During my 4-night stay in Levanto, I convinced myself it was okay to do a day hike for fun and not just to get to or from the stazione.  I'd really wanted to hike the entire Cinque Terre..Monterosso-Vernazzo-Corniglia-Manarola-Riomaggiore.  Once I tried my packs on in the hotel room in SF before my trip, I knew there was no way I was backpacking that route.  When I got to the info station in Levanto they also informed me that the coastal trail was closed in areas so I opted for the road less travelled from Levanto to Monterosso.  Here is a look back up the trail to the North:

The trail was steep (more than 1000ft elevation gain) and you see guys off the trail on the cliff to the sea working terraces with chainsaws.  I guess to cut wood for the winter.  All of these towns basically shut down for the entire rainy season and hunker down with no roads to connect them.  Here's a view of the first town from the top of the trail:

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At the top of the trail there are the remains of (I think) the Chapel of S. Antonio as seen in the 3rd pic. 

The entire hike is about 2 1/4 hours.  I opted to take the train back to Levanto for another huge meal.  Monterosso has it's share of bars, restaurants and shops.  Probably the most in the whole region-which isn't a lot.  Here's a view on the way into town.

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The final pic is a last look at Levanto.  I truly fell in love with the place!  The photo uses the pop art fxn of my camera while I'm swimming in the Ligurian Sea.  A look back...also the spot of my first favorite meal in the world:  insalata mista no pomodoro, lasagna Bolognese, and muscoli ripieni.  It all went very well with a bottle of Sensi Chianti Riserva...a blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo.

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A wistful departure from Levanto ...wanna get back pronto!

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