Swimming shoes in Cinque Terre?

We went to the beach for a party/happy hour in Monterosso. We did not go in the water. I always wear water shoes when I go into any body of water. Google Monteroso and you will see photos of that beach.

Did not in Monterroso nor did we miss them and hubby wished he had in Riomaggiore (I didn't swim there).

Monterosso is the only village with a beach. Not really fine sand but rather very small pebbles (the size of pepper corns or bigger). The bottom drops quickly so be careful. I've never gotten stung by anything in all the years I've been there in youth. But if you have delicate feet it helps to have aqua shoes

I agree with the other posters, if only swimming in Monterosso, you could get by without them, any of the other spots, you will want them.

Since I hate packing shoes (Most trips the only pair are the leather walking shoes on my feet) if we are going to be near water, I do pack a good pair of water shoes, even if only to wear to the beach and back to the hotel, really do not want sand in my main shoes.

Just to proceed off of pauls logic, swim shoes would make an excellent substitute for the flip flops i pack to protect myself from bathroom floors and you could wear them downstairs to breakfast

If you have a Christmas Tree Shop in your area they have a variety of water shoes for $5.99 this week. I bought some to take with me to Amalfi Coast later this month, I'll probably leave them in Italy so I can keep my backpack weight down on the way home.

Bring water shoes, the flat basic kind...you will have problems buying them in Italy as U.S. sizes are hard to come by and they sell out of stock easily!

I would bring swim shoes. The beach in Monterosso is wonderful, and to swim in the Ligurian Sea is unique, but the sand is pebbly. Swim shoes would a good idea. I am bringing mine when we go again in September.

I have swum at Monterosso a few times. The larger rocks all congregate at the water line, so entering and exiting the water is harder than regular walking on the beach. I think that jellyfish (medusas) are rare enough to make an outbreak of them something that people talk about, or you can ask about.

If I may piggyback on this thread--I will be there in about 2 weeks (May 30)--will it be warm enough to swim? I was thinking it would not be, but has anyone been recently (or been at the end of May in another year) and found it to be warm enough in the water for a dip? We will have our swimsuits just in case :)

The water in May is going to be a bit cool. However after the initial shock you should be able to handle it. It's certainly warmer than the Pacific Ocean in California, even in July.

Thanks Roberto! We may have to take a dip just because it is such a unique experience!

ferrinwheeler, we were there in late May and people were swimming off the beach in Monterosso and the rocks in some of the other villages. We didn't bring suits so didn't get in but heck, give it a try? Off the rocks sure looked like fun!

Yes, I'd definitely bring water shoes.