Saturday, May 25th
As each train brought more tourists, we were ready to move on to Monterosso. Monterosso al Mare is the northernmost (and westernmost) and biggest of the villages, which some find less charming. We liked it. It continued the themes of the smaller villages and, thanks to Antonella, we found some good things missing from the others. Hillside homes nestled between the vineyards and olive groves, a big beach and a delicious lunch at an outdoor cafe are added to the pastel buildings, cobblestone streets, beautiful harbor and lovely church easily rivaled the other villages, too. There's also a tour boat that ferries visitors to the other villages (except Corniglia, which doesn't have a harbor).
Joe
