Cinque Terre Activities

I think two days is too little. Better three to four. Activities: hiking, stopping for views, in warm season swimming. Good swimming beaches are in Monterosso but the most beautiful is secluded clothing optional Guvano beach. You get there from Corniglia train station walking through a long tunnel. When I was there they charged 5 Euro to use tunnel but it was worth it.

Hi Carson,

While I recommend that you take a look at one of Rick Steves' full tour guides on the region, at least read his brief description of the Cinque Terre.

I recommend hiking between the towns as the scenery is great, and you can spend a day at the beach in Monterosso al Mare. Two days can be enough time, but I think three full days would qualify as "plenty of time" as it is nice to have a full day to explore the five towns without the hiking - which is a day in itself.

We stayed there for 2 nights last september,and if I went back,I'd stay for 3.The other towns are within easy walking distance(except the one next to Monterrosso-it's a HARD walk)it depends what the weather is like-summer time,the beaches in Monterrosso are lovely,and the outdoor dining there is lovely also-my favourite town.We are 40,though,so 2 days would be enough unless you wanted to relax and eat out and sunbathe.

Well, I was trying to decide between spending 3 days in Cinque Terre or spend 2 days, take a train to Florence for the 3rd day and fly out the next.

The only real activity is light hiking between the towns and some other trails off the coast.

Monterosso is supposed to have some nightlife. The other towns really don't have any. Monterosso also has the only beach (not a great beach) for swimming.

CT is best as a relaxing break during a vacation. If you don't want or need a relaxing stop during your vacation, you will probably want to keep the time shorter.

I found Florence very expensive so would recommend using your time there efficiently to keep overall costs down. Two busy days will get you through the best of Florence provided you get reservations for the Uffizi and Academia, if those are on your must-see list, before you arrive.

Carson, You might want to check Andy Steve's Rome 2008 Blog on this website which includes a visit to the Cinque Terre. 3 nights will give you two full days which is the minimum that you'll need to visit all the villages and have some chill time.

Has anyone used the kayak vendors recommended in the RS guidebook? We were hoping to spend a morning kayaking and wonder what it was like.

Thanks!

It looks like we're spending two full days in cinque terre, then taking the train to Milan, seeing the last supper and flying out the next day