Days 27 and 28

(Rhia’s comments are italicized)

• Ferry to Spezzino Island (and back)

Relaxing in Porto Venere resumed with a cool day spent on the beach.

It was just what we needed and we slowed down a LOT. The relaxation continued with a delicious meal at the Spagettaria. YUM!.

Later, I decided to go explore the steps that Rhia did not want to take from yesterday…and I returned to the beach!

The steps led up to beautiful views of the port, as well as a church that, of course, I had to go into…

And then more steps up to a cemetery…

And then down the backside to a cliff overlooking the church on the cliff from day 26.

Castello Doria was at the very top, but I decided to save that attraction for another day.

In the meantime, I enjoyed the beach and then ambled home…the end 😂

The following day, we took the ferry to the little island directly across from Porto Venere. The view of the town was spectacular!

The island is named Spezzino, and has a history of having a military presence. I learned that Napoleon had used this island as a strategic point but, in the end, had to give it up because of the expense.

Though it was a small island, it still managed to have an old rock quarry.

Not only were there old abandoned ruins, there were relatively new abandoned ruins as well.

And a botanical garden long overgrown.

It took about 3 hours to walk around the whole island, but well worth the time.

In the meantime, I had gone for a flatter walk. This place is so beautiful that it’s difficult to take a bad photo.

I’m reminded how much I love the sea (but then read about 2 kayakers in California who were swallowed by a whale) so am quickly reminded that that I love the sea…but only to paddle 😂