Lynn and Nick in Europe, 2009

Levanto, 3-6 September

		Levanto is on the Italian Riviera and its prime attraction is its beach, even if it is mostly parcelled up to various private operators. *
		The Mediterranean is this magnificent shade of blue on fine days. *
		Sitting in a beachfront bar, having a beer at sunset—bliss! *
		The town itself is attractive, too. This loggia was originally on the waterfront, but land has since been reclaimed. It's a place where teenagers gather in the afternoon. *
		There is an attractive little castle, still in private hands, up above one edge of town. *
		And flowers on many of the houses. *
		The town nestles between the mountains and the sea. †
		An old watch tower on the town wall converted into a clock tower. †
		The church has the black and white bands that are more typical of Tuscany. *
		But some of the buildings have seen better days! †
		One of our days in Levanto, we took the train to the Cinque Terre: five very scenic villages. One of the paths to the front at Riomaggiore goes down these starirs. †
		Houses facing the harbour at Riomaggiore. *
		There had been storms out to sea, and surf was going over the breakwater at Riomaggiore. The usual boats along the coast could not run. *
		†
		The surf was fierce at Manarola, too. Click here for a movie. †
		The coast between Manarola and Vernazza. †
		The piazza by the harbour in Vernazza was as beautiful as ever. *
		But again surf was coming over the breakwater. *
		And all the fishing boats had been pulled well away from the water and put up on chocks. *
		Another day, we went by train the other way along the coast, to Santa Margherita Ligure. *
		The harbour at Santa Margherita Ligure faced east and was protected from the strong waves. †
		The streets were lined with decorated palazzi. †
		A little fort stood guard on the sea front. †
		And a seagull stood guard on the fort's flag. †
		A panoramic view from in front of the cathedral above the fort. *
		At lunchtime, many restaurants had displays of these delicious porcini mushrooms. *

Then it was down into Tuscany, to Pienza.