Stage 144: From Viareggio to Levanto

The first 40 kilometers of today's stage took me along the coastal road. My main challenge was to avoid tourists who were getting in my way on the bike path and to watch out for rental cars so I wouldn't get run over. The view of the beach and the sea was beautiful, but I could hardly concentrate on it because of the hustle and bustle on the streets. In Cafaggio, I had the choice whether to continue following the flat main road or to take the steep coastal road through Montemarcello. I chose the latter and was rewarded. The view and the empty road made up for the difficulties of the 300-meter climb.

In the afternoon, I arrived in La Spezia and treated myself to an ice cream on the promenade. Then came the actually strenuous part through the Cinque Terre National Park to the small but touristy town of Levanto. The campsite was already very busy, but there is usually always space for a small tent with a bike. I also heard a lot of German on the campsite and was able to chat a bit with a family of five while cooking in the evening.