So, if the Cinque Terre is too crowded.......

The Cinque Terre get very crowded with day trippers---many who never do the trails----its much quieter earlier and later in the day-----we also love to base in Sorrento and take day trips to the amalfi coast and capri very beautiful and less chaotic----what makes the Cinque Terre seem so crowded is the very small size of some of the villages and train stations---hope this helps

Paul

You should have no problems in the Cinque Terre in September, 2016. Schools is back in force in Europe and the August vacations are over. I would suggest you get reservations, however.

I stayed at Agriturismo a Due Passi dal Mare in the beautiful little town of Levanto, just one train stop north of the Cinque Terre town of Monterossa, in May. Fabulous beach for an evening walk, lots of good restaurants and when you get tired of the crowds in the other towns you can go back to Levanto and relax with far fewer tourists around! The Agriturismo is right in town, not even a ten minute walk from the train station, and Francesca will take great care of you! Much cheaper sleeping and eating in Levanto too!

I normally travel in September and the Cinque Terre can be crowded at times even then. That was certainly the case when I was there a few weeks ago. I've found ways of dealing with the crowds and usually don't find them to be a problem. If you're really concerned about that, stay in Levanto as mentioned in the previous reply. It's only four minutes from Monterosso by train, has a large beach and it will still allow you to see the area.

Thinking a little outside the box, consider flying from Geneva to Palermo or Catania and spending your time in Sicily. There are beautiful, sandy beaches (the ones in the CT are tiny and most are pebbly), prices are lower and tourists fewer than mainland Italy, excellent food and wine, and lots of interesting sights and quaint seaside towns.

The town of Levanto sounds intriguing.... That way we could still hike in CT. I would love to find a b&b or hotel in Levanto, that is close to the water & within walking distance to the train station..... Does anyone know how late the trains run?

Thanks everyone, I am feeling relieved that we wouldn't have to skip the entire area.

Cynthia

The blog A Path to Lunch recently posted about some places to stay other than the 5 towns. Perhaps it will give you even more options.

When I arrived in Vernazza, the walk from the train to the harbor filled me with dread - the crowds, the heat - it was claustrophobic and I hated it. However - by early evening the day trippers vanished, and I found it the most peaceful and wonderful part of my trip. Venice is the same, as can be Florence at times. The reward for going to these popular destinations are those sweet hours in the mornings and evenings. If you manage to stay a couple of nights, you may see what I mean.