We have a trip planned for May, and are trying to choose between the Amalfi Coast and the Cinque Terre. Which do you think is the better choice???

For me, I could never choose one over the other. It'd be like asking if I'd rather have hot fudge or chocolate chips on top of my homemade vanilla ice cream.

Sorry, that's not very helpful, but I guess the short answer would be: they're both wonderful, both spectacular, you can't go wrong either way!

I'd have a hard time chosing between the two also. To help decide, you might see how they fit into your itinerary. For instance, the Cinque Terre was a logical stop for me between Nice and Tuscany. If you're going to be as far south as Naples, then the Amalfi Coast would make sense. It might also depend on how long you'd stay there.

I have been to Cinque Terre twice, once in May and once in September and I loved both trips. It wasn't crowded in either of these months. We stayed in Monterosso both times. There is a lovely beach where you can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas. cost about 10 to 12 Euros each. The beach is pebbly so bring flip flops.

Only day tripped through Amalfi coast but it seemed crowded with people and shops.

Boun Viaggio,
Susan

IMO, the CT is highly overrated and also a mass Rick Steeves convention, at least in season. While the scenery is spectacular, I found it to be an incredible tourist trip.

I was there once , got out fast and have no intention of returning.

Have you seen this recent thread?

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34938786

kfusto, I thought that ("tourist trap," "Rick Steves convention&quot was going to be my reaction to CT, after reading all the over-the-top raves about it. Our son, however, urged us to go, so we took his advice.

Maybe because we were there in October, or maybe for no particular reason, but we loved the place, and we can't wait to return. But I would not go to CT in the summer!

I was at the CT the end of April a couple years ago. I stayed two nights and found it pleasant and not crowded. Of course, that may be a result of so few places to stay.

Yes, it's a Rick Steves' favorite and he's writing about it again on his web site.
http://www.ricksteves.com/news/travelnews/0702/hi.htm

Hi A,

What's the rest of the itinerary?

LucieV, I was there in late September and was simply turned off. From the crowds to the cost of a single espresso, it just was not what I enjoy about Italy.

I was happier in Rapallo and glad that I decided to spend a few days there instead.

I am glad you had a different experience

Went to CT once and haven't been back. Going back to Amalfi for the fourth time.