Hiking CT in the dark?

Posted by irene (vancouver, bc, canada) on 08/20/08 12:24 AM

I've found what looks to be a beautiful B&B in Vernazza, L'Eremo sul Mare (www.eremosulmare.com), but it's located about 500 metres from the village along the Blue Path. The views from here look amazing, but since we're going to have dinner in the village, is it safe to walk these paths in the dark (we'll bring flashlights!)

The other place I'm considering is Tonino Basso, in the village, but there is no view. we'll hike during the days to see the amazing views, but trying to decide which is the better trade-off: views from your room or convenient location.

Posted by Bob

Gettysburg, PA

08/20/08 12:40 AM

1589 posts

500 meters is still on the outskirts of town. I suspect that you will find enough light to get there safely. Go with the view and have a great trip!

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

08/20/08 10:31 PM

32318 posts

Irene,

I always travel with a Flashlight, and although there might be enough light, it would be good "insurance" to have one. You might consider one of the newer LED models, so that you don't have to worry about burned-out bulbs. Be sure to take a spare set of batteries.

Happy travels!

Posted by Travel Boss

Myrtle Beach, USA

08/21/08 09:13 AM

12313 posts

Usually in Italy everything is 50 meters regardless of how far it really is.

If they say 500 meters, check a map to see where it really is. It may be accurate or just an optimistic view of a trip better done by car.

Posted by Sylvia

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

08/22/08 08:08 AM

331 posts

I agree with Brad. Do your homework and check out the actual location on a map. In the flat we rented, 500 metres to the beach was the description given. That would be accurate IF you had a Zip line to take you down. Otherwise, it was a 45 minute walk down (longer on the way back up the hill) or a 15 minute bus ride.

Posted by carl

dallas, tx, usa

08/22/08 10:19 AM

1358 posts

You can hike the trail after dark, but your flashlight should be powerful. The footing is ?Treacherous because it is uneven.

It is truly a rugged trail in most places. Loose footing. I found that walking a mile took more time and energy than I wanted to invest in seeing the sights.

So I took the train to all five villages and enjoyed the views in that way. Much of the trail looks just like the last mile you hiked.

Read this page about hiking the trail: http://goeurope.about.com/od/cinqueterrehiking/ss/cinque_hiking.htm

Be sure you buy the hiking permit for CT National Park before venturing forth.

Posted by Ron

southwest, Missouri, U.S.A.

08/22/08 10:22 AM

1717 posts

Hello Irene. I was at Vernazza, and I think the path is safe at night. I recommend : choose the room with a view, if you can afford it. My overnight accomodation was at a room of Tonino Basso (near the Post Office), I liked it very much. Rick Steves' evaluation of Tonino Basso's rooms is correct. Big clean room, good modern private bathroom. I did not feel a need for a view from my room : during the day I was on a path high above the Sea (it is one of my most favorite places in the world. Walk from Corniglia to Vernazza. Bring something to sit on, by the edge of the cliff. Bring water to drink.