For the first time in many years, the walking trail that follows the cliff side from Riomaggiore to Manarola is open to the public. Closed due to a landslide since 2012 and restoration only completed this year, we had never walked this trail. So that was our main objective for today – walk the trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola, and explore the village of Manarola for the rest of the day.
We enjoyed the walk and headed into Manarola.
Tomatoes!!
At the top of the village is a wonderful church, and on one outside wall was the cross of the Knights Templar over a long forgotten entrance.
Time for an Aperol Spritz.
The crowds were oppressive, but Manarola was as picturesque as ever.
You can’t help but feel the romance when you’re here.
Down to the harbour and up to try to get in to one of the coolest restaurants in the Cinque Terre, the Nessun Dorma.
Alas, it turned out that the restaurant was closed today and we had to go to plan B, which wouldn’t have been so bad if we hadn’t stood in the hot sun for fourth-five minutes , waiting for the final word about Nessun Dorma.. Which was “we are really closed”. This is the view
Plan B entailed getting a train back to Riomaggiore and having dinner at a cliff side place there, with almost as good a view, sans quaint buildings.
Our spirits restored, we headed home, with a small detour for gelato, and are all now enjoying some quiet time after the most glorious sunset. Tomorrow we take the ferry – the water gods willing – to Monterosso, say hi to the Gigante statue, have a swim, and later take in a concert in Vernazza. Should be a fun last day in the Cinque Terre.
Bonne notte a tutti . . .
Jan and Don Travel the World 