My husband and I will be in Italy Mar 29 to Apr 7, flying into Milan and out of Florence. We plan to spend 3 nights in the cinque Terre, 3 in sienna, and 3 in Florence (we have been to Italy before, but never these locations). We really want to explore the cinque Terre, but if the weather is too rainy to hike, any advice on alternative activities? Thanks!
Posted by
5483 posts
Day trips to Pisa, Lucca, and Genoa are feasible. I am not sure what the marble tours are like, but Carrarra is close.
Posted by
Washington DC
28792 posts
Or decamp to Bologna, see that city, and take a couple of great side trips. Ravenna should be #1. Then maybe Ferrara.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16355 posts
Assuming that by that time your accommodations will be set in stone at the Cinque Terre, you could still visit the towns at least for a day. Portofino is also not far. Obviously you won't be able to go to the beach or walk the trails if it rains.
You could also visit Genoa, or Lucca, or Pisa. Those are cities that have something to offer even if it rains.
But of course if you can still cancel the reservations, then it's best not to go to the Cinque Terre at all and choose another destination. Bologna and the Emilia region is not a bad idea. But you can't visit Bologna from the cinque terre on a day trip. it's too far.
Posted by
Boston
1823 posts
In that period, all day steady rain is unlikely. La Spezia has several interesting museums and a pretty waterfront - lunch at Osteria all'Inferno. Portovenere is very interesting even in the rain - it's a 20 minute bus ride from La Spezia if the boats are not running. You could train to Chiavari and see it's pretty arcades, interesting shops, and markets. Santa Margherita is lively and you can walk the very beautiful coastal road even in a light rain. I sent a PM.
Posted by
OP
Cleveland, Ohio
65 posts
Thank you all for the suggestions!
Posted by
Boston, MA
1832 posts
It is worth noting since the area is prone to landslides in heavy rains, the mere threat of heavy rain will cause them to "close the trails" however it does not mean they are actually closed to hikers/walkers.
Obviously if really bad out I am not suggesting hiking on trails known to have landslide issues so common sense in needed for your own protection and out of respect to the environment.
I hiked on a dry day when the trails were closed because a big T-storm moved quickly through in the early morning. They as a result closed the trails for the day and were not selling tickets this day even though it was sunny and clear in the afternoon. All closed meant was the normal guard stations were unmanned there was no closed signage or gates, etc...