This may be a basic question, but how feasible is it to take a 3 year old on some of the shorter hikes between cities in CT? With rugged terrain, I would expect that some of the paths are close to cliff edges, etc (or do they mostly have barriers?) My daughter is too large for a backpack and obviously strollers are not good in the CT. Wondering if trains and boats are the way to go between the cities with a 3 year old rather than trails. Any insight would help! Also any other ideas on good places to hang at the beach with a toddler would be appreciated.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA, USA
38 posts
thanks so much for all the advice - feeling a bit better about taking her and still having a lot to do with her on the easier walks, etc. (we're based in vernazza for our trip in august.)
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
First, a lot would depend on how controllable your child is. If she is capable of running around and not staying by you, I wouldn't take her on any of the trails. That being said, the first trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola is quite safe. It's the shortest trail and almost level the whole way. Adults can walk the trail in 25 minutes. For beaches, Monterosso has the best beach.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO (formerly, Windermere, FL)
340 posts
You don't say which town will be your base but the CT is definitely doable with a 3 year old. Yes, some of the hikes are too rigorous or dangerous for a small child, but all the towns are connected by short train rides or by boat (though we have not taken the boat). The via del'Amore between Manarola and Riomaggiore is paved, short, and easily done with a stroller. You could also enjoy the begining parts of any of the other paths and turn around when the going gets too rough. The towns are each quite unique and you would not have any trouble exploring them with a child. This link might help http://www.cinqueterre.it/en/cta1.html. Monterosso is the most like a seaside resort with a large beach. Vernazza has a small beach by the harbor. We stayed in Vernazza and while we enjoyed the cafes on the harbor piazza there were always local children running about playing and riding their bikes. That you are considering this kind of trip with a 3 year old says good things about what kind of parents you must be. Lucky child.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
The short Via del Amore from Riomaggiore to Manarola is fairly level with smooth surface mostly. It's less than a mile long. I've seen people carry a stroller up the steps to reach the trail. There are stairs at the Manarola end, too, but you could return to Riomaggiore at that point or carry the child or stroller up and down the steps. This is the only section of the trail I would consider ok for a 3-yr old. The views are just as beautiful from here as from the more rugged trails.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
26 posts
I would not take her north of Corniglia, but between Corniglia and Riomaggiore is fine. Between Corniglia and Monterosso can be quite treacherous though.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
And remember that Italy is one big safety code violation in general. Gaping holes in the middle of a sidewalk, no railings where we would expect them, etc.