swimming in Cinqueterra beaches

Sailboats dumping refuse isn't an issue, but colder water temps than many expect is an issue, and also the lack of sandy beaches (mostly pebble beaches in the CT).

What month are you going? Reason I ask is:

You're from Virginia and probably used to the warmer water off Virginia, water warmed by the Gulf Current flow.

First timers to the CT often make the mistake of thinking: hey, must be nice swimming in the CT, I guess they're thinking it'll be like Florida, Southern California, Hawaii, or whatever--and then they're surprised the CT beaches are pebbly and water temps that are colder than they expected.

Even to wade you'll need water shoes because of the rocky bottom.

thanks for the reply. We are accustomed to the pebbly beaches of France and Greece and also the colder waters of the Pacific. We will be in CT in October so we will just be brave and try the swimming. It's a must do!

We were in Vernazza last July, and the water was definitely swimmable. Vernazza has a harbor with a very small sandy beach. Or, you can swim outside the harbor, where you jump in from the rocks or the sea wall, and there's a ladder on the sea wall for getting out again. It's wonderful, especially after the hike from Monterosso!

We were in CT in mid May several years ago and the water was icy cold--and beach was pebbles. But the water was gorgeous--crystal clear and very inviting. Wading out ankle deep was all I could manage.

Not sure about October. I’ve swam in Monterosso (very big regular beach with pebbles instead of sand - €20 buys you an umbrella and lounge chairs all day) in early July, and the water was definitely perfect (a little chilly but not as cold as San Diego - water is much cooler than what you'll find at a place like Rehoboth Beach, DE or Virginia Beach.). The water is very clear and calm…you can see the bottom way out from the beach. Also swam in the deeper water off the rocks in Manarola (no beach but two-three step swimming pool ladders right on the rocks and a small 15-20 foot “cliff” for beginners – I didn’t try it, but the high school kids were all over it). The water in Manarola is also very clear, but it looks black and deep because of the rocks. You’ll find a few bird feathers and other stuff floating around that close to the rocks, but I didn’t see any refuse or garbage or anything like that. I hope pleasure boats don’t dump their holding tanks into the water, but how would you ever know? They’re pretty far out in the sea from the beaches.

We swam in the Vernazza harbour early last October and found the water to be cool, but not cold. Of course, it was 33C ambient air temperature at the time...

Water was clean and there were are sorts of little fish, but I recommend wearing water shoes or sandals as the rocks are a little rough on your feet.

It was too cold (September) for this California boy!

We were in CT in October. My youngest climbed down the ladder on the jetty and got in for a second in Vernazza. They also climbed on rocks and got a little wet. Up in Monterosso, we all waded in to about our knees.

It was a little too cold for real swimming but the water was clear enough to watch the fish.

If you do find the water too cold for swimming, rent a kayak in Monterosso and paddle to Vernazza. There's a very small waterfall on the way nestled among many flat rocks that you can lay out on. Warning - The water from the fall is much colder than the water!!! This is a great way to enjoy the CT sea!