210lisam

My family of 4 (kids ages 11 and 13) will be driving from Spain to the French Riviera to Tuscany to Rome in June 2017. It looks like the Cinque Terre region would be good timing-wise as a lunch stop for us on the day that we are driving to Pisa - I'm wondering if it is possible to experience one of the towns in just a couple of hours, logistically? I totally understand that this will not be an in-depth Cinque Terre experience (hope to do that on another trip!), but I figure if we have to stop to eat anyway, why not stop somewhere amazing for a little while? Most of the towns seem small, with car parking on the outskirts of town, so I'd love any advise you have on how we could make this work. Thanks!

greg

>>> I figure if we have to stop to eat anyway, why not stop somewhere amazing for a little while?

It would be amazing ... crowd at that time of the day.
I presume you looked at pictures taken between 8pm and 8am, but not during the day when the towns look like big city subway stations during rush hours? Parking is a challenge especially if you hit the market day. One way to get around is to park in La Spezia. But train into CT during the day is a slow endeavor on a super crowded train.

Additionally, unless you return the car back to Spain, understand the implication of the drop-off fee if you have not looked at the rental part by actually doing a dummy booking.

massimop

It is not easy to find a place for your car in le Cinque Terre. On some days there is too much traffic.

Go to lunch in Camogli or Zoagli. They are very beautiful. But I hope this is not a Sunday, because then it is very diffiicult for parking. The best towns for parking on Sunday is Rapallo, Sestri Levante or Lerici. They are very nice, especially if you have time to swim. The food is delicious in all the towns.

210lisam

greg - Thank you for your thoughts! I hadn't considered the crazy mid-day crowds, so yes, I suppose that may be a deal-breaker, especially if we can't get a parking spot. We are aware of the ridiculously high one way fee (800 Euros) for the rental car.

massimop - We will not be traveling here on a Sunday, most likely a Tuesday. Is Sunday the "market day" that greg referenced? I will look into the towns you referenced as possible alternatives to Cinque Terre region - thank you for your suggestions!

greg

I also see that you are driving to Pisa, Tuscany (included Florence?), and Rome. I presume you are fully aware of the ZTL zones in Italy with stiff associated fines plus processing charges from your car rental company.

vinoroma

I would stop in Sestri Levante or Chiavari (in that order) instead of the cinque terre - easier to park and walk around, beautiful, and good food.

massimop

No. All the markets close on Sunday. But all the people come, especially the Italians with their cars to eat lunch, so there is no places to park. Chiavari and Rapallo have many places to park so it is not a problem. Chiavari has very nice food and the old center is very nice but it is not possible to eat with a view of the sea. It is easier to go to Sestri Levante, which is a very nice town and fun for children. The most beautiful view is Zoagli and there is a parking lot for which you pay right at the sea. But do not go if it is rain. If it is rain, go to to Chiavari and eat the famous farinata at Luchin. Camogli is the village that is most like le Cinque Terre, with mountains with the beautiful view. Not a lot of parking spaces but it is only very bad on Sundays.

Tulips

" We are aware of the ridiculously high one way fee (800 Euros) for the rental car. "

The rental car firm will have to return the car from Italy to Spain, as they cannot let a Spanish car in Italy. Not a ridiculous fee, therefore.

Mind the speed limit in France; in the Cote d'Azur it's 110 km in most places on the motorway. You will get fined if you drive 115 instead of 110, as I know from recent experience...

210lisam

Many thanks to you all for your suggestions! It sounds like there are lots of alternatives to Cinque Terre for a lovely lunch stop - time to research all the towns you mentioned. Thanks again!