Cinque Terre or Amalfi?
Dec 29th, 2013, 03:21 PM
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Cinque Terre or Amalfi?
Husband and I - early 30s - are looking for a romantic getaway before we start a family next year. I have always wanted to go to Amalfi, but I hear amazing things about Cinque Terre and it looks so beautiful. Any benefits of one over the other?
Dec 29th, 2013, 03:48 PM
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The scope is different. Amalfi coast area, if one includes Napoli, Pompeii, and Capri, is a huge area requiring multiple days. Cinque Terre covers much smaller area. In fact, you can visit all five villages in CT in one full day if you so desire (not that I recommend this.)
Amalfi coast area requires time moving from one place to another. If you are time constrained in your future visit or with small children, CT is easier to get to and get around than Amalfi unless you have convenient flights into the Napoli airport.
Amalfi coast area requires time moving from one place to another. If you are time constrained in your future visit or with small children, CT is easier to get to and get around than Amalfi unless you have convenient flights into the Napoli airport.
Dec 29th, 2013, 04:27 PM
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What's your budget? What time of year are you travelling? Crowds and romance are mutually exclusive and both places are inundated with tourists from May to September. I would head to the Amalfi Coast - the tourists are more spread out as it's a bigger place. A small village like Atrani may suit - it's a bit off the tourist radar but is very beautiful.
Dec 29th, 2013, 07:46 PM
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I love both areas having been to all 5 villages in CT and to Positano, Naples and briefly to Capri. Amalfi in my view is more over-the-top dramatic while the cinque terre is simpler and quite charming. The hiking between CT towns is leisurely and scenic. You can't go wrong with either. We flew into Pisa for the cinque terre and our room was modestly priced and with a view. We flew into Rome and trained to Naples and had a driver pick us up for Positano -- so much pricier. The drive down the Amalfi coast is Awesome! Let budget and drama be your guide. I would repeat both my trips!
Dec 29th, 2013, 08:42 PM
#5
Love them both. For romance I would head to Amalfi Coast, maybe staying over on Capri.
Of the two I would find hiking/taking trains & boats among the CT villages somewhat easier with young children if you can head back there in a few years, but I've only been to Amalfi Coast once so could be wrong about that.
We stayed in the town of Amalfi but Positano sounds wonderful. Also I'd prefer routing through Naples without children but that is personal preference.
In CT I liked Monterosso (Villa Steno) and yes travel among the villages is a treat.
Of the two I would find hiking/taking trains & boats among the CT villages somewhat easier with young children if you can head back there in a few years, but I've only been to Amalfi Coast once so could be wrong about that.
We stayed in the town of Amalfi but Positano sounds wonderful. Also I'd prefer routing through Naples without children but that is personal preference.
In CT I liked Monterosso (Villa Steno) and yes travel among the villages is a treat.
Dec 30th, 2013, 12:49 AM
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Lucky enough to been to both. Both spectacular locations. But , the Amalfi Coast is the favourite. Stayed in Positano, just breathtaking. To wake up to that view is beyond words. Just did day trips. Stunning.
Dec 30th, 2013, 01:15 AM
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Both areas have good hiking, but if you like to hike, you'll find it difficult with young children. The easier low trails in the Cinque Terre are at the moment mostly closed because of the risk of landslides, and have been closed off and on for several years now, ever since the terrible flood there a few years ago. The upper trails are all open, but those are not for leisurely hiking; they require some stamina and good hiking shoes.
I would say that it also depends on the time of year. In spring and autumn, I would definitely prefer the Amalfi coast. In full summer, the Cinque Terre would almost certainly be cooler, although it's true that the towns would be sinking under the weight of the tourists. Many are day trippers, so the towns are more bearable in the evening. If you spend the days on the high trails (where not many people go) you'll miss the worst of it. I have to say that I was in the Cinque Terre once on a rainy day in October, and the crowds were already a bit over my limit. I was wondering what it would be like in the summer, but I've never gone back at that time of year to find out.
Another advantage of the Amalfi coast is that there are archaeological sites, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Greek temples at Paestum to visit. There are also some very worthwhile museums in Naples, the Royal Palace of Caserta, and some very interesting churches. In the Cinque Terre, there's nothing but scenery, so if it rains, you may feel at a loss for things to do.
If you're interested in visiting Naples, Herculaneum, or Pompeii, you might consider staying in Sorrento, at least for two or three nights, because it's a bit time-consuming to visit these places from an actual Amalfi coast town. Sorrento is also convenient for trips to Capri and to the Amalfi coast. You don't say how much time you have to spend, but you could maybe split the time between two places.
I would say that it also depends on the time of year. In spring and autumn, I would definitely prefer the Amalfi coast. In full summer, the Cinque Terre would almost certainly be cooler, although it's true that the towns would be sinking under the weight of the tourists. Many are day trippers, so the towns are more bearable in the evening. If you spend the days on the high trails (where not many people go) you'll miss the worst of it. I have to say that I was in the Cinque Terre once on a rainy day in October, and the crowds were already a bit over my limit. I was wondering what it would be like in the summer, but I've never gone back at that time of year to find out.
Another advantage of the Amalfi coast is that there are archaeological sites, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Greek temples at Paestum to visit. There are also some very worthwhile museums in Naples, the Royal Palace of Caserta, and some very interesting churches. In the Cinque Terre, there's nothing but scenery, so if it rains, you may feel at a loss for things to do.
If you're interested in visiting Naples, Herculaneum, or Pompeii, you might consider staying in Sorrento, at least for two or three nights, because it's a bit time-consuming to visit these places from an actual Amalfi coast town. Sorrento is also convenient for trips to Capri and to the Amalfi coast. You don't say how much time you have to spend, but you could maybe split the time between two places.
Dec 30th, 2013, 03:29 AM
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there is a whole lot more to see and do in the Amalfi/Sorrento/Naples area than in the Cinque Terre where you have five often very mobbed small villages - after hiking between them - 7 miles all told what else can you do - now there are some sweet day trips you can do but the Amalfi area offers so so much more varied things in a compact area:
Pompeii and Heraculean (sp?) - climbing Mt Vesuvius to peer into the crater - the sweet islands of Capri and Ischia - and of course the Amalfi itself with such dream town as Ravello, Amalfi, Positano - take the thrilling bus ride along the coast - awesome baby@!
Hands down the Amalfi over the Cinque Terre for one place to spend several days IMO.
Pompeii and Heraculean (sp?) - climbing Mt Vesuvius to peer into the crater - the sweet islands of Capri and Ischia - and of course the Amalfi itself with such dream town as Ravello, Amalfi, Positano - take the thrilling bus ride along the coast - awesome baby@!
Hands down the Amalfi over the Cinque Terre for one place to spend several days IMO.
Dec 30th, 2013, 04:35 AM
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I do agree with the others that there is more to see in the Amalfi area, however,the Cinque Terre area has more than just the five villages. There is Portovenere to the south, and Rapallo, Santa Margherita, Portofino and Camogli to the north. All can be visited by either train or (in season) boat. In fact in that region I prefer to stay in one of the other towns I mentioned (loved Rapallo) and just visit the CT on day trips.
Here's my photos of both regions, see if one 'looks' better to you.
http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/sorr...d_amalfi_coast
http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/ital...ligurian_coast
Here's my photos of both regions, see if one 'looks' better to you.
http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/sorr...d_amalfi_coast
http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/ital...ligurian_coast
Dec 30th, 2013, 04:44 AM
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Your choice might depend on how long you have to travel. Cinque Terre can be hiked and the towns can be visitied in three days. And it is probably a little quicker to get to if you have a very short time.
The Amalfi Coast area is so much larger and has so many more things to see and do that a visit of a week would be better. Having visited both, I would racommend the Amalfi Coast for a romantic trip. We liked Pompeii and Capri more than the AC itself.
There is plenty of hiking both places. I would go in May or late September if you want a chance to avoid the worst of the crowds.
The Amalfi Coast area is so much larger and has so many more things to see and do that a visit of a week would be better. Having visited both, I would racommend the Amalfi Coast for a romantic trip. We liked Pompeii and Capri more than the AC itself.
There is plenty of hiking both places. I would go in May or late September if you want a chance to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Dec 30th, 2013, 01:49 PM
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I've been to the Amalfi Coast many times. I can't get enough of it. There's something about those views and that food (!) that are just heaven on earth to me. And of course it doesn't hurt that it's one of the most romantic destinations on the planet.
You've gotten great advice above, so I won't repeat what's already been said. But if I were going on a second honeymoon with my husband, I wouldn't look any further than Positano or Capri.
The best time to go IMHO is late May/early June before the heavy crowds arrive. If you're staying in Positano, pick a hotel that's up the hill from the center of town so that you can avoid some of the craziness and enjoy the quiet splendor of one of the most beautiful views you'll ever see.
Lastly, try to book ASAP if you ARE going this spring/summer. Many people are repeat visitors ( like me!) who book way ahead.
Good luck!
You've gotten great advice above, so I won't repeat what's already been said. But if I were going on a second honeymoon with my husband, I wouldn't look any further than Positano or Capri.
The best time to go IMHO is late May/early June before the heavy crowds arrive. If you're staying in Positano, pick a hotel that's up the hill from the center of town so that you can avoid some of the craziness and enjoy the quiet splendor of one of the most beautiful views you'll ever see.
Lastly, try to book ASAP if you ARE going this spring/summer. Many people are repeat visitors ( like me!) who book way ahead.
Good luck!
Dec 30th, 2013, 03:17 PM
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Lots of great commentary. Cinque Terre is quaint, and vividly pretty - - otherworldly beautiful, but in the same way as a marvelous postage stamp. And if you ever wondered how many angels can fit on the head of a pin, you will be in a better position to answer that question after a visit to Cinque Terre (in this day and age).
Amalfi coast is more a grand, indomitable sweep that cannot be tamed.
That said, Sta. Margherita Ligure and the Portofino peninsula are nice too, and dovetail great with a visit to Cinque Terre.
Amalfi coast is more a grand, indomitable sweep that cannot be tamed.
That said, Sta. Margherita Ligure and the Portofino peninsula are nice too, and dovetail great with a visit to Cinque Terre.
Jan 6th, 2014, 10:09 AM
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I am actually looking at these two locations too in May and started a forum (not realizing this one was out here until someone mentioned it).
This string definitely looks like it's leaning more towards the AC - or day tripping from there.
WWK - where did you stay in Positano?
This string definitely looks like it's leaning more towards the AC - or day tripping from there.
WWK - where did you stay in Positano?
Jan 6th, 2014, 11:31 AM
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That said, Sta. Margherita Ligure and the Portofino peninsula are nice too, and dovetail great with a visit to Cinque Terre.>
Yes very nice places but not nearly as awesome as Pompeii, Capri, Ischia, the Amalfi itself or even Naples. Some folks like Sorrento as a nice utilitarian base because of its central location and great transit links to all those places. I've stayed there and though it lacks a seaside ambience (it's on the sea but you can't see the sea from much of town!) it is very very nice - especially at night with so so many strollers out and about.
Yes very nice places but not nearly as awesome as Pompeii, Capri, Ischia, the Amalfi itself or even Naples. Some folks like Sorrento as a nice utilitarian base because of its central location and great transit links to all those places. I've stayed there and though it lacks a seaside ambience (it's on the sea but you can't see the sea from much of town!) it is very very nice - especially at night with so so many strollers out and about.
Jan 7th, 2014, 08:48 AM
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We stayed at Villa le Sirene and loved it. www.villalesire.com
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