Not much level round in Cinque Terre or anywhere along the Ligurian coast. Whether hiking, cruising the small village streets, transferring trains, or getting to your room you go up or you go down. The 400 steps from the train station up to Corniglia where I am staying has become a daily ritual and are no longer taken with trepidation or heavy breathing.

More stairs

All of the climbing does lead to some spectacular vistas.

Portofino

Portofino

Vernanzza

Manorola

Vernazza

Vernazza