Hi everyone - epecially those of you who have been to Greece.
Husband and I are spending June 7-18 island hopping vacation in Greece. We are then flying to Rome to spend 10 days in Italy. We both REALLY want to visit Cinque Terre- but have two concerns: one is that it might be too similar to the Greek Islands? The second concern is that
we've read and been told that CT doesn't hold the same ambience it used to have just a few years ago due to Rick Steves' praise of it. Would you spend 2-3 days in CT or go somewhere else instead. This will be our first trip to Italy and our third trip to Greece. Any suggestions would be great. :)
Posted by
Lincoln, NE, USA
390 posts
If you really want to see it, then you should go. I think it's NOTHING like Greece - maybe the only similarity is that they both have beautiful ocean views! We were in Cinque Terre in mid-June on a Monday and it was busy, but not super crowded. I'd give it 2 days. You really get a feel for the place after dinner when the daytrippers head off. Even during the busiest parts of the day, you'll be able to find a quiet area to enjoy a gelato! We hiked between the five towns and didn't find that it was too crowded to enjoy. However, I'd save the swimming for Greece. The water was still quite cold and no real beaches, mostly rocks. The water in Greece a week later was perfect!
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8055 posts
Well if you REALLY want to see it then go. My advice though would be to pass. With ten days in Italy, and Rome taking several of those, I would lean towards Sorrento/Pompeii, Florence, Or Venice. The CT is nice, but there are better options, especially fresh from the islands.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
I agree with Paul. There is so much to see out of Rome, especially, Sorrento, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. If you have a few days beyond that then by all means, jump up to the CT. It's definitiely not a sleepy area anymore but it is scenic. A round trip by train from Rome to Monterosso will take about 9.0hrs (4.5hrs each way). Not bad if you have to return to Rome for your flight out.