MERCOLEDI
Monday was a city walk (Lerici/San Terenzo) and Tuesday was a trail hike high above Manarola and Corniglia (see previous post), but our walks are always followed by lunch: sometimes substantial, sometimes a quick panino, and if possible there is wine. (Surprise! That’s how we know we are on vacation.)
Wednesday we took a journey to the north of the Cinque Terre – off the map according to Ric – to Portofino. But instead of arriving via yacht, as the glitterati would, we walked. Well we took a train to Santa Margherita Ligure, then walked, about 1 ½ hours from the SML station, to lunch on the piazza in Portofino. Portofino is not far from Genoa, but it is a world away from the ruggedness of the Cinque Terre. It’s also crazily expensive. Here are a few shots from our path and of our lunch.
Santa Margherita Ligure, as seen from across the bay, on our walk to Portofino. (Photo by Laurel Barton)
There are several small inlets along the path to Portofino, with beautiful houses, hotels, and beaches. (Photo by Laurel Barton)
The distinctive colors of Liguria are found here, too, along our path to lunch. Love the light! (Photo by Laurel Barton)
Wildlife in the bay enjoying the October sun. Oregon Zoo friends, please keep me honest: Are these cormorants? (Photo by Laurel Barton)
Almost there! Ric on the final leg of our walk, a paved path through the woods into Portofino. Very upscale! (Photo by Laurel Barton)
At last, 90 minutes later, we reached our objective and treated ourselves to a fine lunch in a fabulous location.
Ah, lunch! Beautiful mussels and cold Vermentino wine. On the harbor in Portofino. Una bella vista! (Photo by Laurel Barton)
Ric’s choice: a seafood salad, served warm. (Photo by Ric Barton)
Portofino harbor and piazza, on a sunny, warm, and quiet midweek day in October. I shudder to think of the crowds in summer. (Photo by Laurel Barton)
We took the easy way back: a ferry across the bay from Portifino to SML and a train back to Manarola.
Girovaga 
I really enjoyed your blog, but I think that these trails might be a little ambitious for me! At least I get to enjoy them vicariously through your wonderful writing. Hopefully, Trail #2 will be open in May of 2014 when I am making my trip!
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Hi Gerry. Thank you for your kind remarks. We actually thought trail #2 was harder! You might try the bus up in Manarola and a short stroll towards Corniglia. You can always turn around and take the bus back down. Be sure to check the return schedule though!
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More great pics, lovin’ it! 🙂
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You are quite the photographer! I am still in love with the purple sunset from the first day of your visit to Cinque Terre. I think I may have to paint that one!
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Grazie, Cara. I was very lucky with that shot: one of those “what the heck, maybe it will turn out” shots.
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Hi! Such beautiful scenery. Like you, I could not imagine visiting with hugh summer crowds! The birds look like cormorants to me, but I’m not a bird expert. Whatever, they look very content! Love ya, Carolyn
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It was fun to see those birds enjoying the October sun! We don’t see a lot of wildlife other than songbirds and gulls (of which there are far too many in Rome!) We’ve heard there are snapping turtles loose in Villa Borghese, not native of course.
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