As beautiful as the pictures, this is a place you never want to leave.

We arrived a week ago and have taken several day trips, but have spent most of our time enjoying our little neighborhood, the rocky beach and the bluest water, the tuna and anchovies, our small deck with views of pastel houses and hills that reach down to meet the sea.

The view from the deck of our apartment, clothesline included.

On the way down to the marina

View of Riomaggiorre from the ferry,  on our way to  Vernazza

Below, Vernazza. In 2011 torrential rains caused floods and mudslides that buried the town in 13 feet of mud and debris. Residents were evacuated and Vernazza remained in a state of emergency  for months.

Baby birds!

Day trip to Manarola, another of the Cinque Terre (five fishing villages), this one a train stop from Riomaggiorre.

The old water wheel, from which the town of Manarola takes its name

Manarola Harbor

In the hills of Manarola

Taking the hill path through the vineyards

We returned to Riomaggiore in the late afternoon. I was done for the day, and Jay very kindly went into town and brought back dinner and a chilled bottle of the grape.