My family of five will be staying near Lucca in August and are making a day trip up to CT. Wish we could stay for multiple days but its not workable on this visit. I would appreciate any thoughts/ideas on how to make the most of the day. I assume taking the train is the best way in and out, but we will have a rental car if that would have any advantages. We are a fairly fit group and plan to do some hiking between towns - just not sure which towns. Thanks for any help!
Posted by
Tacoma, WA, USA
620 posts
As far as hiking between towns I would suggest hiking between Vernazza and Cognilia or Vernanna and Monterosso. We are a family of 10 taking a day trip August 4th. To beat the heat and avoid the crowds I have booked a boat trip with Cinque Terra Adventure.
The last time we were there the crowds at the train station were insane. I would prebuy any passes/tickets. We love CT and have spent a fair amount of time in the off season. We really want our kids (all in their 30's) to at least see it and have some experience and a day trip is all we can do too.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16659 posts
Yes, take a train into the region, and I'd try to get there early in the morning. Off top of my head I'd probably take rail from Lucca to Monterosso, hike Monterosso to Vernazza on the very popular Sentiero Azzurro (SVA2 "Blue Path"). Poke around the village, rehydrate, and then hike Vernazza to tiny Corniglia on the next leg of the same SVA2 path. From there you can go back to Lucca or onwards by regional rail to Manarola or Riomaggiore for a lookabout before heading out. The Sentiero Azzurro is likely to be quite busy and involves lots of steep steps here and there.
The SVA2 route is closed between Corniglia and Manarola, and Manarola and Riomaggiore. There are other ways around it but longer and more strenuous. Yes, you will need park passes to hike this particular trail route. The park website:
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Eindex.php
Park map with trails indicated and difficulty ratings for each; a black line means that trail is currently closed. Scroll down for some highlighted info on the 4 legs (2 closed) of SVA2, and click on "592-3 (SVA2) Corniglia - Vernazza" and "592-4 (SVA2) Vernazza - Monterosso"
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Esentieri-outdoor.php
Info on park passes:
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Ecinque-terre-card.php
Do be aware that trails can close at any time due to weather, landslides or other sorts of damage; will cross fingers that doesn't happen for you! :O)