Day 9: Pisa to Manarola

Now in western Italy, the Mediterranean and white sand shores replaced the vineyards and olive groves. Before heading to the beach, I took a great self-photo with leaning tower as a backdrop. It was nice to be up early and at the site before the tourists hit, so the picture was on a must. I left Pisa, traveling north than west. Once I hit the coast, I traveled north, passing through many resort towns before climbing, then descending to the port city of La Spezia. I only stayed long enough to have a Powerbar because I knew what lay ahead: lots of hills and the Cinque Terre.

The road north from La Spezia was a steep, 300 m (~900 ft), climb to a nice overlook of the port. Now entering the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre, the views were much more picturesque. Cinque Terre means "five lands." I was venturing to the second of the five towns of the Cinque Terre, called Manarola. Each town of the Cinque Terre is right on the coast, but the road connecting each town demands a steep climb from the town to reach. The land surrounding the Cinque Terre was breathtaking. The land was terraced grape vines from coast to peak. The locals use really cool, roller coaster like carts to travel up and down the terraces. I was tempted to hop on one and take a ride but they looked rather sketchy.

I reached Manarola in early afternoon and checked into a great hostel, Hostel Cinque Terre (26 euro/night; breakfast included). This was definitely the most beautiful, accommodating, and fun place I stayed. Stay here if you can! Be sure to book ahead of time. The breakfast was large and the hosts were friendly and very accommodating. They have good dinners and lots of wine ready to enjoy, both at fair prices. Once checked in, I went for a skinny-dip in the Mediterranean and then a long rest on the warm rocks lining the coastline.

Summary: 90 km (56 miles); beaches to terraces, great views along the way, and a great stay in Manarola