We will be in CT in Sept-arriving from Varenna by train on a Thursday, departing on Sunday to Lucca. (We are US citizens, in our 60's, first trip to Italy) We are staying in Monterosso at la Casa di zuecca. According to the cruise ship schedules, there will be several ships docked on Saturday. After seeing a video on the masses of tourists cramming themselves onto trains and boats, I think we may want to look for a less crowded destination for the day on Saturday. Really don't want to leave a day early, as we hope the evening will be more enjoyable, and since this is our first trip to Italy, I really want to keep this leg of our journey. If the weather isn't suitable for the ferries to run, are there nearby places to explore along the coast? Is Levanto pretty accessible for a day trip via train? I am assuming Portovenere and spots south of CT are more crowded due to proximity of the cruise ports?
Thank you.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
1054 posts
Have a read of what one of Rick's writers posted a couple of weeks ago about that topic. Here are several suggestions:
http://blog.ricksteves.com/cameron/2016/05/italian_riviera/
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
Yes, Levanto is very accessible for a day trip, as it's only about 4 minutes by train from Monterosso. The station is about a 10-15 minute walk from the main part of town, but it's an easy walk. Levanto has a beautiful large beach and would be a great place to spend a few hours.
I haven't found Porto Venere to be more crowded, although I'm not sure what it's like when the cruise ships are in nearby ports. It's not accessible by rail, so it tends to get less visitors than the five towns.
Posted by
OP
Columbus, Ohio
142 posts
Thank you, Robert and Ken. Looks like Levanto to Bonassola and renting bikes might be a winner!
If the weather is conducive, perhaps hiring a private boat to take us to Portovenere may be an option, as well. Do the day tripper crowds migrate to Portovenere?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
jill,
Some day trippers will likely go to Porto Venere, but I doubt there will be huge crowds. There's no need to hire a private boat for the trip to Porto Venere. Take the train to Monterosso and then connect with one of the regular Ferries that travels that route (weather permitting).
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16238 posts
When I lived in Florence I went to Moneglia a lot, half way between Monterosso and Santa Margherita.
It was relaxing then and not crowded at all. I'm sure it has been discovered since, especially after it's been added to the list of the "most beautiful villages in Italy" (like Vernazza), but I bet it's not as crowded as the Cinque Terre still.
The bike path goes from Levanto all the way to Framura (after Bonassola). Framura is also in the list of most beautiful villages of Italy.
As you can see plenty to choose from, just outside of the Cinque Terre.