Exploring Cinque Terre

On Tuesday Wendy and I headed out to Cinque Terre, Italy for a few days.  It just so happened that this was the one day they had a disruption to the bus/train system.  
 

All planned, we were to catch the bus from Vence to the train station in Cagne sur Mer and there was no bus!  Tried to get a ride with no success when finally another bus came by.  We took that one but it was quite a distance to walk to the train station where there MIGHT be a train.....we waited and waited and no train so we caught a taxi that was waiting.

We had to get to Ventimiglia, Italy in order to catch our train to Cinque Terre and once in Italy all would be good because there was no disruption to the buses and trains there. 134 Euros later!!!! and then we are on our way.

We transfer trains several times and finally arrive at our destination, Corniglia. It is the town in the center of Cinque Terre which consists of five coastal towns.  Unfortunately when we arrive it is raining and there are gale force winds!  Not pleasant but the views are still amazing from way up here!

Now this is a beautiful picture and this is Corniglia however I do have to confess that this is a picture that I took a picture of....unfortunately the sun did not shine when we were there....in fact I couldn't even use my umbrella as the winds were blowing so hard.  As you can imagine being perched on the top of a hill on the ocean you don't have much protection!

One of the many narrow lanes in Corniglia.  There was only a couple of bars and a grocery store open with very limited hours since it is the off season and the weather was bad.  In the summer this would be an amazing place to come.

Looking down from a view point in town the coast is rugged and the water is a beautiful shade of blue.  There are a couple of beaches in Corniglia.

I took the local train to Monterosso which is the most westerly town of the five.

Beautiful beach....lots of restaurants and places to see.....just not at this time of the year :) but I'm still enjoying the sights!

Then I hop the train in the other direction and head to Manarola.  This beautiful town is perched on another hilltop which we can see from Corniglia.

 

And then it's time to head back to Vence.  I promise myself that I will definitely return when the weather is better.  This is such a special place.  To hike the paths between the villages is a promise I have made to myself.....just not this trip....next time for sure!