Gorgeous drive along the Autostrada down to Levanto – a great place for exploring the Cinque Terre, five small towns in close proximity clinging to the cliffs high above the azure sea. The houses are multicoloured – makes you want to grab your easel and paints.
Camp site turns out to be a gem. So book three nights. We walked on the first full day towards Monterosso, the first of the communes. Great area for walking although most of the coastal footpath is closed following slides etc. The footpaths climb to shrines – sinful villagers were expected to toil to the top to repent their sins.
Next day we caught a train and hopped from commune to commune. The actual places live up to expectations fully. But, the problem was the crowds of tourists. Felt just like being in Oxford Circus. Long crocodiles of Americans or Japanese being led along (quickly) by someone with an umbrella or large flower! It wasn’t really possible to appreciate the atmosphere at all. Locals need to earn a crust, but…….