Day 305 (1 May 2011) – Monterosso
We spent the day today on the beach in Monterosso, about a 6 minute train ride from Vernazza through a tunnel bored through the mountains. The round trip is 3,60€ per person, fairly reasonable, especially once you see Monterosso. It’s absolutely incredible, the largest of the 5 towns that make up Cinque Terre. It’s also the most touristy, which is why we chose to stay elsewhere, but if you are ever looking for a place in Italy with an incredible sandy beach, this is the place for you.
Chloe got to the beach, put in her earbuds, turned on her music and announced that she was in heaven. We stayed in one place on the beach for two hours, left it to get our RDA of gelato, and then claimed another place. Today’s photo was taken less than an hour ago (we’re back in our Vernazza attic rooms at 5:25pm as I write, rinsing off in preparation for taking a glass of wine at the harbor) as we waited for our return train at the Monterosso train station.
Let me just say, a person could get used to this.
French Sabbatical 
I fear I led you astray about the boullibaise… my husband reminded me that we changed plans and got off at a stop closer than the end of the line (we were coming from Pietrasanta where we stayed on a farm/orchard for five nights) so … it must not have been Vernazza. I hope you found some other town or restaurants to relish the fruits of the sea!
Seeing your Monterosso picture brought back memories of studying abroad, visiting Cinque Terre and spending the night in a functioning mental institution.
I blogged about it too! 😉
Hope you guys are having a fantastic sabbatical.
Jordan – I’m thrilled to have you checking in here! I read through your linked post. Wonderful, wonderful description. We’ll be back at PSCS in August. Care to set up a visit? I’d be quite pleased to see you. –A
Let me know when you’re back in the area. I’m working in Downtown Seattle and I’d definitely be able to swing by and catch up.
Absolutely! Expect to hear from me in August.