Handicap Accessibility for Cinque Terre Ferries

Hi John,
No, the CT ferries are not accessible (unless different than when I was there in 2006), because they dock with the bow facing the shore and people walk out on a gangway and must step over the bow rail. I saw you also posted about San Gimignano. I took my mom to Venice, Rome, Florence, San Gimi, and the CT and she uses a wheelchair. I'd be happy to share more details if you are heading to any of those other destinations, just send me a personal message.

John, I agree with Lisa. Some of the "docks" are water splashed rocks.

Thanks for the information. Is there any town, perhaps Vernazza, that has a dock for someone with limited walking ability? My wife wants to approach at least one of the Cinque Terre from the sea. I assume the dock in La Spezia will not pose a problem. If the ferry is impossible, what about the train stations and the path from them down to the village center? Is any town better than others?

I'm remembering the Monterosso dock as being the most substantial of the five and probably the most accessible. Anyone else? As can be seen from other threads on this board, Monterosso is the biggest and flattest of the five towns, and therefore the most friendly for people with mobility issues. But don't expect American ADA equivalent access in Italy. Good luck and best wishes.

I may have been there on a particulary rough time for the waters, but both days I took ferries in Cinque Terre, the exit was pretty rough. If I remember correctly it's a narrow wood plank (with rails) from the boat to the rocks/walk. The water was rough, and the boat was bobbing pretty severly making it somewhat difficult even for some of the able bodied passengers.

Here are a couple of links to photos from the web that will give you idea of the facilities: http://www.flickr.com/photos/handcraftedtravel/3867549429/ http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Su_duLq9lToYepAP7lO35w