Nia at Riomaggiore
March 21st….We took the train 15 miles or so down the coast from Levanto….(in company it seemed with half the Italian navy….haven’t they got any boats?, or were they watching us?), Colin not impressed with the train. We disembarked at Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the five villages which make up the Cinque Terre. These are five ancient settlements clinging to the steep coast and joined by low coastal walkways attached to the cliffs, along which we were planning to walk. However the links between the northernmost 4 villages had been washed away by recent heavy rains, leaving the only paths the high ones.
We walked the first walkway to Manarola, then took the high path along the top of the cliffs, and along the vine terraces, to Corniglia, from where we got the train back to Levanto.
Alley in Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore
Landing Stage Riomaggiore
Nice rock strata...can Prof.C Robertson say something sensible about them?
This is the walkway leading from Riomaggiore to the next town..Manarola
Nia at Manarola
Base camp, about to ascend to the cliff top. Colin took this pic.
On the way up. Guess who is taking a quick breather.
Looking back at Manarola.
Looking ahead to Corniglia.
Towards the top of the path.
Vine terraces by the Path.
Walking along the terraces.
Cinque Terre Lizard. Sunbathing.
On the way down to Corniglia.
Rambling about Europe with the Kray Twins (Colin and Penny).
Travels with Mavis 
Prof. C Robertson writes – Yes Colin. Geologically speaking these are what we in the profession call rocks.
Colin writes – we were hoping for a more detailed analysis!
I love the colours in those Italian towns and villages. And aren’t the landscapes and seascapes wonderful? Especially with the terrific views you are getting. Amazing photos, keep up the good work! Dad is enjoying it all vicariously too.