Wednesday 21st August

Today we set off on the train to explore Vernazza and Riomaggiore two of the towns that make up the Cinque Terre pronounced Chink-weh Tay-reh and is part of the Italian Riviera.  Vernazza has the closest thing to a natural harbour and is considered the jewel of the CT.  The floods of 2011 did massive damage to this town as well as killing 3 people.  The photos of the flood are amazing it must have been a terrifying experience.

We walked up to the cemetery which was up a lot of stairs and a big hill but there was an amazing view of the harbour from the top.  We moseyed on down through the town then made our way to the ferry to go the furthermost town, Riomaggiore.  

Riomaggiore is the most substantial non resort town of the group.  There is a conglomeration of tall pastel homes with lots of boats around the main street.  

The poster in the Vernazza showcasing the damage in the flood of 2011

The view from the walking track to the cemetery

The cemetery with a fabulous view of the ocean.

The pathway to the beach

The beach... Not much sand!

Massive rock faces that are covered in wire to capture any falling rocks.

The main square down near the harbour where we waited for the ferry.

Riomaggiore from the ferry

The weather has been very hot plus it is school holidays so everyone is out in droves especially at the beach.