For those wishing to travel to the Cinque Terre this spring, and especially those who would like to stay in Vernazza, you may find it helpful to have a look at this Travel Advisor page. This is the most current information available. I know the residents of the Cinque Terre are anxious to welcome visitors back, so hopefully no one that wants to visit that area will be deterred by the floods that occurred last October. Cheers!
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
As a person who have visit two places "under recovery" in the recent past (and not in "disaster tours"), I have some mixed feelings about the whole situation. On one hand, prices in these situations are supposed to be deeply discounted, which is good for our budgets and fair considering the place will under construction. On the other hand, consider the relative frail finance state of the establishments in CT, and the limited funds for a full rebound given the Italian financial crisis, I'm a bit skeptical of whether they will be able to offer reasonable services for the prices they might be charging. I hope the city recovers in the end. Personally, if I were on a limited time holiday, I'd skip Vernazza in 2013 and leave it for 2013. On a positive note, we might see a shaken-up of the activities in the city, with a needed update or revamp of certain establishments that had a "worn out" look and appearance before the disaster. Or at least that was the perception I was left when I last visited the place in 2009. I have no doubts, though, the economic activity and population will rebound in the medium term.
Posted by
OP
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Andre L., While Vernazza still has a lot of work to do in restoring the village to it's former state, the local residents have made exceptional progress so far, judging by the number of businesses that will be re-opening this spring. It's precisely because of the current "Italian financial crisis" that they will need as much support as possible from other sources. Keep in mind that few were covered by insurance for the flood damages, so they lost not only their homes but also their livelihoods as a result of the flood. I felt if would be prudent to provide the above web link so that travellers would have access to the most up-to-date information possible for planning trips to the area. Vernazza is a very popular destination (especially with Rick's readers), and tourist facilities there WILL be open this spring, so I don't see ANY reason to avoid the area in 2012. I agree there will undoubtedly be "signs of construction" as the restoration work continues, but I've encountered construction in many locations in Europe during my travels, and I don't see that as problem or a reason to avoid an area. I'm planning to return to the Cinque Terre later this year, and definitely plan on stopping in Vernazza. While there will undoubtedly still be evidence of flood damage in Monterosso and Vernazza, I'm sure one thing that WON'T have changed in all the C.T. villages is the wonderful hospitality of the people. Cheers!
Posted by
OP
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
One other point to mention..... There will hopefully be a similar update list for Monterosso coming in the near future. A number of businesses in the "old town" section of Monterosso have apparently now re-opened, so I would have no hesitation in travelling there (and hopefully WILL be back there later this year). Cheers!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11346 posts
Ken,
Thanks for the encouraging post. It is exciting to see the hardworking people of Vernazza bounce back! We will visit the CT this autumn.
Posted by
OP
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Laurel, YES, it is amazing to see the incredible progress they've made so far after suffering such catastrophic damage! The restoration efforts in Monterosso are also quite remarkable. Although I hadn't anticipated returning to the Cinque Terre this year, I'm also planning another visit this fall, probably September again. Hopefully I can find accommodations!