My family and I are traveling to C.T. from Tuscany in late July on a weekend. We were planning to stay in Montorosso. I have been reading, however, that it could be very crowded and should possibly be avoided. We will have a car in Tuscany and could drive it to C.T. but have been reading that it’s not ideal to have a car there. We have a daughter who walks with crutches and uses a wheelchair. I’m wondering what people would advise? Will she be able to get around or is it very hilly? Is it so crowded that it would make it even more difficult? Would it be advised to go but avoid the weekend? Or stay elsewhere on the Italian riveria? Take a car or a train? My concern here is luggage and a wheelchair. I’ve also heard it’s not ideal to leave luggage in your car. I’d love some good advice so we can make this enjoyable and not stressful.
Thank you!!!
Posted by
1230 posts
I was there on a weekend last summer in July. Monterosso is wheelchair accessible. There is an old and new section of town - the train station is in the new; approximately a 10 minute walk to the old if you stay there - connected by a tunnel. Getting from one section of town to the other is along the shoreline along a flat road, essentially. My kids and husband liked to stroll along that route every night. The only hill in town is very gradual. I think she will get around fine. The crowds were not bad. I never felt crowded by them - in Monterosso. Vernazza was crowded (but it is also smaller), Corniglia not so much, Manarola not so much, and Riomaggiore more. Even with crowds, I didnt feel that they were oppressive, and I think a wheelchair could make its way around them. I would be more mindful of where there are stairs - not sure how she does on them. I remember stairs leading down/up from the train platforms to the station entrances, and in other towns there can be a few stairs from one place to another.
I would definitely take the train. A car makes no sense and would be a hassle.
Posted by
Chicago
8229 posts
In July 2016 there were less people day trippers when the towns are the most charming in the evening. I stayed in Monterosso ; it is the easiest to navigate not as veritcal with steps and such compared to the other 4. You should book your space soon or is this a day trip?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32398 posts
jengal,
To begin with, as you'll be using a rental car in Italy, I assume you're aware that each driver listed on the rental form will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L.? You'll also have to be vigilant to avoid the ZTL (limited traffic) zones that exist in many Italian towns. Hefty fines for each pass through them!
Regarding your question, Monterosso would absolutely be the best of the five villages to stay in. It's relatively flat from the new town to the old town, so that should be fairly easy with a wheelchair. However at this late date it could be difficult finding a vacancy on a weekend in late July. While I normally would not recommend a car for the Cinque Terre, with the "mobility issue" that might be the best option. The railway platform is one level above street level and involves some stairs, so a wheelchair could be a problem. I don't recall seeing an elevator at the Monterosso station, although I've never looked. There is an access road off to the side of the station that leads down to the street.
If you used a car for the trip to the C.T., you could park at the large carpark on the beach in the new town (Fegina). It's a bit below street level so you might want to drop the family off at the road that leads down to the carpark. You won't be able to drive into the town as it's restricted to authorized vehicles only.
One hotel that you could consider is Hotel La Spiaggia which is right on the main street in the new town. They have an elevator but again, it could be hard to get a booking now as July is not that far away. You could get lucky though. Check the RS Italy guidebook for other hotels.
Although it's a bit further from the main street, another hotel you could consider is Hotel Villa Adriana, which also provides parking (although as I recall, it's "first come, first served"). They also have an elevator and they serve a nice breakfast. There are stairs at the front to access reception, but as I recall you could take the wheelchair around to the back and that will provide an entrance. I can't remember if they have a wheelchair ramp (again, I've never looked).
In terms of the crowds, it may be busy during the day but the evenings should be manageable. There are some nice restaurants along the main street in the new town, including Cantina di Miky which is a big favourite with many here (their patio is right above the beach so provides beautiful ocean views).
Buon Viaggio!