After reading on this forum about how crowded CT can be (packed like sardines on the train/platform), I was hoping someone could enlighten me as to this is what we might expect in mid May. Currently we have 2 nights reserved in Vernazza mid May, midweek. While a crowd is one thing being packed in everywhere like sardines is something we are not in to. We want to see the villages and the Mediterranean but if it will be overly crowded than we can pass and spend those 2 days somewhere else.
Jim
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
1386 posts
We were on a cruise shore excursion in CT mid-May last year. There was a lot of people, but not unpleasant. We did not have a problem find ing a place to eat. The train was packed full, but it is only a 5 min ride between towns. The cruisers all have to leave by early to mid afternoon to return to the ship. Your early mornings, late afternoons and evenings should be fine.
Any place you go in Italy with a well known name will just be as crowded.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
Jim,
I haven't been there in May, but suspect it will be similar to September. If that's the case, Vernazza will likely be more crowded than the other towns, at least in the main part of the day (~10:00-16:00), as it seems to be the most popular of the five towns (this is one reason I don't stay in Vernazza). As the previous reply indicated, once the day trippers and groups leave, it will be more pleasant.
Being "packed in everywhere like sardines" is mostly a problem when riding the trains between towns, but again as mentioned the trips are only about five minutes each. The boats can be packed at times also, but not like "sardines" as they have a capacity limit so the problem is never as acute as the trains.
Posted by
NSW Australia
703 posts
jim, for what its worth we visited the amalfi coast and CT in May 2 years ago. spending a number of days at both. CT was very busy on the trains and ferry etc. the amalfi has more room to move and the crowds were not as noticeable. that said we enjoyed both places.
if when you say you are thinking of spending 2 days elsewhere ( and that elsewhere was the amalfi coast) I would say do it. while we enjoyed CT it was not as impressive ( to us at least) as the amalfi coast.
hope this helps.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16766 posts
I'll go with Ken's advice: early mornings and evenings in the CT when the day-trippers have gone or have not yet arrived are very nice. You can also avoid the worst of the midday masses by going to places they usually don't: climb up to the cemeteries or churches above.
We enjoyed both the CT and the Amalfi but I don't put them into the same category as many trips to the Sorrentine/Amalfi include Herculaneum or Pompei. They're not the same animal, IMHO. As you're already booked, I wouldn't change your reservations but I would get out of Vernazza during the busiest parts of the day, and make good use of those early and late-day hours.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16240 posts
Cruiseders invade the place, especially Vernazza, from late morning to mid afternoon. That is a good time to skip town and hit the hiking trails (or the beach in Monterosso, or the bike path in Levanto). Since they have to get back to the ship in time, they usually limit their visit to Vernazza during those few hours. They hardly have the time for hiking.
Posted by
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1246 posts
I have been there a few times, always in May. Yes, it does get crowded, but mainly in Vernazza and Monterosso, during the day. That is a good time to visit Manarola, Riomaggiore, (Bar Conchiglia - has the best view!), Corniglia, or Porto Venere. When back in Vernazza, for the night, go to Blue Marlin!