We are planning on being in Italy for a month and are trying to decide between Cinque Terre or Amalfi, or both! We will have at least 3 days in Cinque Terre and could be in Amalfi for another 2-3 days if we decide to do both. Suggestions?
Posted by
Rural Georgia
2209 posts
When are you planning to go? Time of year will be a deciding factor.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12005 posts
Where else are you going in Italy?
Posted by
5174 posts
Ditto and ditto--time of year and what else is on your agenda are important factors.
You should always do what you want, but I admit I see them as somewhat duplicative (gorgeous seaside, hiking) and would not pair them on anything but a super-long trip.
If you have any aversion to crowds, I'd skip both--especially this year, it seems everybody and their Aunt Sally are going to the Amalfi Coast.
Posted by
1230 posts
There was just a review in trip reports describing their visit to both that could be helpful:
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16168 posts
It will depend on your overall itinerary. However the Gulf of Naples/Amalfi Coast area deserves at least 4 nights to see the bare minimum.
If you decide to do both, for the Cinque Terre 2 nights (i.e. 1 full day and half of the day of arrival) would be plenty for most people except for maybe those who are heavily into hiking and/or kayaking (although both activities are available on the Amalfi Coast as well).
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Hi,
We will be in Italy mid-September to mid-October. We have a bike trip in Tuscany booked for 1 week from 9/20-9/27. We fly into Milan and plan on seeing Venice, Florence, Rome and Tuscany. The rest is wide open! We have planned 3-4 days in Rome, 2-3 days Florence and 2 in Venice but as I said, we are wide open to suggestions.
Thanks!
Posted by
5174 posts
The Amalfi coast would be more out of the way, but with the train time to CT, it may be a bit of a wash. So, I'd look at the transit times (not knowing the order of your stops, I can't tell what would fit better) and pick the one that gives you the most time. I would not set foot on the Amalfi coast with anything less than four nights. Also, you might want to space it where you are not hiking immediately before or after the bike tour. And if you don't want to hike, I'd go somewhere on the coast that is less crowded.
Posted by
3 posts
Hello, I have the same question and will be there about the same time of the year. It is a bit easier to get to the CT than the Amalfi coast but the weather might be better going south. I was just on the Amalfi coast last October and the weather was still nice enough to swim.
I will be departing from Montepulciano and I think the travel time will be a bit more to get to Sorrento. I have been to both places but am still undecided what to do. I enjoy the hiking in the CT but also hiked the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast. Different but both beautiful.
I think weather will be one of the most important factors for me but who can predict that? Will be watching this post for any other tips that come along. Thank you.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7278 posts
Where are you planning to stay?
If ON Amalfi coast take fast train to Salerno- then ferry or bus or driver to your Amalf8 town of choice
If Sorrento- fast train to Naples then Circumvesuviana to Sorrento ( or private driver )
This question comes up frequently, if you do a search you’ll find tons of posts on getting to Amalfi
If you are departing from Rome go to Amalfi first ( after Florence) and then back to Rome so all your Rome nights are at end of trip.
Posted by
11647 posts
Venice needs a minimum of three nights, four would be better.
Posted by
Boston, MA
1829 posts
IMO you do not have enough time for both
Both are beautiful but have a different feel.
You need more time for the Amalfi Coast (4 - 5 nights needed) ;
Cinque Terre you can spend 4-5 nights but I think fine if you only have 2-3 nights as well.
I will use my wife's opinion as I am not sure I completely agree but there is some validity to what she thinks from a fashionable/what to pack type aspect:
Cinque Terre is more crunchy ; think yoga type gear and hiking attire is the norm. While now extremely crowded it still retains an under developed charm.
Amalfi Coast is fancier, more fashionable and resort/beachy ; think nice sun dresses and sandals ; there is hiking as well but has a much more upscale vibe with fancier shops, hotels and eateries the norm.
Even if you are not trying to dress for the scene I think the general vibe tells something about the 2 locations in comparison.
The ability to hike from village to village in the Cinque Terre is the biggest draw as well as some very photogenic places so close together and ease of travel between.
Amalfi Coast has more dramatic scenery and cliff type views but somewhat less photogenic if that makes sense. There is much more to do and see in the Amalfi Coast as it is a much larger region with the towns each larger and many more miles apart than in Cinque Terre
Both are great in their own respects; very scenic and rate highly of anywhere in Italy I have been.
If it does not affect your other plans and you have 4-5 nights I think the Amalfi Coast is more impressive and my recommendation but Cinque Terre is also great if in that area is better for your plans and/or you only have 2-3 nights.
I think weather is likely a little better at the time of year in the Amalfi Coast ; more chance of sun and nice sea water for swimming.
Have been too both in the same timeframe (CT end of Sept and AC in beg of Oct)
Headed back to AC in a couple of weeks.