Today is a sunny day, yesterday was rain, and the next three days are forecast to have rainy periods. So this is our chance for a dry day to hike to Corniglia (the “g” is silent). The hike is about 3 1/2 miles, with 1,200 stair steps on the Manarola side with a total elevation of 1,400 ft. The big question is which way to go: up the stairs or down the stairs? Our knees are better prepared for up the stairs, so we decide to go from Manarola to Corniglia rather than the other way. The climb out of town is very steep, so we got incredible views almost instantly. Of course, there was a small town about half way with bars and restaurants, but we are serious hikers (and, besides, it was only 11:00) so we pushed on without stopping.
We’re not in awful shape, but we were both very happy to see the edge of town in Corniglia. At the end of the trail, a restaurant beckoned us, along with all our other trail mates. After lunch, we explored the town of Corniglia, with narrow passageways filled with restaurants and shops everywhere. Corniglia is the smallest of the five towns and the only one that is on a cliff, high above the water. The train that runs between the towns is fairly close to the water, so we probably should have seen what was ahead…370 stair steps from the town down to the train station.
Back in Manarola, it’s all uphill to our apartment. We planned on going out for a cocktail…cancelled! We planned to go out for dinner…cancelled! It’s boxed wine and take-out pasta night!
Tomorrow, we will have more energy, hopefully!
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