August 1: Back to Italy

We had an easy flight to Pisa and then were lucky to catch the train to LaSpezia and then we transferred to a train heading to Riomaggiore.  We had made arrangements with the owners of the B&B we were staying in for a late check-in and she had given us excellent directions to the house. It was an uphill climb from the train station and I was very happy to finally find the house....but of course we were on the 3rd floor so it was more hauling baggage up the stairs.  Our room was very clean with a separate bathroom.  Maggie, the owner, was very helpful and we soon had maps and lots of ideas how we would spend our short time in Cinque Terre.

Riomaggiore is a small village, dating from the early thirteenth century and is known for its historic character and its wine, produced by the town's vineyards which stretch high up the side of the mountains. The was a small beach and a wharf. Our room was along Riomaggiore's main street called Via Colombo, where numerous restaurants, bars and shops can be found. We went for a stroll down the main street and found a small restaurant where we enjoyed pizza and a beer. We watched people walking back from the beach and as the temperatures cooled a bit locals moved outside to sit and visit with neighbours. After dinner we went down to the wharf area  to locate the ticket booth for the boats that travel from village to village.  The rocks along the coast were filled with people enjoying a swim or a glass of wine  as the sun was setting.

Looking up from our window

Sunset 

Sunset over the water