Myself and 2 companions are headed to Italy later this year and planning a week in Cinque Terre. Staying in Monterosso, seeing a couple towns a day by train, a boat day, then a trip to Pisa/Lucca 1 day. I was considering booking a pesto making class offered near Monterosso where you have a dinner - has anyone done that and what did you think? I've been to Cinque Terre 1 other time a few years ago and stayed in Riomaggiore, I loved it, I am so happy to show my friends how beautiful the area is. Also, I'm wondering if the trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola has opened yet? I know it wasn't slated to be open for a couple years but I was curious if there was a chance to do more work on it with the country closed so long?
Posted by
OP
14 posts
Yep, I'm new on the forum and after looking through a few PAGES on Cinque Terre hiking, I see a response from a few months ago about this trail not opening - sorry.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32388 posts
Good choice to stay in Monterosso..... that's my favourite of the five towns. Hopefully one of the others can provide more information on the Pesto making class, as I've never done that (although I have enjoyed a fair bit of freshly made Pesto in the Cinque Terre).
AFAIK, the Via dell'Amore has not yet reopened and I doubt that will happen this year. There are other trails that run further up in the hills, but they're a more robust hike. A small section of the trail is open at the Manarola end, at least as far as the small Cafe & Bar. If they're running, you could also use the Ferries. The dock in Monterosso is located in the old town, and it's easily accessible.
Posted by
11647 posts
A week in the CT is a bit long but you have been there before so know what you want.
Posted by
Kansas, United States
1082 posts
Make sure to make reservations for Belvedere Restaurant in Monterosso, The Pesto Pasta is their signature dish and the best I've had in my travels in Italy. If you want to splurge on a meal I recommend going up to the Hotel Porto Roca and dining while looking out over the ocean on their terrace, spectacular view!
Posted by
172 posts
Separate subject, but if you have time, take the ferry to Porto Venere. We had been to the Cinque Terre a couple of times before we discovered this picturesque village a half hour south of Riomaggiore by ferry.
Posted by
OP
14 posts
@Donald and @Mont3589 - thank you very much for the recommendations! Much appreciated.
@Suki - yes, we are an older group celebrating a 60th birthday for my Italian friend who has never been to Italy! A very shy traveler, just got her passport, not big into cities, I thought it would be good to decompress from the long flight with an apartment in CT and no rushing around, settling in. We have rented a lovely apartment and will see the sites via train, but also be able to have a "home" spot.