I arrived in La Spezia today and went on up to Monterosso. While work is ongoing, a lot of the businesses are open. Large numbers of tourists got off in Vernazza, so that town seems to be back in business, too. In Monterosso, the children's playground at Piazza Garibaldi is unfinished. The other businesses in that part of the old town looked mostly up and running. There is now an elevator at the train station in La Spezia so it's easier to get across the street to the hotels, etc. I'm staying at Hotel Mary there. The hotel has been refurbished since I last visited a few years back.
Posted by
OP
Napa, CA
3580 posts
A further update. Today, 11 Apr, I visited Vernazza and found it to be much under construction. The main street is being repaired, but only the Farmacia seems intact and open for business. Further down, at the beach, there are several businsses open. So, one can go there and get a cafe or meal. And possibly a bed. The weather is rough today, so boats were not running. I believe they will run in good weather, if one is to believe the signs. They were emptying passengers in Monterosso yesterday when the weather was better. In Monterosso, the area between the old and new towns was much affected. I spoke with Hillary at Mueble Agavi and she said water ran down both sides of her hotel. The hotel's ground floor was two feet deep in flood water. The Agavi appears to be ready for business, as does most of Monterosso. In spite of gloomy weather, the via del Amore was open for hikers. I walked that part of the trail, as did many other tourists. The sea is rough today, but picturesque.
Posted by
Boston
17 posts
Thank-you for sharing your update! We have plans to stay in Vernazza in late September, and very much look forward to our stay.
Posted by
OP
Napa, CA
3580 posts
I didn't check the area above the train station in Vernazza, except to note that parts of the vineyard hillside appeared to have washed out. It is possible that hotels, B&Bs above the train station will open first. Just a guess. I walked the Via del Amore. It seemed completely ok. The elevator taking passengers to the top of the town at Riomaggiore was not in service "because of the rain."