30th Chapter – Genova & Cinque Terre
This Chapter is in chronological order.
Cannes/Genova, Italy/ Thursday, May 21, 2026
Today begins a long weekend trip with our friends Kevin and Kathleen from Chicago. They are in France for a business trip.
They picked up around 10 AM for a drive to Genova via San Remo with a final destination of the Cinque Terre of Italy.
We arrived in Sanremo for lunch. After walking around a bit, we found a restaurant (Marzio Bistrot / Via Gaudio 4,). While we waited for our food, a street musician serenaded us. He was a real character.
After lunch, Rebecca scored a big bag of her favorite coffee at a local coffee shop before she and Kathleen headed off for some retail therapy at Falconeri. Kevin and I conducted a gelato inspection across the street.
After Sanremo, we headed off for Genova. The drive was lovely along the sea.
At a rest stop, Rebecca discovered a giant-sized box of chips for only 5 eu. I resisted the temptation to buy it
We arrived in Genova and were met by an agent from our local host, who directed us to a parking area and facilitated our check-in. This was for a one-night stay. https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/genoa-apartment.html
After checking in, we explored the city. I was rather impressed with Genova.
We caught dinner across from the city fountain (Rosmarino) after we explored a bit more of the city at night.
Genova / Riomaggiore/ Friday, May 22, 2026
I left the apartment a bit early, seeking a local supermarket. There are plenty of hills in Genova, and GPS introduced me to several, landing me at a high point of the city. The view was nice.
We checked out at 10 AM, parked the car, and headed out for some more explorations on foot.
This took us to Musei di Strada Nuova , where my press pass gained me free admission (don’t ask).
In the magnificent setting of Via Garibaldi, a masterpiece of Genoese architecture, the Strada Nuova Museums offer a museum itinerary of over seventy-five rooms dedicated to Renaissance and Baroque art. Built in the mid-16th century, Strada Nuova is home to the homes of the city’s powerful and wealthy aristocracy.
Palazzo Rosso is a fascinating residence where 17th-century art lives on, enshrined in the rich collections and historic furnishings of the Brignole-Sale family. Rooms sumptuously decorated with frescoes and stuccoes display works by artists such as Dürer, Veronese, Guercino, Strozzi, Grechetto, Van Dyck, and many others. In addition to admiring the museum’s exquisite rooms, visitors can conclude their tour with a breathtaking view of the city and the historic center from the “miradore”
Our walks took us through the local Hooker Ville, where we noticed the day shift at work.
Before leaving Genova, we caught lunch at au Café Ristorante. The food was excellent, including my roast beef dish.
After lunch, we retrieved the car and headed off to Cinque Terre, specifically Riomaggiore.
The drive took us through some rather interesting hairpin turns and many tunnels. 
We found the apartment (https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/sulla-via-dell-amore-riomaggiore-private-parking.html) parking with a bit of difficulty and unpacked.
The apartment was very nice and has three bedrooms, two baths, great for two couples.
The apartment was up a hill from the town. We took a lift part of the way, which helped.
We set out for dinner in Riomaggiore and stopped at Il Grottino (Via Colombo, 237,). Kathleen and I ordered Occupus, which was very good.
The evening light was great.
Cinque Terre / Saturday, May 23, 2026
Rebecca and I headed to the train station and purchased a two-day train pass.
Our first stop was Vernazza, the town we stayed in on our last trip to Cinque Terre.
The small fishing village of Vernazza is probably the most characteristic of the Cinque Terre with its large square surrounded by beautifully coloured houses and its port filled with boats of all kinds.
In addition, it has a lovely little pebble beach. Entering Vernazza via the coastal path, coming from Monterosso or Corniglia , you are treated to magnificent views.
The village bears witness to the hard work of the peasants who shaped the mountain slopes to build the terraces that are now occupied by olive trees and vines, orchards and gardens.
After Vernazza, it was off to Monterosso al Mare, which has a large beach.
Monterosso is the largest town in the Cinque Terre . The village is sheltered by hills covered in vineyards and olive groves. Monterosso boasts beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear water.
The Aurora tower, on the hill of San Cristoforo, separates the old medieval hamlet from the new part of the village which has developed along the beach of Fegina.
The old town of Monterosso is dominated by the ruins of the castle. It is characterized by typical tower-like houses, clustered in narrow medieval alleyways.
There, we synchronized with Kevin and Kathleen to coordinate lunch. Rebecca identified Da Eradlo (via Buranco, 14) as a good choice. It was an excellent choice.
I ordered the seafood plate.
After lunch, we wandered about town, and the ladies inspected various retail shops.
Kevin caught a quick refresher.
That afternoon, we took a water ferry from Monterosso to Riomaggiore and passed each of the Cinque Terre villages.
Cinque Terre / Sunday, May 24, 2026
Kevin got out early and took the train to La Spezia to catch an early mass.
When he returned, we took the train to Manarola.
Manarola, built on a high rock 70 metres above sea level, is one of the most charming and romantic of the Cinque Terre villages. The tiny harbor features a boat ramp, a tiny piazza and picturesque multicoloured houses facing the sea.
You can enjoy lunch at one of the fish restaurants in the small square next to the harbour. The harbor area is filled with colorful rowing boats and becomes the main sunbathing and swimming spot of the village from morning until dusk. In fact, this is the perfect place to spend a lazy day sunbathing and watching people jumping off the cliffs. Although there is no real beach here, it has some of the best deep-water swimming around.
Along the main road the boats are pulled onto dry land every time the sea is rough. The village is all ups and downs, with steep narrow alleys carrugi, leading to the sea.
After this visit, we headed to Corniglia.
The day was warm and the sun bright. 
