Hi to all
Done a lot of Italy but never been to cinque terra yet. Would be happy to hike between towns but would like to stop at least twice and if towns are big enough even a couple of days in best town ( if there is a better than the others)
Would appreciate a leisurely time scale to visit this amazing region.
Specific stop offs appreciated
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32318 posts
Spending a few days there would be worthwhile, using one of the towns as a home base. Everyone here has a favourite and my preference is to stay in Monterosso. It's the largest of the five towns and has the greatest number of hotels, restaurants and other tourist amenities. Travel between towns is very easy and it only takes a few minutes by train from one town to the others.
You didn't say when you would be travelling there but if it's in the peak of tourist season, you'll have to be prepared to deal with hordes of other tourists (especially cruise ship tour groups). I generally try to be in other towns in the area during the peak times between about 09:00 and 16:00.
You'll need to check the status of the Sentiero Azzurro trails just prior to your visit, as one or more can be closed due to weather or other problems - https://www.incinqueterre.com/en/trail-number2-blue . Note that a Park Pass is required to hike those trails. However there's an extensive network of trails in that area, and those don't require a pass.
You might want to have a look at the current Rick Steves Italy guidebook so that you can plan your trip and decide which sights you want to see in that "amazing region". Be sure to try the excellent local Pesto.
Posted by
872 posts
https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/
Monterosso:
https://tinyurl.com/2p4tnc9n
Trip report: https://tinyurl.com/mvpf5f46
Manarola:
https://tinyurl.com/bdh572y7
Trip report: https://tinyurl.com/2s4yazzy
Riomaggiore:
https://tinyurl.com/3ju7vy47
Trip report: https://tinyurl.com/2r345mr7
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16367 posts
Like Ken, we also enjoyed our multi-night stay in Monterosso for the same reasons he provided. Our accommodation of choice was family run La Spiaggia: small-ish simply furnished rooms but very clean, easy walk from the train station, water-side balconies (must request), elevator (rare for the CT), breakfast, and great staff. As well, excellent Cantina di Miky (closed during winter and Wednesdays) is practically next door; focus on farm-to-table/sea-to-table, locally sourced ingredients so menu changes seasonally.
In addition to the links other have provided, this is the official website for the park (the whole of the CT is a national park):
https://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Eindex.php
This is the page that displays individual trail status (open, closed, difficulty). Right now the entire length of the most-traveled Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro/SVA2) route is closed, likely for winter maintenance but as Ken said, trails may also close to weather, rockslides, or other damage at any time.
https://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Esentieri-outdoor.php
This is the information about the pass needed to hike the SVA2. Note that there are two types of passes; one that's just for trail access, and another that combines trail access and use of regionale trains (MS Treno card).
https://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Ecinque-terre-card.php