I have read numerous times how beautiful CT is- of which I have no doubt. We are swapping houses w/a Floretian family and will be based in Florence but will be doing day trips and spending 3-4 days in Rome. It is our first time to Italy (myself, husband and 10 and 14 yr old boys). When I spoke to our "swapping" partners about CT she laughed and told me it was very trendy amongst Americans and too much of an effort for our first trip. We'd like to break up church/museums with a beach excursion. Any thoughts/comments/other options?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Your Florentine (note the adjective) family is correct that the CT are indeed very trendy among Americans. You don't say when you're going to be in Italy, and that makes a big difference as to how enjoyable the CT would be.
A good alternative from Rome might be Ostia Antica (for ruins) and Ostia Lido, the beach resort town favored by Romans. Or from Florence you might consider Viareggio, if you're there in the summer.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Cinque Terre is more about hiking (and pesto) than beaches, plus it's a 3 hour trip each way from Florence. There are many interesting day trip destinations within about an hour of Florence, none of which (unfortunately) have a beach. A fun day trip alternative might be Lucca, where you can rent bikes and ride around the walls. Haven't been to Viareggio (except passing through on a train), but it is a very traditional Italian beach resort within about 2 hours of Florence. Ostia Lido is definitely the easiest beach option, reached in about 45 minutes from central Rome using a 1 euro transit ticket (also covered by the daily or 3-day transit pass).
Posted by
OP
boston, ma, usa
160 posts
Thanks for the responses! Sorry for the ignorance Michael ;)!
Posted by
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
536 posts
Hi Michelle - Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful places in all of Italy and definitely worth the trip!! I'm Italian and prejudiced BUT - You would love - I guarantee it !! And, I guarantee The Red Sox are going to win this year!!!!
Ciao, Greg
P.S. See you in Quincy Market!!!
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, USA
306 posts
CT is a must and the Red Sox will not win the World Series. CT is not, however, a day trip. You will want to spend at least one night there.
Posted by
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
Hi Michelle. I personally loved the CT & think it's definitely worth a visit but I don't think it's worth doing as a day trip from Florence. I would skip the CT for this trip & visit it on another trip when you have more time. I would suggest spending a minimum of 2 nights so that you really have time to soak in the CT & possibly also combine the visit with some day trips to Portovenere or Camogli, etc.
Posted by
OP
boston, ma, usa
160 posts
I rec'd a PM about a hot spring(s)in the Florence area. That sounds VERY interesting! Haven't seen anything about that.... Anybody have any info?
P.S. A little over a month away from opening day against the Yankees- can't wait!
Scott- USUALLY only Yankee fans are that adamant against the Red Sox :)! Are you a Mariners fan? They look pretty good this year!
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Having been to the CT last year and having been overloaded with excitement because of its much talked about beauty - I was definitely underwhelmed. Yes, it's nice. Yes, it's a beach. But I definitely don't think it is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. It's completely overrun with tourists in the Summer and the trains between the towns were absolutely packed with people jammed in so tightly that I didn't even have to hold onto any sort of railing when the train started or stopped. We were packed so tightly nobody moved.
I remember thinking while walking in Vernazza how beautiful and peaceful this place must "have been" before Rick Steves sensationalized it. I think much of its beauty probably was in its solitude...which you will not find anymore at least in the Summer.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, USA
306 posts
I have only been to CT in the fall, so I can't speak to what it is like in the Summer. While it was busy in October I would not say it was overcrowded. It is one of my favorite places in Italy. I absolutely love it and yes I am a Mariners fan.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
CT was certainly one of my wife's favorite stops. Why? Because there isn't much to do there. There is a little hike, a little beach (in Monterosso) and not much else.
She appreciated the fact that there were no museums, churches, architecture or history that I felt compelled to explore. Our days, then, consisted of some hiking, some eating and a lot of relaxing.
If you have a short trip, skipping CT is a good place to save some days. If you have a long trip, however, it's (as Rick says) a vacation from your vacation and a chance to slow down and rest.
I really liked CT but I wouldn't call it the most beautiful place in Italy. There are so many charming places in Italy, it's one of very many really great places to see.