MONTEROSSO AL MARE!
HOTEL PUNTA MESCO
RISTORANTE BELVEDERE
Located in the Old Town, this restaurant is owned by the same family that owns Hotel Punta Mesco. Our first night here, our group took up 3 tables in the restaurant and our table enjoyed the "Amphora Belvedere". This earthenware pot (Amphora) of stewed lobster, mussels, clams, octopus, and swordfish tastes as good as it looks. The fresh herbs and spices complement the fish and it's so delicious! Delizioso! Cinque Terre style wine was a perfect pairing for this dish.
VERNAZZA
Monterosso al Mare is the furthest north town among the five that comprise the Cinque Terre. These towns are easily connected by train, boat and even hiking trails. Although one of the trails was closed when we arrived, and the boats couldn't run because of rough seas, we managed to train to Vernazza for the most spectacular lunch spot in the whole world. Stuart calls it #20 because it's spot #20 on the map in Rick Steve's Best of Europe 2014, but its proper name is Franco's Ristorante and Bar la Torre. Once you arrive in Vernazza, follow the trail to Corniglia, climb stairs among the pastel residences, think you can't make it anymore, trudge on... and you can't miss it!
I asked the charming waiter for whatever he was having for lunch, and he brought a delicious dish called Tian Vernazza, with baked anchovies, potatoes, tomatoes with a touch of fresh oregano and rosemary. Molto Gustoso! And Stuart had pesto lasagne - best pesto in town, and that's saying a lot!
I asked the charming waiter for whatever he was having for lunch, and he brought a delicious dish called Tian Vernazza, with baked anchovies, potatoes, tomatoes with a touch of fresh oregano and rosemary. Molto Gustoso! And Stuart had pesto lasagne - best pesto in town, and that's saying a lot!
HIKE TO LEVANTO
Levanto is much less traveled than the "official" Cinque Terre towns. But, the sandy beach is long and clean, so there's a young, sun-worshipping generation vacationing here. Motor boats, canoes and kayaks are available to rent. The cute little downtown area has a plethora of dining options, pubs, trattorias, gelaterias and pizza places. Beautiful homes with well-manicured gardens surround the harbor.
It's a long hike to Levanto and we didn't make it all the way. But we inhaled some great vistas and ended up taking the train there later in the afternoon. Levanto is north of Monterosso and easily accessible by train. Some are compelled to hike there, and we started to, but when we realized it was a 2.5 hour walk, we decided to head back and take the train.