In our experience, the best way to see and visit the towns of Cinque Terre is by ferry boat.  The ferry gave us great view of the hill side towns and with a day ticket we were able to get on and off as we wished.

We stepped off to stroll around a bit in Manarola.  The houses are stacked upon each other in towers and rise steeply from the sea.  The homes are painted in a variety of pastel colors which gives them extra charm.

Jackie got a nice shot of Riomaggiore from the ferry.  The homes are lined up in a nice, visual flow down into the sea.

Portovenere isn’t one of the Cinque Terre towns but was worth a stop.  We eat lunch here with a pleasant view of the harbor.  The town sits in the Gulf of Poets with a nice view of the rugged coastal mountains above Carrara.  The mountains appear to have snow up high but it’s actually the world famous, white marble mines.

The last photo is of Vernazza which has been our delightful home base.  We love their Piazza Marconi which is right on the water front and is a wonderful spot for dinner outside.

The weather has really improved since our arrival in Cinque Terre.  Our days are sunny and warm … perfect for being on the coast and a ferry ride.