Italy: Cinque Terre Part 3

Hello again, I hope you enjoyed Cinque Terre Parts 1 and 2. Today I will tell you a little about the actual walk I did. 

There are a number of walks in the National Park, varying in intensity and length, including a coastal walk which is the one I did. As I mentioned a few days ago, two sections of the coastal walk are closed. At the time (July 2014) you could start the walk from Monterosso or Corniglia; I started in the latter as it's easier. 

Firstly I had to tackle the many, many steps that bring you up to the village of Corniglia. I had a little look around Corniglia, which is lovely. Outside the village you must show, or buy, a ticket at the checkpoint. The inland walks are free of charge but the coastal walk is not. 

The terrain varied greatly, at times smooth and easy and at other times, rocky and uneven. There were steep parts, upward and downward. On the upward steep parts, I had to stop and rest regularly as it definitely got my blood flowing!  My 2 litre bottle of water was not long gettting lighter.  The views were worth it though - looking back at the higgledypiggledy, colourful village behind and out over the Ligurian Sea. 

When I reached Vernazza I had a little break: a wander around and some food. Vernazza is so different from the other villages; each has their own charm and uniqueness. To me it seems the most spirited village as it had to overcome a horrific flood in 2011. I refilled my bottle at a fountain and set off for Monterosso. 

Monterosso is probably my least favourite of the five as it is so touristy and for me it lacks the character the other four have. As I descended the steep stony steps, people were coming against me with a tough, uphill challenge ahead of them. I was happy with the direction I'd opted for. 

Having arrived in the most northerly village of the Cinque Terre, I rested on the beach - the sound of the sea, the birds and Italian families. I had completed the long-awaited walk and it felt great.