Looking at Google Maps, it appears that the train station in Monterosso is quite a distance away from the old town, especially the upper part of town. I understand that much of old Monterosso is a pedestrian zone, but is there some sort of public transportation that runs through town and to/from the train station? To further clarify, one in our party is 83 yo and while in good physical condition (climbed the Duomo in Florence), it would be convenient for her not to have to walk a large distance if it's not necessary.
Posted by
Kansas, United States
1081 posts
It's an easy walk anywhere in Monterosso to the train station if you only have a carry-on or backpack. There is a taxi but you really don't need it unless your staying at Porto Roca, up on top of the cliff.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16396 posts
Scott, it might be helpful to know in advance that the CT in general is not especially friendly for mobility challenged individuals, and yes, almost all of the villages are largely pedestrianized. If your Senior can climb the Duomo, they can walk from Old Town Monterosso to the train station UNLESS your accommodation is up in the hills. It's not so much distance as managing steep inclines/steps.
Steep inclines and lots of steps are a factor in most of the other villages as well.
If you've booked an accommodation, where exactly is it? If not, you might want to book one closer to the station? We've stayed in the "new" town and enjoyed it very much: an easy walk from the station, beautiful scenery, and our hotel had an elevator as well, which is a rarity in the CT.
Posted by
Alexandria, VA
771 posts
When we stayed at Villa Steno in the old town two years ago, they contacted us a month or two prior to our arrival and asked if we wanted them to book us a taxi. It is part way up the hill in the old town. Our first reaction was that we could walk, we had backpacks, but we booked it anyway. That way we arrived fresh, and could go out an explore the town. The taxi was at the train station upon our arrival and it made arrival easy.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16396 posts
The taxi was at the train station upon our arrival and it made arrival
easy.
Arrival day, yes, but taxi may be a twice-daily need to get from hotel to train station and back with the Senior if planning to spend some time the region. That may not be an issue but worth the mention? Scott, we also don't know how big a group you're needing to move around?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
360 posts
I think the walk up to Old Town would be a breeze for anyone that could climb the Duomo. When we were in Monterosso, they were working on the road, so no cars were allowed anyway. It's honestly not that far. There's a slight hill but if someone is willing to help with her bag, she should be fine. I don't think it will be much more effort than exploring Cinque Terre towns themselves (Riomaggiore is far more steep to just go through the main town).
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32325 posts
Scott,
It's not really a difficult walk from the station to the "old town" as it's mostly level. It would help to know which hotel you're staying in?
I normally stay at Villa Steno in the old town, and much prefer taking a Taxi to and from the station when I'm hauling luggage. I have walked a few times, but I'm in my '60s and prefer the "easier" approach when possible.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Per Google Maps, the walking route from the train station to the hotel Villa Steno, for example, is 900 meters, 12 minutes, and "mostly flat." It's particularly flattest and well paved at least as far as the Church of San Giovanni Battista and a bit beyond.