Location: Porto Venere and Riomaggiore
Bonjourno!
Today’s excursion was a welcome reprieve after the schoolwork we completed while cooped up inside during yesterday’s mini-squall. Breakfast was quick, and spirits were high in anticipation for the day ahead. Shuttles from Vela to the main port began at 8:30, and by 9:00, we were on our way. After some morning espresso and befriending a dog from the neighboring superyacht, we began the arduous trek up the stairs to the mountain trailhead. The day started out brisk but quickly warmed as we climbed higher and higher into the seaside mountains that surround La Spezia and Cinque Terre. The route started off quite steep though leveled out a quarter of the way in before giving way to a pleasant walk down the side of a rolling vineyard. As time went on, several groups formed to tackle the trails at different paces. The fastest contingent braved the trail in just under four hours, while some (unintentionally) elected to take the scenic detour at a relaxed pace that took just over seven hours. We were also fortunate to witness an Italian military helicopter take off from a mountaintop army base and some stunning views from heavily exposed trails over the ocean. The hike proved challenging for all, with some portions of the trail on rough terrain and steep stairs.
Once in town, we sampled the local cuisine, restocked on critical supplies such as Nutella and dark chocolate, sipped espresso, and enjoyed the cool waters of the beach after an exhausting hike. The more adventurous among us also tried our hands at cliff jumping and made some new local friends. After a few hours at leisure, we boarded a return ferry to Porto Venere and had an additional hour to provision some more snacks and shop in anticipation for our upcoming passage to Monaco and the South of France. Morale was quite high at dinner, although there is little doubt that everyone will sleep early and well tonight. Everyone walked in excess of 30,000 steps and climbed the equivalent of at least 250 flights of stairs. The clean bedsheets we were given yesterday will be put to the test as we rest up for our passage set to begin tomorrow morning.
Ciao,
CDY
Photo 1: We began the day by befriending the dog from a neighboring superyacht
Photo 2: The beginning of the hike proved both scenic and challenging
Photo 3: One group takes in a scenic vista high above Campiglia
Photo 4: After several hours of rigorous hiking, Riomaggiore was a welcome sight
Photo 5: Jack enjoys some cliff jumping with the locals