We took the train to Corniglia. The footpath from Manarola to Corniglia was wiped out in several places during the 2011 floods which devastated parts of this area. No complaint here, a train ride to start the trek works well for us.
In Corniglia we picked up pastries and ate with views of the ocean. We stopped in a little grocery for some fruit, cheese,
and focaccia and then headed out on the number 2 trail to Vernazza. The trail started from the town up hill and then leveled off through the olive groves, a nice 4km hike while it was still cool. We made it to Vernazza in an hour. Did some shopping - bought Meghan a swimsuit and sat in the main plazza down by the harbor to eat a snack. Bought a few more snacks, olives, artichokes and some dried beef. We got a little turned around at first but found the right trail to Monterosso. This one was a bit harder. It was close
to 11am and the sun was hot. Again the trail climbs at first but this time much steeper, up many steps and inclines and there really isn't much level hiking. By the time we crest it is time to decent into Monterosso - a beautiful site of beaches in the distance as you walk above terraces of vineyards.
After lunch we splurged for a private beach and rented umbrellas and beach loungers. The beach was a mix of stone and sand and we felt like royalty under the shade. I was disappointed that there weren't waiters bringing drinks - we had to fetch our own- but a coconut vender did come our way and we turned down a few massages.
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