Auf und nieder in die „Cinque Terre“

We start the day ultra relaxed with coffee in bed. But this is only for strength, because the goal for today is set. Once to Monte Rosso and back should be hiked. To be found in our hiking guide for the Cinque Terre under number 15 - 'a cozy undemanding tour'. There's no way anything can go wrong for us two mountaineers with alpine experience. Relaxed morning walk, so to speak, we'll be back for lunch.

Encouraged by the coffee and with a snack in our backpack, we ride our bikes to our starting point at the beach of Levanto.

As described in hiking guides, 'the path quickly gains altitude'. After about 15 minutes, we, of course, due to the slightly tropical climate, are slightly sweaty and have a sensational view over Levanto.

Further on, we have a beautiful hiking trail ahead of us to Monterosso, which, apart from being much less crowded and free, is no less than the classic hiking trails between the villages of the Cinque Terre. After a leisurely snack halfway, we can at least reduce the recommended hiking time indicated in the tourist guide by 30 minutes from two and a half hours to two hours. Proud of ourselves, we stroll through the crowded Monterosso and look forward more and more to our peaceful Levanto. After we little penny-pinchers have gotten ourselves a canned soda at the supermarket around the corner, we treat ourselves to it on a comfortable little park bench on the promenade.

Since we already know the path with its 'those were never just 300 meters in altitude', we decide on the spot to take the train back to Levanto. Eight euros and six minutes later, we're back at the starting point of our little hike.

On the way back to the campsite, we find a new supermarket in the heart of the city. Since our supplies are running low, we make a brief stop there and, fueled by the sight of a 20 kilo mortadella, we stock up on almost a kilo of ham for the upcoming (celebratory) days.

Back at our camper van, we come to the glorious realization that salty water can create salty edges on the skin. After the urgently needed shower, we spend the day immersed in our books and with the occasional glass of wine, rather leisurely coming to an end, tomorrow our stage to France is on the agenda.

After Chrissi had already watched eagerly while it was being created yesterday, she could hardly wait to publish yesterday's blog post and Basti's critical eyes.