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Cinque Terre: Monterosso

Thursday 19 April 2012
beach
beach2


This is my final take on Cinque Terre. Due to the horrific mudslide and flash flood last October, Vernazza was the worst hit of the 5 and they're still recovering from the catastrophe. If the state of Monterosso was any indication then Vernazza would be in worse condition. I decided to give Vernazza a miss this time. What a shame because it was such a charming village. Seeing the locals in Monterosso working away like busy bees, I'm sure both places will be back to their former state in a couple of years' time.

monterrosso
monterrosso2

Of the 5 villages, Monterosso has the sandy beach and it's not exactly perched on a hilltop. Hence, the warmer weather and plenty of sun. Lil L is a water rat. She was practically hyperventilating at the sight of the sea. We had to go through the ceremony of touching the sea water and feeling the sand between her fingers. After weeks of badgering me endlessly about taking her to a beach, this managed to earn me a nice respite. I was starting to go a little crazy with the constant "where's the beach?".


building
lemons

Monterosso is also the most touristy compared to the rest which was also one of the main reasons why I decided on an apartment in Manarola. Nonetheless, I found the place rather charming. The locals were still shucking mud from damaged buildings, repainting the walls and reorganizing the shops. There's still so much to be done.

WIP


The easier coastal walk that connected all 5 villages is currently closed due to the damage caused by the mudslide. The only walkable trail is the Via dell'Amore that goes between Manarola and Riomaggiore. We unknowingly tried to walk from Manarola to Corniglia, the next town only to find out that the path was unsafe.

cafe

I was relieved that I had the good sense to read the travel guides before choosing a suitable accommodation. I wouldn't have been thrilled to find out that in order to get from Corniglia train station to the town centre meant that I would've to trek up 366 steps. Okay, so there's a bus every half an hour but heck, I like being minutes walk to the station. I may be a little critical here but after seeing Manarola, Riomaggiore and Monterosso, I was spoiled by the spectacular beauty of these villages. I felt Corniglia was a bit of a let down. None of my shots of Corniglia turned out well either. Bummer.

21 comments:

  1. The third picture looks like paradise.

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  2. Aww - Little L is a beach bum just like me!

    And 366 steps?!? No thanks! (Though I suspect you're in better shape than I am...)

    S in NY

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  3. You are such a talented photographer! Where did you end up staying (which hotel)? I'd love to go one day!

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  4. I'm so in love with your photos. You have an amazing eye! What a beautiful sea! Glad Lil L got to see and feel it - too cute! :)

    xxTheresa

    The Habit

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  5. It's been raining all week in Sydney and I'm really wishing I was over there! ;)

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  6. I think the photos are still amazing. I am seriousy going to have to paste all of this in to a word document as you have shared such invaluable advice. Im heading to Cinque Terre in October this year with my bf and will need to remember all of these tips. It sounds like you had an amazing trip though :)

    Anna xo

    http://lifesshinyprettythings.blogspot.com.au/

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  7. the bauty of cingue terre is undeniable! i think italian goverment should do more effort to preserve its beauty not only for tourist but as well for the residence. i know what you mean about train station issue.. its a normal thing in Italy, sad to say :(

    but i can see from your pictures that you appreciated the beautiful side of this place :)

    have a great weekend dear!!! xoxo, Haus of Gala

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  8. Oh god !! I need to spend at least 3 weeks in this place !! The pictures are amazing !! Keep posting !!
    Lamia
    http://www.ginger-chocolateandhoney.blogspot.com/

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  9. Your photos are simply AMAZING!!!! WOW!
    Best, M.

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  10. Despite going through so much - I think it looks amazing and quite charming! Lovely photos :) Xox <3 hautepinkpretty.com

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  11. It's so picturesque. Worst thing I did was look at your post whilst I was at work! Argh... It's detrimental to one's health who is suffering from cabin fever!

    xx Mandi
    www.findmeamuse.com

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  12. These photos are truly beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

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  13. That water is incredibly blue and love reading someone else who says Heck. Those beaches look like heaven with those old buildings behind them...

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  14. I cannot gush over these pictures enough - they're gorgeous, I almost feel like I'm there when I look at them! Ad to her vernazza was worst affected by the floods - I'd love to go back there one day...

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    Replies
    1. Grr iPad typing - meant to say 'it's sad to hear'

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  15. I love all these gorgeous Italy pictures! Reminds me of my trip to the Amalfi Coast a few years ago. ;-)

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  16. A totally random question: do you use your Evelyn for trips like this? I'm always interested to know the bags ppl carry when they travel. Considering that Evelyn does not has a zip, "safe" enough for top compartment on airplane...walking around...? (yah, I know you usually put a scarf/stole/shawl on top)

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  17. Wow, the colour of that sea! I want to jump in right now x

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  18. Your photos are so enchanting. I keep coming back because they're gorgeous.

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  19. Your pictures are so beautiful, I'm glad you enjoyed your trip in Italy. Le Cinque Terre are still recovering, but I'm pretty sure they will be proudly back to their glory in a year or so.
    I really enjoyed reading about kids being spoiled everywhere you go, people usually say Italy is not a country for kids!

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    ReplyDelete

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