Cinque Terre in March

Monterosso is bigger or don't go in March

I was in the CT in March 2018. Things were open, the weather was pleasant, and cruise ship season hadn't started. The villages are minutes apart, so it really doesn't matter which one you stay in.

Weather is a guess. We stayed in early March and it was perfect. 50+ degrees, sun shine and no crowds. There was limited restaurants but enough for us. Most of the trails were open and we had them basically to ourselves. The following week we froze in torrential rain in Venice. It's still pick-- bad weather over heat and crowds. This year we are going April 22nd and I'm concerned about the cruise ship crowds.

jim,

Which part of March will your trip take place? All of the hotels and restaurants may not be open in March, but Monterosso would probably be a safer bet as they have the largest amount of tourist facilities. Hopefully the weather will be nice.

Some restaurants and shops in Vernazza will be open in March while others will be cosed because they're sesonal. I was there in mid-October one year, and it was much less busy than in high season. Monterosso was busier than Vernazza but not crowded. Suspect it would be about the same in March.

Best time to go is probably March-April or October so would not concern me if a few shops are closed, I am sure a couple stay open. Even if all are open the variety is not plentiful.

Based on past years, there's a good chance the ferry will be running by Sat. March 23, that means most businesses will be operating by then.

The 2019 Cinque Terre ferry is starting Saturday, March 30. About a week later than the past few years.