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Cinque Terre, no hiking, still worth to go?

Hi, we are a group of five planning to use Siena as a base to explore Tuscany and Cinque Terre. However, many of the post suggested it must has some part of hiking otherwise we could lose any meaning to visit. One of the members in the group has heart problem so we are unlikely to hike. If we choose not to hike, is it still worthwhile to visit? We will visit Amalfi Coast before we go to Siena. Thinking CT may have something similar to Amalfi coast though not exactly the same. Furthermore, what is the best way to go to CT? Drive to La spezia? How far it will be from Siena? When we arrive on of the CT villages, should we take a ferry to appreciate the coastline?

Posted by
32171 posts

Margaret, YES, the Cinque Terre is absolutely worth a visit, even if you're not hiking. While hiking the trails seems to be a "ritual" with many travellers, that's not essential. You can still visit each of the towns by train or boat. Driving to La Spezia would be easiest, as there's a large car park near the station. From there, take the local trains to each of the villages. Tickets are cheap, but don't forget to validate! The C.T. is very different from the towns on the Amalfi Coast, so that will be a different travel experience. Be sure to try some of the local Pesto in the area where it was invented. If you want to try Pesto Lasagna or Trofie al Pesto, I can suggest some restaurants in Monterosso (I was there about a week ago). Happy travels!

Posted by
105 posts

Yes, you can still enjoy the CT if you don't hike. Trains connect all the villages as well as boats.

Posted by
516 posts

Absolutely. Half the time the trails are closed off for one reason or another anyway. Best way is to drive or take the train. You can use the ferries to get between the different villages. Beautiful from the water. Not all year do the ferries run.
Check the schedules.

Posted by
867 posts

Although there are still "things" to do in the CT, I personally do not feel that it is worthwhile to go that much out of your way based on what you have shared of your itinerary. The highlight of our trip to CT was the hiking, and also just lounging around on our balcony on the cliff with wine and great food. The latter will also not be an option for you since you appear to be doing a day trip. The worst thing about the CT was taking the super crowded and hot trains (the boats were also hot and crowded).
Since you will be visiting the Amalfi Coast, I suggest hanging out more in Tuscany.

Posted by
649 posts

You will not need air conditioning on the Ferry the sea air will be sufficient. As for the trains - from Siena to La Spezia if you go 1st class maybe, then you will be travelling by regional trains and having taken them I did not experience any air conditioning from town to town. Again if you are only doing a day trip I would not do it and concentrate on Tuscany. Make it a point on your next trip to spend 3-4 days in this region and see a bit of all the towns and Portofino as well. Spectacular area. Of the 2 (Amalfi & Cinque Terre)Cinque Terre especially Vernazza gets my vote. In mid May the crowds were very light and not as busy as the Amalfi.
Whatever you decide enjoy.

Posted by
867 posts

There really is no air conditioning on the regional trains, which is what you would be taking between the villages. It is certainly manageable, but if you have no where to retreat to after the ride, I can see it being unpleasant.
I concur that if you can get back to this region for a few nights, do it that way. Otherwise, spend that day in Tuscany. Maybe visit a working farm/winery, with a little easy hiking thrown in.

Posted by
16 posts

Agree that it is manageable to have a day trip to CT but it will be quite rush. 3 hours one way from Siena to CT and total 6 hours on train may not be seen as justifiable. Many thanks.

Posted by
16 posts

Agree that it is manageable to have a day trip to CT but it will be quite rush. 3 hours one way from Siena to CT and total 6 hours on train may not be seen as justifiable. Many thanks.