I'm travelling with my family to Italy in August and wonder if I'm totally nuts to go to Cinque Terre, given that we're not big on mob scenes. Is it totally packed?
We love the outdoors, and are intrigued by the beauty of the towns and the opportunities for hiking.
Posted by
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
536 posts
Toni - Is Cinque Terre crowded - YES!!! For a very good reason - It's one of the most spectacular places in my country. So, even though there will be a lot of people you would have a WONDERFUL time if you went!!
Ciao, Greg
Posted by
Richmond, Ky, USA
278 posts
Try to spens a couple of nights in the CT, and you will soon see why it is a favorite among most everyone. It is village Italy at its best, and at night when the worst of the crowds go away, it is even better. I have been twice, and will probably return every time I am in Italy! Enjoy. Jeff
Posted by
Orlando, Florida
676 posts
Try to go during the week
Posted by
Everett, WA
1299 posts
I have never been there in August so cannot comment on the mob scene during that month. However, Vernazza is the town that tends to draw the biggest crowds. You might consider staying in Corniglia (probably the least touristy because the water is not as easily accessible). My favorite town is Manarola.
Posted by
In the Mountains, USA
689 posts
We were in Monterossa at the end of July. We could not find a spot to perch on the beach amoung all the other bodies.
If that is a mob scene to you - don't go.
Of all our trips to Italy - and adventures to many places within Italy - CT is the only one we did not enjoy and will not go back.
Ok - all the CT lovers can fire arrows at me in
3...2...1...
Posted by
boston, ma, usa
160 posts
When I mentioned to a Florence native the desire to go to CT on our first trip to Italy, she laughed and said that CT was quite "trendy" with Americans and suggested we save it for another trip. We will be in Italy for 2 weeks- Florence, Rome and Venice. I found this interesting as I have never heard ANYTHING but wonderful things about it on this site, mostly from non Italians though...
I'll be interested to see the continued responses you receive!
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, CA, USA
16 posts
Thanks Greg.
Also, as long as I'm at it (and you're Italian...probably a great person to ask), I have another question, if you have the time.
My daughter and I went to Lake Como a few years ago, and hiked along the hillsides over the villages there. If you've been there, can you tell me if what we will find at Cinque Terre will be similar?
Thanks!
Toni