I am traveling with my 80 year old mother in May. I'd like to visit CT, but she will not be able to complete the hike. Is it possible to bike instead? Meaning do they rent bikes in the cities and are the paths set up for bikers. If not, I'd also be interested on opinions of the boat tours. Thanks in advance to the respondents.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12314 posts
The hike between the first two towns (from La Spezia) Riomaggiore to Manarola is the easiest - a flat stroll on a wide promenade maybe a half mile long. The rest is like climbing and descending a lot of stairs and bikes wouldn't work very well.
The best place to stay for seniors is probably the fifth town (from La Spezia) Monterosso al Mare. It has the most parking and is, I think, the least steep of the villages.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
They don't allow bikes on the main trails, except the one described in the other post. Mountain bikes aren't permitted on the hiking trails that have lots of hikers on them.
Boat tours sound like your best bet: some of the best views are had from the water.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
The second part of the hike is also not particularly difficult, though longer than the first bit. You can also take the train from one town to another, to see each of the towns.
The ferry ride was exceptional! Do it in the afternoon when the sun is behind you as you face the shore.
Posted by
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
536 posts
hi John - The trails are special BUT not for everyone. As the previous poster mentioned the section from Manarola to Riomaggiore is the most level, mostly paved with a Cafe halfway for a drink.
But perhaps your besat way to show The Five Villages is with the following -
http://www.slowtrav.com/cl/detail.asp?l=3690 --
Angelo and his wife do a very good job of showing their guest Cinque Terre as well as feeding them!!! Please check out their website - think you would like the experience.
Ciao, Greg
Posted by
Saint Helens, OR, USA
304 posts
Walking thru the towns themselves may be a problem. With the exception of Manarola & Cornelia you get off at the train stations and proceed to walk downhill towards the sea. Which means a sturdy walk back uphill. Plus there can be stair steps in some spots. If you choose to walk the gentle paved Via del Amore between Riomaggiore & Manarola, get off the train at Riomaggiore, go to the trail and skip the town. It's a worthwhile highlight. Bikes in the CT wouldn't be a good idea unless you're into mountain biking. The boat ride would be another good option. Lots of walking and uphill slopes in the CT. Get Rick's guidebook for detailed descriptions.