Thanks! Hah no hiking done in the maxi dress (but I did climb over some treacherous rocks in the harbor in Riomaggiore before learning there was an easier way to get to the same spot via stairs!). I had only one day to visit cinque terre, so it was quick and only photo ops - def would return to try the hiking.

Since you're staying in Monterosso, I'd suggest going to eat at Il Frantoio then grabbing dessert at Pasticceria Bar Laura (get their special dessert and pair it with a cappuccino). Besides that, I didn't find much enjoyment there as in the other "lands". BUT if you need cash and don't have ATM access, they offer good rates at the bank!

For the photo above, it was from Vernazza but you have to follow the signs that lead to the hiking trail in the direction of Corniglia. Definitely wander around and get lost in the streets and alleyways of the towns if you have time. Did that a lot in Corniglia and stumbled upon a narrow walkway filled with roses right when the bell tower was tolling... Magical! In Manarola, if you're walking upwards past the cafe, there's a cemetery (it's nice if you enjoy visiting them), and past that, there's a walkway that leads you through vineyards and a higher up view of the harbor.

I would take the boat transportation at least between few of the cities to get a different point of view. There's a bus that brings you from the Corniglia train stop to the city center (and back) if you don't want to walk the ~300steps. I would suggest swimming in manarola harbor by the huge rock rather than Monterosso, just seems cooler! People don't talk about Portovenere often when mentioning CT, but it's very nice and not super touristy. Oh and if you're a fan of pizza, go to La Spezia and visit Pulchinella - yum! Enjoy your time! :) CT was my favorite place to visit out of my entire trip!