We headed off the next morning early to catch a train north to Cinque Terre from Florence. Cinque Terre is UNESCO World Heritage site and National Park that includes 5 towns along the Italian coast, including the coastline.
Ryan and I decided to head to Riomaggiore - the first of the 5 villages heading south to north along coastline, with another traveller, Nick, whom we met in Florence. Without accommodation booked, we decided to see what we may find. Literally, stepping off the train, we discovered a hostel metres from the train station. We walked through the town and decided the hostel was the way to go, heading back we dropped our bags and decided what to do. After enquiring about the walk that takes you through all 5 towns, unfortunately we discovered the first two legs of path (Riomaggiore to Manarola, Manarola to Cornigula) were closed. However we could walk from Cornigula. After a quick swim, we headed into the township of Cornigula for lunch of seafood spaghetti. Filled, we began the walk to Monterosso via Vernazza. It was an amazing view - you could see Cornigula on the mountain top below as we reached the peaks along the edge of the cliffs.
Sweaty and thirsty, we descended into the township of Vernazza - incredible. From here, we had a break and noticed an entrance through the cliff that led to a beach where we swam in the stunning aqua blue water of the Mediterranean Ocean. Recharged, it was decided to catch the train to Monterosso. Here we wandered the streets, had some amazing seafood and ultimately caught the train back to Riomaggiore around 11pm and took another look around Riomaggiore until early in the morning.
The next day, after some breakfast and we said goodbye to Nick, had another walk around Riomaggiore and decided it was time to head to Naples with a quick stop along the way to Lucca.
