No, there'll be no nudity here. I know how you think.
We'll take it easy today, we decide, no need for hiking clothes or shoes. Let's take the train to Riomaggiore, the last town to the south in the Cinque Terre, walk a bit in each town, then take the train to the next.
Cinque Terre literally means "five lands", five fishing villages that cling to rugged cliffs along the Ligurian Sea: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore.
We wait for the train. This one is just passing through.
We step off the train in Riomaggiore.
We can't resist the famous Via Dell'Amore, the Way of Love, a simple, paved path between Riomaggiore and Manarola. "It's just a 20 minute walk." We walk up the stairs to the path and - I'm not making this up - we see this.
The path is level and comfortable and the ocean shimmers in the white hot sunlight. Our foreheads sprout beads of sweat; the breeze feels almost cool. Everywhere, fastened locks show names and photos of couples who hope to secure their love forever.
Here we sit in "The Lover's Chair"; a couple from San Francisco captures it for us.
In Manarola, we board the train then step off In Corniglia. We walk through the streets, pet a few cats, watch people swimming and sunbathing.
"It's only 4km to Vernazza, and it's such a pretty day, let's hike there instead."
See the town over there, it's Corniglia. We're not quite half way to Vernazza.
Around the corner we see the path ahead.
Remember the part about not dressing in hiking clothes or shoes? It didn't matter - the sun, the sea, the air  - we couldn't miss it. So, we walked this path.
In these shoes.
And these. (bought just before we flew to Italy)
But along the way, here is what we saw. Worth every step.
Wow! So I am a few days behind, but WOW! Breathtaking scenery. Obviously that walk was meant for you two. So gorgeous. So romantic!
Thanks for the photos. I've enjoyed each post and pic. My husband and I hiked the ct in 2006 and this brings back wonderful memories. Keep them coming.
Thank you Pam - so glad you're here...
As you know I really was interested in this one, and your pics REALLY help me see what it's like. Majorly still on my list. I would so have to swim in those two coves that people are swimming in, I'd be like running and stripping like some collegiate coed after a kegger on the quad. GORGEOUS.
Oh Thom! We can always count on you for spice...
REally nice, that's how I remember Cinque Terre with the clear blue waters.
yes, clear blue - everyday Keith and I look longingly at the sea having made other plans, but tomorrow, we swim!
My favorite day! Thanks for the beautiful photos
glad you're here...wish we could bring this place back in our pockets.
I was hoping you would find the note I left for you on the Via Dell’Amore! 🙂
I can smell the sea in your pictures.
Thanks for sharing
So it was you!