Finishing the Big Five June 26

Three down and 2 to go. The June 25 hike was not kind to Mary's knees, so she used the day to check out Porto Venere's charms. Denise, Lou and I headed to Vernazza. Vernazza has a large town square

A sizeable swimming area

And a castle

View from the castle

And crowds

The crowds at Cinque Terre are so extensive that during the summer you have to fight your way on and off the trains, not to mention through the narrow streets.  None of us would recommend a summer visit to the 5 Terre.

Then on to Monterosa, the largest and flatest of the towns.

 Bluest water

 And from Monterosa the length of Cinque Terre can be viewed.

 When we returned to Porto Venere we swam with the locals and had a delightful time chatting with the friendly people.