Monterosso -- Cinque Terre

Monterosso is the largest of the five villages and is where we stayed. It has an old and a new section but this seems to be only known by the locals. The two sections are joined by a short trail along the shore or by a even shorted tunnel used by pedestrians and traffic alike.

These two locals were engaged in a highly animated conversation for well over 30 minutes. 

This street market was going on during our final day here.  some crafts, some meats, some cheeses, and lots of other stuff for house keeping and decorations.

This would be Monterosso's version of KFC (mobile)

The yellow building is the hotel Margarite where we stayed.  very nice rooms with a large breakfast buffet included.  Most guests were either American or German, but then those groups were most evident through out Cinque Terre.

Since useable land is at a premium in these villages small gardens are evident everywhere.  This patch of agriculture was located just next to our hotel.  The crop looks like tomatoes.

the courtyard in front of our hotel also doubles as street leading to other buildings up the hill.

The "new" section of Monterosso.  The arches support the Trains that service this area.  The beach area has a nice shallow surf area. 

This sign alone was enough for us to eat at this restaurant.

The striking black and white colors of the churches in this area would seem to be a symbolic representation of the daily lives of the fishermen. White for the birth and resurrection while black a reminder of the dangers faced with each trip to sea. 

Central piazza in Monterosso

Evidence of the continuing importance that fishing plays in the local economy.  By the end of day these nets had been mended and stored ready for the next day's labors.

The beaches of Monterosso -- Sun worshipers mecca.

Beaches and "old" section of town

Because of the military arsenal in La Specia, just few miles to the south, this coastline was an important first line of defense during WW2.  This artillery bunker is a reminder.  

A fisherman tends his trot lines in the bay.

The beginning of a leisurely lunch.  Love the Italians, they pour a great glass of wine!

Outdoor  dining is everywhere.  We had sardines tre modi at this restaurant; stuffed, fried, and salted, all excellent.These sardines are at all like the ones available in cans in USA, these are much larger and very delicate in flavor.

The northern Italian version of the food truck

These boats are not fishing boats. These are ones for rent by tourists or ones owned by locals for their personal pleasure.