Cinque Terre - Day 6

Our last day today, and for once, no hiking was involved - just pure, guilt-free beachside relaxation.

We did a bit of packing first thing, then popped out for coffee and pastries to get us going before catching the train to Monterosso. Even though we hadn’t seen a ticket inspector in days, we decided not to push our luck this time and actually bought tickets. Sensible for once.

Set ourselves up on the beach and just relaxed. Spent time sorting photo albums for social media, listening to music, dozing in the sun, and occasionally heading into the sea to cool off. It really was the break we needed after the week’s exertions.

It does make me smile seeing the steady stream of travellers arriving at the beach - rucksacks on backs, hiking boots still on, dragging their suitcases across the sand. Most of them town-hopping their way along the coast. We definitely feel like we’ve done it the better way: one base, and day trips out. Much less hassle and more time to soak it all in.

Lunch was focaccia again - couldn’t resist. Same as half the town, judging by the 30-minute queue, but it was worth it (again).

By 6:00pm we were back on the move. We rushed to the train and risked skipping the ticket again. We then got on the wrong train and went flying past our stop! Quickly jumped off at the next one and changed trains to go back again, managing to avoid inspectors once more. All in all, the fare-dodging has saved us about £40, but it’s been stressful enough to call it quits now!

Back at the apartment we had a beer while we showered, changed, and finished packing. Reality was beginning to set in - home tomorrow.

In the evening, we wandered down into town. It was unusually quiet, and we found a peaceful restaurant where we had lasagne and a bottle of wine. After that we headed to the square for a couple of drinks, sitting outside and just watching the world go by in that slow Italian way.

Just as we were about to call it a night, we bumped into Marco again - and the American couple we’d met earlier in the week. One thing led to another and before we knew it, we were all in a bar drinking and chatting, joined later by another American couple. It was such a fun way to finish the trip - unplanned, loud, and full of laughter.

We probably had one too many, because we ended up staggering back home around 3:00am. Not ideal with a 6:15am alarm looming, but to be honest, we wouldn’t have changed it for the world.

It’s been such a great week together - beautiful scenery, good food, a few unexpected moments, and just the two of us doing what we do best. 

Loved every bit of it and would recommend going there to most people - as they don't have to hike all the time like we did.