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Is Cinque Terre as crowded as they say in August ??

Posted by on

Hi I just wanted some input on anyone who visited CT recently or last year between may-August of September

Was it really as jammed pack as they say?

Was it not enjoyable because it was like a sandines -in-a-can experience ?

I understand if you stay in CT overnight or for 2 nights early morning and evening is enjoyable bc day trippers and cruise ships are gone. But would that make the 2 night detour to CT worth it if it’s just a hit crowded mess?

Any input would be appreciated!

I did travel to many parts of Europe 2 years ago mid-may- early June and ended my trip in Rome and didn’t feel the crowd was that bad at the time but that was my only time in Europe

Thanks

Posted by
1057 posts

Yes, it’s crowded on a “normal” day and jam-packed on a day when a cruise ship is docked in La Spezia and the tour groups train into Cinque Terre. Cruise ship schedules can be accessed online, so I’d advise you to look up the dates you are considering to see whether you’ll be dealing with cruise crowds. It’s a beautiful area and well worth visiting but IMHO the cruise ships have ruined the experience.

Posted by
32398 posts

panda,

I've never travelled in the Cinque Terre in August but suspect it will be hot and crowded especially on cruise ship days, as mentioned in previous replies. I normally travel in September or other "shoulder seasons" and it can be somewhat crowded even then. The evenings are quieter once the day trippers have left, but at times can also be a bit busy in the restaurants.

I've found that the crowding in the daytime can be managed to some extent by not being in the five towns during the peak part of the day. Visit Levanto, Porto Venere (by boat) or other nearby towns. If you're planning to hike the Sentiero Azzurro trails or take short day trips, get an early start before the crowds arrive. If you're staying in Monterosso, you could also spend some time on the beach. I sometimes take a break after lunch and head back to my hotel for a few hours. Sitting on the balcony in the afternoon sun with a glass of Prosecco is a nice way to avoid crowds.

Posted by
116 posts

YES! it was so crowded our first time there, we left after an hour. It truly was elbowing your way along and running into people walking with you as well as against you. Our advice is to see the CT from a boat that stops in each city and has a hop on-hop off plan. From the water you can see the beauty of each area without fighting the crowds.

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