Ligurian Coast Pictures

June 2-4, 2001

This page is a continuation of our vacation to Portofino and the Cinque Terre on the Ligurian Coast.

Since Portofino was done in a day, we decided to go and visit an area along the coast called the Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre is a grouping of 5 ancient fishing villages nestled in the steep cliffs over looking the Mediterranean We hadn't done much research on the area, but had heard a bit about it. It was labeled a "must see" destination along the Italian Riviera. The man in the hotel said that we could take the bus to Santa Margherita, then the train to the Cinque Terre. He suggested going to the furthermost village first, and then working our way back. So this is what we did. Here is a picture of Patti, Jeff, and Connor waiting for the train in Santa Margherita.

Mussolini did a good job because the trains still run on time and we hopped aboard destined for the furthest village called Riomaggiore. Remember, these towns are nestled in the CLIFFS above the sea. Young men ages 1 and 4 do not do steep climbs very well. So by the time we got to the top of the village Patti and I were pretty pooped. Here is what the Riomaggiore train station and area looks like from atop the village. The second picture is Patti looking out over the Med from one of the village streets.

We managed to stop for lunch in little cafe. Here is a picture of Connor with a real live Italian person (the cook). You can see the back of Steve's head on the far right.

So, Riomaggiore is pretty small, as you would expect, and we managed to get through it pretty quickly. It turns out that there is a walking path to the next village on the Cinque Terre, but it was closed for renovations. So we decided to get back on the train and head for the fourth village, Carnagi. Here is where not doing our research hurt us. Remember, we are pretty beat from hauling two kids up the steep walks of Riomaggiore. We get off the train in Carnagi and we are at the base of the hill. We have a huge, steep climb just to get to the start of the village. All of a sudden, this didn't seem like such a good idea any more. We should have read up more on the Cinque Terre and I think we would have found that the first town was probably the best one to stop at.

So, we decide not to go up that big hill with two boys, especially since we don't know what the town is like and if it is exactly like Riomaggiore we would be pretty bummed. And relaxing back at the hotel is starting to sound very good too, plus we were quite thirsty. Luckily, the train station was right on the beach and we were able to pass the remaining hour before the next train came with the boys throwing rocks and stones into the sea, which they love doing.

Steve was pretty bummed at this point and was ready to pack up the car and head back to Mandelieu for the rest of the bank holiday. But luckily, we decided to check out Santa Margherita a bit once the train dropped us off and before we caught the bus back to Portofino. What a good idea that was because Santa Margherita was a wonderful place. It is as pretty as Portofino, but much larger, more developed, and with more things in it. The kids played and we stayed for a very nice pasta dinner and our spirits were restored. Here are some pictures of Santa Margherita.

This is the bay in Santa Margherita with much of the town in the background.

This is the park in the center of town, right on the bay.

Here is Jeff and Connor playing in front of a statue at the park in Santa Margherita.

Last Updated June 11, 2001 11:41 PM CET