CINQUE TERRE - ITALY

Today’s first swim takes us from Monterosso to the village of Vernazza beneath Cinque Terre’s imposing cliffs. This section is characterised by swimming over and through small rock channels which have formed over thousands of years.

We swim directly into the main piazza of Vernazza, where we have time to relax, look for somewhere to refuel for lunch and explore this picturesque coastal village. The second swim of the day is towards the elevated village of Corniglia, which overlooks the entire route of this swim. Take in the steep faces of the cliffs which plunge to the ocean floor below, as well as the shallows and isolated rocks which are populated by various kinds of gorgonia (sea fans), including the colourful Leptogorgia sarmentosa. Black Coral is also visible on our swim.

On arrival into Corniglia, you have the opportunity to either relax in the picturesque harbour or walk up into the village and to take in spectacular views both up and down the Ligurian coast. We then return by boat back to our base in Monterosso.

We take the boat this morning and, in true SwimTrek style, we return to where we finished the day before in the village of Corniglia. The first swim of the day to the village of Manarola has some of the best inland views of the entire journey. The rocky coastal environment produces numerous Mediterranean species of tree such as samphire and sea cineraria as well as the more ubiquitous pine, Aleppo pine, corks and chestnut. The world-famous walking trail which connects the five villages is also clearly visible.

Our approach into Manarola is one of the most dramatic aspects of our trip, as the whole village is laid out before us, beneath a backdrop of rolling Liguarian hills. After an opportunity to find lunch and some sightseeing, we re-enter the water for the final and shortest leg of our journey, to Riomaggiore. Keep an eye out as you swim, as Peregrine Falcons and rock lizards have both been spotted along this stretch. The underwater rock formations are also incredibly impressive in this area.

Our arrival into Riomaggiore, marks the end of our swimming endeavours. The return boat journey to Monterosso gives you the opportunity to take in the entire length of your Cinque Terre swimming journey.

Equipment to bring along with you

In addition to 'normal' daily clothes, you will need to bring the following:

• Swimming Costume x 2
• Swimming Goggles x 2 - try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions
• Towel
• Sunhat and Sunglasses
• Small Daypack
• Waterproof Suncream
• Sweater/Fleece
• Waterproof Jacket
• Aqua Shoes / Sandals (which you don’t mind getting wet!)

Swim Hats, Flippers, Rashvests and Wetsuits and Water Bottles

SwimTrek will supply swim hats. We will have a limited supply/range of flippers, rashvests and wetsuits available on the trip, but we cannot guarantee sizes for all. If you have your own flippers, rashvest and wetsuit we would recommend you bring these with you in order to maximise your enjoyment of the trip. Please note that SwimTrek will provide water and electrolyte drinks in shared water bottles on your safety boat. If you prefer to use your own drink bottle, please feel free to bring one along.

Swimming Distances

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience but you need to be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis please consult the office prior to booking.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays requires a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, each of which is accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Pisa and Genoa airports both serve the Cinque Terre area. We recommend flying to Pisa which has arrival flights early in the day and late flights for after your trip. Pisa, which is part of Italy’s Tuscany region, is best known for its iconic Leaning Tower. The airport lies 110km away from Monterosso.

Travelling to Pisa

Flights to Pisa are widely available from various British and European cities. A small selection of the airlines which fly into Pisa are included below.

We also recommend using www.skyscanner.net to search for alternative flight options.

Train from Pisa Airport to Monterosso

There is a Train Information Office near the Arrivals hall in Pisa airport where you can get your ticket for the shuttle bus to Pisa train station, as well as your train ticket to Montorosso. For train timetables and tickets, please see Trenitalia but please note the schedule for 16th June 2016 onwards has not been released yet as the schedule changes to the Summer times, on June 15th. Depending on your arrival time, there may be direct trains available, or you may need to change trains in Sarzana or La Spezia Central train station before reaching Monterosso.

Travel From Monterosso Train Station to Hotel

The hotel is 500m from the train station. Taxis are available outside the station, approx. €5; Alternatively you can walk with the beach on your left hand side. After you pass the football pitch the beach front road, Strada Provinciale, turns uphill. Villa Adriana is on your left.

Accommodation

Villa Adriana is immersed in a picturesque garden of hundred-year-old palm trees, 200 metres from Monterosso’s sandy beach. The hotel is an oasis of calm and greenery on the edge of the village, just a short stroll to the town’s restaurants and shops. The hotel serves delicious breakfasts and offers an outdoor pool. The rooms are based on twin-share with en-suite facilities. Single supplements are available, however the are limited and subject to availability.

Meals

All breakfasts are included in your trip prices, however lunches and dinners are at your own expense. The villages of the Cinque Terre make ideal lunch spots, as there are opportunities to enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants. For the evening meals, there is an opportunity to eat out with the group on both evenings.

Extra Expenses

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as lunches, dinners, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc. The local currency is the Euro (€), andt he average price of a two course dinner in Monterosso is €30.

Passports and Visas

Italy is part of the European Union. You require a full passport to enter, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of most countries including all E.U. member states, U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Italy, however visa regulations do change, so please check again prior to travel.

Vaccinations

There are currently no essential vaccination requirements for Italy, but it is advisable to check eight weeks before you travel. You should ensure that your immunity to tetanus and polio is up-to-date.