Monterosso

The next day we set out for Monterossa, the northernmost town of the five in Cinque Terre. The hike was about an hour and a half and this time we were with three of our friends who had arrived late the day before. We'd had a fun evening with them, enjoying happy hour on the shore watching the sunset (again) and later getting kicked out of a restaurant (shocking and embarrassing, we're chocking it up to a language barrier).

Start of the trail from Vernazza, looking south at Vernazza, coming around the bend for first glimpse of
Monterosso (2 towns: 'old first, then 'new'), coming into Monterosso - old town.

It was market day in Monterosso, which was why we planned to go this day. After a round of waters and coffees, Sue, Nancy and I strolled the streets looking at the shops and street vendors. After, we went down to the beach - this is the only town with an actual beach - and put our feet in the Mediterranean Sea. The rock in the area is streaked with white, which is beautiful, so we gathered a few rock souvenirs. Then we met the guys, Don and Mac, for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the beach.

So nice to kick our hiking shoes off and cool our feet in the Sea.
Lunch at a great little cafe. (Sue, Nancy, Mac, Don, me)

Time to hike around the mountain to Monterosso, new town. What a difference! Lots more tourists, private & public beaches, a younger feel, and also home to the train station. We sampled the gelato and then caught a train for Portofino.

Hiking around and down to the other half of Monterosso. Mac & Nancy, Don & I, with Rick Steves, en route.