Monterosso al Mare, Liguria

We had spent the previous day hiking from Riomaggiore up to Vernazza, but ran out of daylight to make it to Monterosso. So the next morning, we hopped on the train again and got off at Monterosso to start our hike south. We'd been charmed by Vernazza the day before and wanted to end up there for lunch. Monterosso was not what I expected and it's not like the other Cinque Terre towns. It's a resort town and you'll actually see motor vehicles driving around. It was cool and cloudy and not many people were around. In the summer the beach must be packed, though it's not the nicest beach I've ever seen. The most memorable feature is the figure of a giant man carved into the rock.

Here's a tip for the ladies: There is a WC at the train station, but apparently they don't want you to use it. The doors to the stalls were removed and the outside door to the room was also removed, so you are completely exposed when using it! The men's room had stalls with doors, but all doors were locked, but not being used. There was no other bathroom nearby that I could find. Wait until the crowd from the train dissipates and have your travel companion stand guard outside the WC door at the station. Best to bring your own tissue too!

To hike south from Monterosso, follow the red and white trail markers along the sea wall. They'll lead you up some steps and up a cliff. The view is magnificent when climbing out of Monterosso! I think this leg of the Cinque Terre hike is the most challenging of all. Lots of steps up, up, up. Just when we thought the trail would level off, another flight of steps would appear! The trail leads under lemon and olive trees and past some vineyards. It's definitely the most scenic leg of the trail. A woman who was working to harvest some lemons happily tossed some lemons up to some hikers on the trail. She said she had plenty to spare!