No one goes to Cinque Terre anymore, because it's too crowded.

NeoPatrick, then is your assumption that most visitors to the CT go for the hiking?>

The most many 'hike' is the flat boardwalk like Vialle d'Amour (sp?) a broad flat paved path between Riomaggiore and the next village - even baby carriages 'hike' over this romantic path that hugs the sea.

I wanted to like it--the convenience of having train-accessible trails of such beauty was so appealing, but in late May the crowds were unbearable not only in the towns, but also on the trails. There were plenty of non-American tourists there, mostly German. Some Italians even!
What bothered me the most was that so many people looked so miserable, as they were just trying to get through the walk so they could have gelato. Only one couple we passed allowed us to pass first. Every other group trudged by us as we stopped, and few even grumbled a thank you. To me, natural attractions should be a little less trodden.

I'm going next May as part of my 7th(?) trip to Italy. Why? I've never been there before and I would like to see the views, do some hiking and spend a few nights on the coast. It fits in and balances the rest of my itinerary. We'll be there mid week and I hope that it isn't outrageously crowded just as I hope I don't hit rain. I'm not going to worry about either

Heh heh Stoke! Yep. I've been thinking that line for the whole thread.

Chief among the reasons for our continued trips to Italy are art, architecture, and history. Hiking is fun, and the food was pretty good, and the views were nice in the CT, but I can go to other parts of Italy, where I can hike, take in scenery, eat well, and still see great art and architecture, and experience scenes where history was made.

I went to the CT because my mother wanted to. I probably wouldn't go back, but I would like to take the boat from say, Portovenere, and see the land from the water. I'll bet that is pretty.

"but I would like to take the boat from say, Portovenere, and see the land from the water. I'll bet that is pretty."

Yes, the views are gorgeous, and Portovenere is a nice place to stay.

We stayed in Manarola and hiked all the way to the north, then took the boat along the coast back to Manarola. That was nice.

I loved Manarola,I took the boat also..

I also want to take some boat rides. And I want to add that if this was my first trip or I was only going to be in Italy for a week, CT wouldn't be part of my itinerary.

Just got back and spent 4 of our nights in 5T. Lovely place (out of the main tourist season) and quite enjoyable.

But I agree that it is not a prime destination in Italy (those include Rome, Florence, Venice, etc.) but quite reasonable as a "rest" stop for those on their second or third visit.

Again if you don't like tourists, don't be one. Stay home and be satisfied that tourists won't ruin your day.

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