Vernazza-Riomaggiore-Manarola, Day 4
Day 4, Vernazza - Riomaggiore - Manarola
I had decided that I would visit one town a day while here which I figured would include a hike to get there. Today I decided I would go the the farthest town away, Riomaggiore. Last night I was talking to a couple who hiked here from there yesterday and they said it took them 6 hours and was an incredibly hard hike. And he runs marathons.
It's been hot here, in the mid 90's, so I decided I would give myself the day off and just take the train, which actually takes less then 20 minutes. How is that even possible?? So this morning I put on a skirt and sandals and left the hotel looking almost like I've not lived in a backpack for 2 months. I bought my train ticket and sat in air conditioning and showed up for the first time to a town NOT a hot, sweaty mess.
Walking from the train station into town is through a series of tunnels leading to several different parts of town to explore.
I walked all the parts and happened upon a trail that leads to Manarola, the last town on my list to see. I had found the marker to the longer, upper trail since the lower "easy" trail is closed due to reconstruction. I wasn't quite ready to leave though, so I went back to my exploration and happened upon a lovely outdoor cafe with wine and a view. It was noon after all.
After my wine and fully enjoying all the sites, I couldn't get the idea out of my head of just popping over to see Manarola today as well. After all, I could just take the high trail which only takes an hour. It was only 2 pm...too early to return to the hotel. An hour, that's not really a hike, right?? So bee bopping along in my skirt and sandals, I start up the trail knowing it would be a lot of stairs. Turns out it's 620 stairs straight up and as many on the other side straight down. And not the nice, even, paved kind of stairs. Some steps were higher then mid thigh...some steep and narrow, and it was hard and very hot. Seriously folks, what is wrong with me?!? I think I need a walking intervention!!!
I made it!!
So I obviously lived to tell the tale and it really was an epic hike!!! I showed up in Manarola a hot, sweaty mess...so much for looking "normal!" Manarola is the most ancient of the 5 and it's houses go right down the cliff to the sea. Beautiful. It's the town often pictured in guidebooks. I had a wonderful ravioli pesto with some local wine for a well earned late lunch and then caught the train back "home!"
And that makes 5 Terre I've explored thoroughly. Maybe a day off tomorrow?? 😊
