I heard recently that heavy rain storms this fall caused some damage in the Cinque Terre towns. Does anyone know if this is true and have any specifics? We plan to go to that area next April. Thanks for any help.
Posted by
California 🦋
5211 posts
Kentfast,
I know there was flood damage back on October 2011... but have not read about any recent damage.
I just checked this website which gives you information about the trails in the CT &
didn't find any info regarding recent storm damage either:
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/sentieri_parco.asp?id_lingue=2
Please note that all trails are closed now because it's winter.
Perhaps Roberto, Laurel or Quirite have more information regarding any recent damage.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32206 posts
kentfast,
As the previous reply mentioned, major storm damage occurred to two of the towns on 25 October 2011 but that has been substantially repaired. A major slide occurred along the famous Via dell' Amore (trail) in September 2012, but I haven't heard of any recent damage. Could you provide further information on where you saw this information?
Posted by
OP
33 posts
The person who told me about possible storm damage in CT is well traveled, but apparently wrong in this instance. Thanks for the reassurance.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32206 posts
kentfast,
One other point to mention......
If you're planning to hike any of the Sentiero Azzurro trails (which seem to be a "must" with many travellers), note that not all of these may be open. These are affected by storm damage to some extent every year, so they may be open or closed at any time. The usual start of the tourist season in the Cinque Terre is 1 April, and I expect that at least some of the four trails will be opened at that time. It would be a good idea to check the official C.T. Park website just prior to your trip.
Of the four S.A. trails, the leg from Monterosso to Vernazza is the most challenging, as there's quite an uphill climb at the beginning. Once you're up to the trail, it's much easier but there are some narrow sections to traverse. If you take it slowly, these are not a problem.
One other point to mention is that there's an extensive network of trails in that area besides the Sentiero Azzurro, so if you like to hike there will be many opportunities to do so. Many of the other trails go further up in the hills, so are more of a "robust" hiking experience.
Posted by
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1232 posts
Here is a website run by Americans who moved to Vernazza and are instrumental in it's recovery. www.savevernazza.com You can get updates via email or facebook as to what is open, closed, or any new info.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
As Ken says The leg from Monterosso to Vernazza is the most challenging. I would recommend to do it from Vernazza to Monterossso. Climb up is long and steady. Descent to Monterossso is steep and also many stairs.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11316 posts
As Ken mentioned, there is an extensive network of trails beyond the Sentieor Azzurro. We find the other trails more to our liking. Some are a bit of an uphill slog, and some are accessible via the little buses out of Vernazza and Manarola. You can research many options online or ask at the TI. The Explora Store in Manarola also is a god place to get hiking advice.
EDIT: Actually the Explora Store is a good place....
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15809 posts
There were heavy rains in October of this year which flooded Genoa and caused moments of consternation in the CT (Cantina di Miky in Monterosso had some minor flooding which caused early seasonal closing, and many of the trails were temporarily closed) but that appeared to be the extent of it.
As Ken has said, heavy rain can damage/close any of the fragile CT trails at any time so, depending on recent weather, it's never a given what will be traversable on any given day. But you've been given some good alternatives should all or most of the Sentiero Azzurro be blocked.
Posted by
OP
33 posts
Thank you all for your comments, and your kindness. It sounds like there were some rain storms, but nothing as damaging as in October 2011. We have the Rick Steves 2014 guide to Italy, and we understand the need for "flexibility" in our travels. This will be fun.........grazie
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32752 posts
After a very slow lead up to the storm season, it has begun. Just this week there have been good sized storms in Scotland, Alpine France, and the Adriatic. The hail storm in the Adriatic is so bad that rescuing the Italian ferry on fire is nearly impossible.
The storm season has barely begun.
It would be worth having a check again after the winter, at least that's what I'd do...