Cinque Terra in January?

I just finished reading RS Italy, and he says that the CT is not worth it in the off season as most things are closed. Perhaps someone who has actually visited can chime in.

We went the 1st week in December. The trail was open from Monterosso to Corniglia but closed past there. We were lucky and had a nice day that was partly cloudy and high 50s F. But we looked at the weather before we went. If it was wet we had alternate plans. Many things were closed but at that time we were able to find places to stay and eat. You can probably go without reservations, but you might plan to go if the weather looks promising and have a back up plan if not. There isn't a lot to do indoors there. I would look at the website to see trail status if you want to do the hike. Hiking was nice then as it wasn't hot and the trail was quiet, but if you had a wet winter it probably wouldn't be that great.

Jerre,

January is not a good time to visit the Cinque Terre as many businesses will be closed for the season at that time. While you might still find a few places open, it will be very quiet. The weather could also be an issue, so the visit may not be too pleasant. I'd suggest planning a visit between about April to October.

I've been there in Jan, right after the New Year. The weather broke and got some sun for a couple of days. The biggest issue was the quiet respite from the ambient noise of the other Tuscan hotspots. There was a lot closed but, enough was open to serve passing tourists. You could walk the streets/towns and not worry about bumping into other tourists, I was able to wander around Monterosso with nobody around. it was a nice relief.

Bad idea. Nine hours of daylight. Cold, possible windy rain storms that last several days. Only two restaurants open in the largest little town of Monterosso. Empty streets like a disaster movie. Try Parma or Ravenna or Verona off-season, at least there will be people living there and places to visit and eat.

Thank you very much to all who replied. I appreciate your feedback and will work on another plan for our trip next January, saving Cinque Terra for better weather. Thank you!