Hello!
My husband and I are planning on visiting the Cinque Terre June 6-8, 2016. We recently read articles, here's the link to one from the Guardian, (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/17/italy-to-impose-limits-on-visitors-to-cinque-terre-with-tourist-ticket-system) that stated the Cinque Terre is limiting visitors to 1.5 million and there will be a ticketing service and app to help visitors and facilitate numbers. Does anyone know what website to go to in order to purchase tickets in advance? Has the system been implemented already? Everything I have read states that it will be "implemented this summer" but I was hoping someone might have more information regarding what this looks like. Thanks for the help!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16762 posts
Ashley, there are absolutely no "tickets" and no restrictions. This previous thread will be helpful:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/cinque-terre-limit-on-tourists-question-on-this
The only pass of any kind you need to purchase is a Cinque Terre Card if intending to hike the most popular trails. That's not a "ticket" but an entry pass for this Italian National Park, just as many U.S. parks require entry passes. These passes have been around for a long time.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
ashley,
As the other thread indicated, there are no limits on visitors in the Cinque Terre at the present time, and that's not likely to change at least not this season. Being "implemented this summer" is a lot of rubbish, so just plan your trip normally.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you for your comments and for directing me to the other forum! It's so nice to hear that we won't have any problems while we are in the Cinque Terre. I appreciate the responses! :)
Ashley
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16762 posts
You're welcome. Have a lovely trip!
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
The only problem you may encounter in the CT is thousands and thousands of visitors clogging the tiny villages and trails.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16762 posts
Well, there is THAT. The hordes can be avoided during peak hours with good knees and a stout pair of shoes, though. Ashley, how are your knees? :O)
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
ashley,
As Tim mentioned, the cruise ship hordes can be a problem during part of the day, but I've found that can be managed with planning and flexibility. The most crowded hours are generally between about 10:00 to 16:00, so it's prudent to stay off the local trains during those hours. Of the five towns, Vernazza seems to be more affected by this, probably because it's quite compact and therefore becomes saturated more easily. Monterosso is much larger and has both a "new town" and an "old town" so it seems to absorb the crowds much better.
If you're out hiking or touring around the area during the busy part of the day, you should be able to minimize most of the crowd problems.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
This is all really good information for us and our upcoming travel plans. We will be sure to try our best to avoid the crowds during peak hours! Thank you for all of the help!
Ashley