Hi all, looking to the experts for a little help here. We’ve been in Cinque Terre in September and it was wonderful. We are thinking about going there in early December to spend a week or so in the villages. Has anybody visited then? I have a meteorology background so I know the weather, I was more interested in restaurants that may be open and if we can still hike the trails. I’m looking for any personal experiences. Also, hoping to see the wonderful Christmas display on the slopes of the vineyards during that time. Y’all might have. Thank you so much For any advice you can give.
Posted by
Michigan
428 posts
No expert here, but I think you will find many, of not most, of the hotels and restaurants closed. This thread might have more info: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/cinque-terre-in-winter-4a627343-5a90-416b-836b-a6d0057260d2
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32336 posts
tomn,
I don't have personal experience travelling there in December, but IMHO that's not the best time to visit the Cinque Terre. Many of the hotels, restaurants and other tourist facilities will be closed for the season. There may be a few places open, but you'd have to check to find out which ones are still open. A week there in miserable weather would probably not be the best holiday experience. The trails may not be open and in rainy conditions it probably wouldn't be advisable to hike on them.
Posted by
17 posts
what about going in early March?
Posted by
Los Angeles
1101 posts
We were in Monterosso the first weekend of November 2023. Torrential rainstorm the first night - dramatic waves the next two days, with no boats in the water.
We found restaurants open Saturday and Sunday for dinner - at the seafood restaurant in the old town on Sunday we shared the entire place with one other party. On Monday night Miky and the related Cantina were both closed - we had our choice of the same empty seafood place or else pizza a block away - we chose pizza.
The blue trails were already closed due to rain late in October. The trail to Levanto was open - some of the upper trails may have been open as well.
At that time of year, perhaps Levanto or Santa Margherita Ligure would be safer choices, then use the train for daytrips to the CT.
Posted by
OP
33 posts
Thanks to everyone for the helpful comments. As much as we would love to see the Christmas display on the slopes of the vineyards, the costs seems to outweigh the benefits of being in CT in December. We will however plan to be there at some point again next year. We have fallen in love with the area!!