Cinque Terre Opinions

As to Cinque Terre, we loved it to death. Good question.

where is your lodging?

jenny,

While the Cinque Terre has become more crowded lately, mostly due to the cruise ship hordes, it's still one of my favourite parts of Italy. The hordes tend to be a problem mainly in the afternoons, so the mornings and evenings are still quite pleasant.

The crowd problem seems to vary a bit between towns. Vernazza seems to be worse because it's more compact and there's a bit of a bottleneck getting from the station down to town (I've experienced the problem there). Monterosso doesn't seem as bad as there's two parts to the town so the mobs are more spread out. Given its location, Corniglia doesn't get as much visitor traffic. Riomaggiore and Manarola are somewhere in the middle, in terms of crowd problems. The Cinque Terre Express runs frequently, so that helps in keeping people moving.

The problem can be managed to some extent by tactics like....

• not being on the trains in the afternoons when all the day trippers are there.
• being somewhere else in the busy part of the day (ie: a day trip to Porto Venere, Portofino or wherever).
• planning on a siesta in your room in the afternoon. I sometimes sit on the balcony of my favourite hotel in the mid-afternoon with a glass (or two) of Prosecco and watch the rabble from above.

As you've already secured lodgings (which can be difficult these days), I don't see any reason not to enjoy a few days there, along with some great food.

Hi Jenny - An alternative location would be Positano, though it is in the Southwest instead of the Northwest. I thought it was just as beautiful as CT.

You can google it, the images on google maps due it justice.

@Jim, I have secured apartments in Vernazza and Monterossa. I need to make the decision quick, so I can free up the other apartment for some other traveler. We stayed in Riomaggiore last time,
What are your opinions on those 2 villages?
@Ken, I agree with your ideas. We really loved the area and don't want to miss it this time.

If you went 2 years ago I don't think anything has changed since that time
It was discovered well before that

Was just there this Sept was crowded but did not bother me and other places like Venice in the tourist areas was far more crowded

If a big tour group from a cruise ship descend onto a small village like Vernazza I am sure it can get overwhelmed ; that is a good time to go on a trail ; the groups don't stay long

jenny,

In terms of which town to stay in, my choice would most definitely be Monterosso. It's the largest of the five and therefore has the greatest number of accommodations, restaurants and other tourist amenities, as well as the best beaches. Which part of town is the apartment that you've reserved?

The language barrier inhibits information about other great places, resulting in a vicious circle. You hear more in English about Cinque Terre because other English speakers have heard and written more about Cinque Terre. The circle is broken by not seeking confirmation from the behavior of others. Some very nice destinations that come to mind just in Liguria: Camogli, Moneglia, Lerici, Noli, Cervo, Laigueglia.

Definitely Monterosso. Vernazza in June will be jammed with honeymooners who had a recent wedding, making it more crowded than usual, if that's possible! It's a sea of selfie sticks.

Vernazza definitely.

It is a very charming village. Assuming you are there for hiking then you will miss the crowds as they are generally there from 10 - 4 when you will be hiking. However trail #2 will be crowded so if you really want to avoid the crowds go to higher trails.

I would prefer to stay in Vernazza ; just have a good plan on being outside of town square / waterfront mid-day on most days and then you can explore and enjoy the village at the less crowded times.
I like Manarola and Vernazza the best, they are the most picturesque which is reason enough for me.

I think Vernazza has the best/easiest access to trails. Best single viewpoint in the CT I think still belongs to Manarola though and if they ever finish the Via Del'Amore path I would always recommend Manarola as my choice.

I find CT to be perfect for hikers who do not want to use a car, but there are so many alternatives. For pleasant towns, just about anywhere along the Ligurian coast would be nice. The southern part of the Tuscan coast would work as well. The Amalfi coast can have many of the same problems as CT, but being larger, I found it easier to escape the hordes, and it also has many hiking opportunities. The southern coast of Campania is another alternative, though a car is more necessary (thought not a requirement).

My vote goes to staying in Vernazza. It can get overrun, which is disappointing since I first visited there in 1994 and it was so serene. But, if you stay a few nights, you really get a feel for the people and the place. Last time I was there (in February, when it was dead!) I asked one of the restaurateurs if the towns people love or hate the tourists... the cruise traffic was INSANE when I was there before in June. He said they *love the people who come and stay overnight.

Have fun!