We would like to stop in Vernazza but in checking Google Satelite maps it looks like it might be rough for stairs. The Train platform appears to be elevated above the road, so there must be steps down and the apartment we are looking at, Manuelas, appears to be on a road that might have a number of stairs also from the main street. Anyone have experience and can give a thumbs up or down to guiding an 82 year old around Vernazza. She can walk but only for short distances.
Thank You for you thoughts.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
My wife and I were in all 5 towns. My recollection is that the train stations are elevated. There are stairs down to the streets. On the arriving side of the tracks from the south (La Spezia) at some of the stations, you need to climb stairs to a walkway that goes over the tracks. You then go down stairs to the other side of the station. I don't recall elevators on the arriving side of these stations. I do recall that there were elevators on the other side down to the street but I cannot vouch for their operability. Even worse, the train is too long for some of the stations and believe it or not, the people in the last 3-4 cars have to get off in the tunnel and not the platform. No wheel chair access there.
Once down the stairs, the roads on the sea side of the tracks down to the water are not bad. Easily walkable. Not so on the hill side of the tracks. Much steeper.
As for the places with rooms, many are in 4 and 5 story buildings with no elevators. 70-80 stairs to the top is not uncommon. Choose your hotel carefully. Some, like a few on the flat area of Monterosso are easily accessible and have elevators.
Did I mention that when it comes to handicap access, Italy and the U.S. are on different planets.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Consider Monterosso instead. It's much flatter.