Porto Venere and the Cinque Terre

The train trip up the valley to Aulla, for the nth time this year, took us to La Spezia, the town on the bay which is the home port for Italy's navy.  Then a short bus trip to the fishing village of Porto Venere which we had enjoyed visiting last year.  This is not one of the five Cinque Terre (pronounced Cheenkwe Terry!), but is linked to them by a hard trekking trail right up and over the hills behind the town.  By far the hardest hiking we've done - including Nepal!

On the way we had splendid views ranging from the distant French Alps and Corsica, to the much nearer bay of La Spezia with the Appenines and Apuan Alps beyond,

Leaving Barga ...

Porto Venere - The harbour, and tall thin houses - renovation work is a never-ending task

Round the shore, there is still some wave action from the recent windy weather 

Full-rigged ships were gathering in the Bay of La Spezia in preparation for an open day at the naval port next week

Seafood is de rigeur at the seaside ...

Restored fisherman's house has a spectacular view of the harbour and distant mountains

Just above the town, we set off in the sun

A lonesome pine frames this view of La Spezia with Appenines beyond

Colourful view from the cliffs