Hello folks, it’s been awhile since I’ve needed some help in travel planning. My wife and I will be traveling with our daughter and her husband ( delayed graduation/wedding presents due to Covid) in late November and early December. Changing the timing of the trip is not an option. They are anxious to visit the Cinque Terra or Venice during the trip ( 21 days Rome to Paris). I’ve chosen Levanto as a 3 day home base at the end of November rather than Venice primarily due to time related transportation issues. I’m having second thoughts. I’m searching for information regarding restaurants’ closing for the winter in the Italian Riviera. Staying there and not being able to enjoy the cuisine would be very disappointing.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5604 posts
I think everyone would be happier in Venice. You have so many more options there with rainy weather. Enjoy!
Posted by
Irving
3226 posts
Here’s a website worth checking out: https://mycornerofitaly.com/cinque-terre-in-november/. The bottom line is, expect rain during your stay on the Cinque Terre. If you’re late risers, your days will be short.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7162 posts
I agree with Pam.
It might depend on your travel route though. Can you share the rest of itinerary?
I'm wondering if somewhere like Santa Margherita Liguria would work? Still not much to do indoors if rainy.
Posted by
OP
Rough and Ready, Ca, USA
69 posts
I’m aware of short days and threat of rainy weather in late November. I’ve experienced rain and acqua alta in Venice. The rain doesn’t deter us. I’m primarily interested in seasonal closures of restaurants along the cinque terra and Italian Riviera. We will be traveling by train during this portion of our trip and I believe will be willing to hop on trains to “nearby” villages for meal excursions including Santa Margerita Liguria.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Peter,
Tourist facilities in the five towns of the Cinque Terre tend to start closing for the season in November and December, reopening about March or April. However there are usually a few that remain open, albeit with reduced hours. Levanto is a larger town so there should certainly still be some restaurants open. Your hotel staff can provide information on restaurants there.
Levanto is probably a good "home base" for that area as that time of year. It's only about five minutes by train from Monterosso, and all the towns are accessible so you could at least see them. It's also somewhat convenient if you plan to day trip to other towns in the Italian Riviera.
This post provides a few comments on the subject of winter closings in the Cinque Terre, although it's a bit dated. Also, This post - https://www.thechaosdiaries.com/visiting-cinque-terre-in-winter/ .
Posted by
OP
Rough and Ready, Ca, USA
69 posts
Thanks very much for your helpful replies. This is what I suspected.