Monterosso and Vernazza. You can walk to Riomaggiore, but you need to go over the hills instead.  You can go also by ferry but not sure on the cost.
PS Mark is not happy with the Bombers loss.....