I'm planning a month-long trip in September with my wife. I'm hoping that our mothers could meet us in Nice at the end of our trip and spend a few days there and a few days in the Cinque Terre with us (Europe with my mother-in-law ?!?). One problem. My mom has a little bit of a hard time getting around, and especially has difficulty with stairs. Any suggestions for rooms? She could probably do one flight of stairs to get to a room, but we would really prefer ground level. Being cliffside, it sounds like the towns themselves have a lot of walking up hills, are there any places that are easier than others? How accessible are the trains? Is this too ambitious? Thanks!
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Stay in Monterrosso and take a boat from village to village. Hoever if the seas are rough they will not operate.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33851 posts
Ken is right that it is 2 or 3 steps up into the train, but my memory is that they are pretty big steps. There is a nice chrome pole in the middle of the step so something to pull yourself up or down on.
My other recollection is that in the area of the CT the amount of time the train stops is not as long as in other parts of Italy.
(of course all European station stops are much longer than they ever are in the UK!)
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
Stay in Monterosso. There is a lot of level walking there and some hotels near the train station with few stairs. I like the Agavi (in the RS books) which is a level walk from the train station and only one flight of stairs up to the hotel. It's very convenient and inexpensive. It's been 3 years since I stayed there, so things may have changed. Of course, there are stairs at the train station, but it is possible to walk up a sloping driveway to get to track level. Monterosso has taxis and a bus that can take you to the hillier parts of town.
There are elevators in the train station at La Spezia, and maybe in Levanto. These towns are on either end of the CT and would be a quick train ride to the other towns.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Chris,
I agree with the previous reply. Given your Mother's "mobility issues", Monterosso would absolutely be the best choice. Not only does hit have the greatest selection of Hotels (some with elevators) and restaurants, but also the best beach and is mostly flat.
The trains are fairly accessible. There's usually only two or three stairs to board, so not too bad. If your Mom is able to walk somewhat, you might consider taking the train to Riomaggiore and walking the famous via dell'Amore (which is mostly level and paved) to Manarola for lunch. One caveat though is that there are stairs at the Riomaggiore end down to the station plaza (she might be fine with those with some help?). There's also a Bar part way along where you can all stop for a "cool one" and enjoy the fantastic ocean views. Take the train back to Monterosso. Note that to hike the trails, a Park Pass is required (you can buy at the station when you get there).
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Chris - if one flight of chairs is a challenge, the CT will be tough for her. The towns are steep, except for Monterosso. I don't think that's a reason not to go, but just be aware.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15791 posts
If mom can manage one flight of stairs a few times a day, she can also enjoy the lovely beach at Monterosso. Sounds like the best place for you!
Posted by
OP
Milwaukee, WI, USA
2 posts
Thanks for all the great advice!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Chris, as to getting on and off the trains, there are usually 3 narrow and steep stairs. You mothers may need a hand. One additional issue in the CT is the large crowds of people during the high season. It's a bit tough being slow getting on the trains when large groups of people are pushing behnd you to get on. The trains do not stop long either.
I agree with Ken's suggestion on the trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola. It's quite level for the entire trail. Normal walking takes about 25 minutes. It's not difficult.