Cinque Terre, Italy

A series of 5 towns perched along the Mediterranean, the Cinque Terre was just the Italy I was looking for. Quiet, beautiful, small. Although heavily touristed and ideal for couples, these romantic towns were just the break I needed from the many cities Ive been through.
Starting in the northern most town, Monterosso, I stayed for 2 nights in a little coughin of a room; but for €25/night, the best deal in town. There were real beaches this time, crystal clear water (perfect for my new €5 mask) and real sand. Monterosso is quite an idyllic little Italian beach town.

The real glory of this area, though, is the walk between the 5 towns.
here seen behind me.

I met an Italian girl at the beginning of the hike and we stuck together the rest of the way; much nicer to have someone to share the views and the little towns with--especially with someone who speaks Italian. It turned out to take us about 6 hours. And with my 25-30 pound pack, the climbs up and down were a good old fashion "hello, how ya doin" for my legs. I loved it though, besides I've been walking almost everyday anyway, so the all day walk wasn't much new.
The landscapes were great.




But the best views were of the little towns, perched precariously on the side of the cliffs.
Vernazza:

Corniglia:

Manarola:

Riomaggiore: