The only time I can travel this year is in October so I am going back to Italy and finally getting to the Cinque Terre. I hoped that at the beginning of the off season I can find it enjoyable but not as crowded. I am already resigned that I may have to deal with rain and not have the sunny summer weather, but now I am a bit concerned that restaurants and wine tasting, etc. may not be open as well. Will we be able to enjoy the towns and have a nice dinner, sip some wine and enjoys the scenery if we are there October 28-31? Thanks.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Restaurants should be no problem. Glancing over Rick's restaurant listings for Riomaggiore, for instance, none are closed all winter. One closes for the month of February and others close 1-2 days/week in the off season. Maybe someone will take another few weeks winter vacation that's not the same every year, but not very likely to be in October. In Monterosso, Il Casello (known for its terrace) closes November-March.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11344 posts
You will be fine! We have always gone in October and once as late as you are there. November 1 seems to be the magic date the restaurants and some other services and shops start to shut down. Hope you have great weather!
Posted by
UT
50 posts
We were there last year late October. We had both rain and sun but more of the latter. We took rain jackets and the drizzly rain didn't slow us down much. I did not notice any shops/restaurants closed and crowds weren't bothersome to us. We stayed in Corniglia, saw the five villages, Portovenere (weather worked out fine for the ferry), and a little bit of Levanto, Bonassola and Framura. Hope you get friendly weather. I thought it was a great time of year to visit.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks for the great information everyone. I'm glad most places open at least until November. Can't wait to go - last bucket list item for Italy that I have yet to see.
Posted by
3 posts
I'm excited for you! We are at the Cinque Terre October 19-24th. Just planning our layered clothing as we're not sure what weather we'll be experiencing. I just added my rain coat to my packing list. Hoping for a fantastic break in the weather and a lot of pesto on pasta!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Left,
You might try the Trofie al Pesto on your first evening there. That's always my first meal whenever I return to the Cinque Terre. If you'll be in Monterosso, Cantina di Miky (near the train station) is a big favourite with many here.