Cinque Terre - Take 2

Back in July we spent two nights on the Italian Riviera in Cinque Terre with our friends Mike, Mel, and their adorable boxer Lenny.  Cinque Terre ("The Five Lands") is famous for its hiking trails that connect the five villages of the region.  Kevin and I had visited Cinque Terre before in May 2013, however we were unable to go on any hikes due to bad weather (truth be told a more accurate excuse might have been bad hangovers).  This go around was much more tame, but no less fun as we were blessed with sunshiny weather (and no hangovers), and were thus able to enjoy the hikes.  With this most recent visit we switched it up and stayed in the village of Manarola.

On our first day we did a hike from the village of Manarola to Riomaggiore.  This is supposed to be the easiest of all the Cinque Terre hikes, however, the easy path was closed due to renovations.  The detour involved climbing up and down this giant staircase with what felt like a million steps.  I think it took us about an hour to complete, but I was feeling it for hours after.  When we finished we rewarded ourselves with a local wine tasting at a wonderful terrace restaurant with stunning views called Bar Conchiglia.

Hike from Manarola to Riomaggiore

Bit of a forced smile.  I'm sure I could barely breath at this point on Cinque Terre's ultimate StairMaster.

Best Friends!
#myamisseslennon

Mya refusing to go any further because it was so hot.

Riomaggiore...only 5,000 steps later.

Bar Conchiglia 

Posthike Naptime

On our second day we hiked from the village of Monterosso to Vernazza.  I found this hike to be easier than the first - probably because it wasn't as hot and the hike didn't consist of a giant staircase. (Mel, on the other hand, might disagree...as we later learned she was actually pregnant during this trip and was secretly having "morning sickness" all over the trail.  Mah girl's a trooper!)  It took us about 1hr 45min to complete the hike.  When we finished we took a refreshing swim at a cool beach you reach by walking through a cave, and capped the day off with drinks at a stylish terrace bar called Deck Gianni Franzi.  Amazing day with amazing people (and puppies)! 

Hike from Monterosso to Vernazza

Monterosso

Vernazza

Deck Gianni Franzi 

Where we Stayed and Ate

We stayed in an Airbnb apartment - Ca de Gianchi.  In case you choose to stay here just be aware that the "second bedroom" isn't actually a room.  It's in the living area and consists of two twin size couches and a twin size bunk bed.  So not the greatest place for two couples to stay, but it is in a great location and has a balcony.  

View from the balcony

Siamo Fritti is a good place to get street food - a paper cone filled with a variety of fried seafood.

A nice dinner spot with a view and great seafood is Trattoria dal Billy.  For some yummy focaccia check out La Cambusa in Manarola.

And I'll leave you with a view of Manarola at night....