cinque terre or amalfi coast?

I haven't been yet, but after doing research~ the Amalfi coast just called to me. Read Rick's book on both and see what "calls" to you. It all depends on what you like. Others may and will have great advice, however one thing I have learned is go with your own gut. Only you will know what will appeal to you. To me, the idea of driving along the Amalfi Coast and visiting the little fishing villages down on the peninsula~ just screamed my name. Plus I love boating and traveling along the coast line and over to Capri sounds like heaven.

Have a great time no matter what you decide.

It would depend on the other parts of the trip. Amalfi is way south; CT is toward the northern part of Italy. I prefer the Cinque Terre; it's easier to get around between the towns and to the rest of the country.

Alexis,

As Swan mentioned, which location to visit will somewhat depend on the specifics of your trip. If you'll be spending most of your time in the north and have limited time for travel, then visiting the Cinque Terre would make more sense. If you could provide a bit of further information on your travel plans, it would help.

Both areas are well worth visiting, but they each have their own "unique character". The Cinque Terre tends to be more "rustic and informal", while the Amalfi coast is somewhat more "upscale" (which often means "expensive"). If you're planning a visit to the Isle of Capri, be sure to budget for it as even a small lunch can be expensive (as I found out)! One look at the selection of stores there is a good indicator of the price range (Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Prada, etc.)

Travel on the Amalfi coast generally requires a bit more planning and co-ordination as the rail links aren't as easy as to the C.T. For example, the easiest method to reach Sorrento requires "normal" train to Naples and then transfer to the Circumvesuviana commuter train (which is a bit of an "old clunker" but it will get you there). From there to Positano is generally via Bus or Boat, as there are no rail links.

Travel to the Cinque Terre (by comparison) is relatively easy, and involves an easy trail trip into the area via La Spezia or Genova. The local trains run frequently, and the trip from La Spezia to Riomaggiore is only about 8-minutes. Except for Monterosso al Mare (which has the best select of "conventional" Hotels), the accommodations tend to be more "informal" (private rooms, small B&B's, etc.).

Happy travels!

Hi Alexis,

As Ken stated, they are very different places and it may depend on where else you are going to be for ease and time of transportation to/from.

Something else you should consider is what there is to do in each place. If you love hiking, tiny villages, more rustic atmosphere, and don't really care about shopping, arts, museums, lots of restaurant choices, etc. then choose CT. It is a breathtaking place, the people and hiking are wonderful, and it is a really good place to slow down a bit on a busy Italian itinerary. But, if you want larger towns with all that comes with them - lots of activities, shops, churches, museums (and Pompeii), many restaurants, local artisans, etc. then choose the elegant Amalfi and its stunning views. We love them both! It's like having 2 dear aunts: one was and is a hippie and the other could pass for a double of Sophia Loren; you love them both but they are nothing alike.

The previous post should win an award for most evocative comparison of two sites in Italy. The hippy aunt and Sophia Loren. LOVE IT! I'll remember that one forever. Thanks, Lise!

Alexis--you can't go wrong, they're both amazingly lovely. I couldn't say one is more beautiful than the other.

The Amalfi coast offers more to see and do(more towns,larger towns (more hotels & restaurants), Pompeii & other archeological sites, Naples, Capri, etc), but travel is longer and more difficult between places. Cinque Terre is much easier to get around in via trains, less expensive, more quaint (still touristy) and has a more relaxed feel. I think both areas are equally beautiful.

I'd go with what the other folks in here stated. If you're going to be flying in, or touring Northern Italy--go to CT, if you're flying into Rome, go to the Amalfi Coast. Minimize the amount of time you spend travelling on planes, trains and automobiles--maximize toes in the sand (or pebbles) time!

Lots of wonderful walks in the Sorrento/Amalfi Coast
area, both short and long. Sunflower Books publish a very good walking and car tour guide, available from Amazon. People have reported that it is expensive to buy in the USA but the cover price (on my copy)is 17.99 USD. It is readily available in local bookshops.

http://www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/sorrento.htm

PS have just seen that you can download a PDF version of the guide for 14GBP.

Thank you everybody for the great comparisons. I am a teacher wanting to rent a room or studio apt (cheap) and do not know where to look in the CT region. I will be walking so need to be near transportation.
Everytime I try to look I keep getting 'vacation' rentals instead of a three month quote (June 13 - Sept 13). Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Megan, you might have a look at These Rooms in Riomaggiore. They have several choices of rooms and all are within easy walking distance of the rail station (Riomaggiore is not that large).

The rooms are basic but clean and comfortable. The firm is very easy to deal with (although you'll have to plan your arrival prior to 17:00, when they close for dinner).

Happy travels!

I concur that they're both wonderful, beautiful places. I also agree with those who say the rest of your itinerary should be the determining factor. If you'll be down south at all on this excursion (let's say Rome or south of Rome), then I'd definitely try to work in Sorrento and Amalfi. However, if you'll be in Rome for just a few nights or not at all, I'd include Cinque Terre...which is great for also visiting Milano and Genova and Pisa.

My husband and I went to both places in April, and LOVED Cinque Terre. We were looking for more relaxing destinations and were thrilled with CT. The food, wine and scenery was fantastic! Although the Amalfi Coast was beautiful, we were longing to return to CT the entire time. The food and wine was good, but the vibe wasn't there for us.

Although I couldn't imagine why anyone in their right mind would prefer the Amalfi Coast over CT, to each their own.

Hey Alexis

I'd say the Amalfi Coast! Positano is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Also, from Positano you can take an easy ferry ride to Amalfi, Capri or Sorrento. In addition, you can take the bus up to Ravello, which is quiet, serene and beautiful. Although many people say Cinque Terre is "it", I've been to both within the last 2 years and although Cinque Terre is very nice, I found there was much more to do along the Amalfi Coast and the people were also much more welcoming. Good luck making your decision.

Hi Alexis,

It depends on what you want. I went to both and preferred Cinque Terre because it was less touristy and so peaceful and beautiful. Cinque Terre is the one place I would definitely go back to if I get back to that area in Europe.

The amalfi coast I also liked...there is a lot to do with Capri, Pompeii, and just exploring the cities along the Amalfi coast. However it was so busy, crowded, and touristy that I kinda got sick of all the crowds. However it was beautiful there. You can't go wrong with either. They're very different but great places.

Have fun!

I would stay in Sorrento as my home base and visit the Amalfi coast villages as well as Capri, Naples, Herculaneum, and/or Pompeii. We found Sorrento to be touristy in a good way, as in they're all set up to accommodate what you're looking for (unlike Naples, which is resolutely its own thing). The Amalfi Coast villages are too high-end touristy to use as a home base, for my taste.

They are both beautiful places to visit! Have been to the CT 2x now and am returning again this July. Have only been to Amalfi C./Capri 1x, in 2006 but definitely will return there someday. Was in Sorrento when Italy won the World Cup so we have very fond memories of our visit here!