On our first full day in Cinque Terre, we headed out to hike from village to village. It took us about 3.5 hours (with breaks and a climb up the signature tower) to go from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza, and finally to Corniglia. The main trail to Manarola and then to Riomaggiore were closed (due to previous mud slides), but taking a higher (and more difficult) way was possible. At that point, Gayle put her foot down in front of her "Mountain Goat Husband" and bluntly stated - No Mas!
At that point we had a nice Lunch (at Osteria Mananan) in Corniglia and since we had the combination Trail/Train pass, we decided to get to Manarola by Train. The walk to the Coniglia Train Station is an adventure in itself. You get there via a LONG stairway that seems to go on and on. It was a good thing that we were going down instead of up! The Station itself is small and basic, but with some great views coming and going. read more