I know, I know. The Cinque Terre is overcrowded these days, especially our (current) destination, Vernazza.

I know, I know, zillions of posters have written about the CT and Vernazza's crowds and hotels.

I'm just trying to find something a bit more specific than what I have read. I have searched and searched this website in hope of finding opinions about visting the CT in the month of April. We will be honeymooning in Italy in April of next year and are planning to include two nights in Vernazza, after our stay in Lake Como and before we head for Rome.

Many here have pooh-poohed Vernazza because of the daytripping crowds. But did any of you stay there (or go through there) this last April? (March? May?) I'd love to read how bad the Vernazza crowds are that time of year specifically. Or even April '04?

Based on searching through several websites and a couple of books we have narrowed our hotel choices to a few in Vernazza. If anyone has RECENTLY stayed in any of these establishments, and would like to express an opinion, I'd greatly appreciate it. (Note: we are looking for a charming view from our room, but the must have a private bath. Cost is not a concern. After all, I haven't seen any expensive Vernazza rooms.)

We're leaning toward Albergo Barbara, Gianni Franzi, Camere Elisabetta and France Maria. If you have an opinion about any of these, please share.

Thanks a lot. And forgive this "yet another Cinque Terre Post."

Regards,
Bob

Typo. Make that "Franca Maria," not "France Maria." Sorry.

Hi,
I have been to the CT at the end of June(2003) and did not find it that crowded. We walked the trails and saw maybe 20 other people coming and going. I have not been there in April. But I did want you to know that the CT can get crowded over Easter break. I do not know when Easter is in 2006, but check on that date. Have a fabulous time.

Hi Bob
Well, I am sooo sorry but I have not gotten around to posting a report. I was in CT this past spring--cannot even remember now if it was end of April or first of May. We spent almost a week in Portofino and then went to CT for two nights. Wanted to stay three but due to airline schedule had to leave late one day and spend final night in Genova. Anyway we stayed with Elizabetta Carro (camere elizabetta) and the room was very clean but plain. Elizabetta and Joseph were nice and we had a room with access to the balcony view that shows on the website. I asked her for this when I booked via email. I loved Vernazza and the CT. I did not think it was overcrowded when I was there. Perhaps it was the time we went. The other towns are lovely as well and I'm sure there are those who favor them. However, I would return to Vernazza and Elizabetta's room. Now I do want to say that in the past I have recommeded something that did not work well for another fodorite so I am hesitant to push Vernazza and Elizabetta but for us it was great.
We hiked between all the towns except one trail was closed. All our food was so good. We came back saying there is no bad food or drink in Italy.
Hope this helps. Happy travels.

We stayed at Francomaria in mid-May 2004. The room was fairly basic but had the ensuite bathroom and large comfortable bed. We loved Vernazza and would definitely stay there again. Stayed two nights and hiked all the trails. Ate at Gambera Rossa both nights--very good meals. The crowds left in the afternoon and Vernazza was quiet in the evening. We enjoyed great sunsets at a little bar on the water.

I went to CT this past April and the weather was great; relatively cool but sunny, quite pleasant. We stayed in Monterroso at Villa Steno (great views).

There were a number of people in the towns and walking the trails but they were almost all apparently Europeans on holiday.

Thanks, yipper, mimipam, nini and annw. We appreciate that you took the time to share your opinion. Our decision is going to be a tough one.

Yipper, we'll be there 18 and 19 April, which is a couple of days after Easter. So, it looks like it will more crowded than normal. That's OK. We'll just pretend they're not there.

Bob

Topping...

Actually, a lot of posts have been written about the Cinque Terre during other times of the year. I for one, have written about it during Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall. Anyway, to specifically answer your question about April....you will not experience crowds at all. Of course bear in mind that it is around Pasqua (Easter) time, so there are some vacationing families with school children and few tourists, but nothing near the levels during the late spring/summertime. Agreeing with the other poster, the vacationing tourists are mostly European (German) with very few Americans. Vernazza and Monterosso al mare tend to get more of the tourist crowds than say, Riomaggiore and Corniglia, but Vernazza in April should still be fine with relatively no crowds.

The weather in March/beginning of April is generally cool and windy, with sporadic rain so plan to bring a jacket and umbrella with you. I was just there in April and May 2005 and the weather starting warming up by the end of April, by May it had gotten quite hot (high 70s-80s).

I would recommend Albergo Barbara, request a front facing sea-view room. As back-up, you might want to book at Gianni Franzi as well. Just be sure to call and cancel once you have confirmed your hotel. Definitely buy a CT pass that allows for train/hiking trail access between the towns. The 5Terre boats are fun to take between the towns and even to Portovenere for a nice day trip. Have fun!

I traveled to Cinque Terre in August
of this year. It is just a wonderful
place. Such beauty. We were not able
to park our car. My cousin who lives
in Liguria, said it is best to travel
by bus or train to Cinque Terre.

BobNCheryl.....

Having walked the entire trail in April, AFTER the Easter week crowds, we found the trails thinly populated. Monterosso is more of a working town and therefore, the crowds are mostly local. Vernazza is the day-trippers paradise, on the other hand. One of Rick's better recommendations, Villa Steno, is quite good...especially for the views and the marvelous care of Matteo, the young owner. Easy to park your car right there and leave it for the duration. Nothing like a crispy panini of overladen ham and cheese at the little pink "pub-castel" right before the trail head, down the path from the Porto Roco Hotel...CT is an unforgettable experience...do it!
Stu