Cinque Terra vs. Amalfi Coast
 

Honeymoon in late Sept. Can't decide between Amalfi Coast/Capri and Cinque Terra (we'll also probably go to Tuscany and Piedmont). Any opinions out there about Amalfi vs. Cinque Terra?

I think there's more to "do" in the area of the Amalfi Coast/Capri. You can shop in either destination, but it's probably more upscale on the AC. You can hike/walk between towns in both destinations, but the difficulty factor is probably higher on the AC, and you need to obtain a good trail map.

To me, the deciding factor is your level of interest in Pompei, Herculaeneum and Naples (especially the archeological museum).

Hi adam,

Give us a few more details.

How long, where else will you visit, when, what's your budget?

((I))

OOPS,

Late Sept is very nice for the AC.

I went to Amalfi for my honeymoon, but I find that 5 days there was enough as not realy alot to do. Although we did go on day trips it was a bit hair-raising for my husband who is scared of heights, as to get to Amalfi is all steep narrow coast roads. Where we stayed was beautiful it was a little bed and breakfast run by an English lady and her Italian Husband, that again was up a hill so was ok walking into Amalfi town but a bit of a killer walking back, but was worth it for the views. I've never been to Cinque Terre so I cannot comment on that. But hope that my information is of some use to you. AC is a beautiful must see place, ideal for a few nights stop over and also a good base for staying to do some sightseeing. Not so good if you have a fear of heights and narrow roads. We did try to go to see Ravello but had to turn around as hubby was stating to get a bit hyperventilated.

Hi IT,

My Lady Wife had the same problem on the AC.

((I))

Cinque Terre is a much better fit if your itinerary includes Tuscany. However, I much preferred the Amalfi Coast, and I do think it's a more romantic destination overall than Cinque Terre, which is even more overrun ( is it possible?) with tourists in season.

There's plenty to do, as another poster noted. Everything from hiking back down to Positano from lunch in Montepertuso, to visiting the breathtaking gardens of Ravello. The scenery is unforgettable,and so is the food!

Good luck with your choice!

I forgot to mention that you can avoid driving the narrow roads of the coast by taking boats between most destinations. I am assuming that heights are not much of a problem for you, since you were also considering Cinque Terre. But if they are, you could look into basing in Sorrento for a few days, a city which has much flatter terrain than many of the Amalfi Coast towns.

Hi everyone. Thanks for your input. I'm very interested in hearing people's opinions on Amalfi vs. Cinque Terro based purely on preference. But in terms of the rest of our itinerary we will be in Italy for about 12 days (maybe a bit more). Probably will do some driving in Tuscany to visit some tows and do some wine tasting. We also want to drink lots of Barolo in Piedmont and visit a lake or two.

If you have 12 days (maybe a bit more)in Italy and are already planning on several days in Tuscany, Piedmont and "a lake or two," you'll be hard-pressed to find time for either Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast. But just considering the geography of your plans, I vote for Cinque Terre.

Hi adamis, congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I agree with Jean, I think timewise that visiting the CT will be better than travelling down to the AC. Both are beautiful.

You could plan on AC for your next visit along with Rome and surronding areas.

Just returned from trip which included Naples, Positano, Rome. Amalfi Coast far exceeeded my expectations. Took driver w/ car for a couple of days, ferry the rest. Bus is not fab. Took ferry/bus to Ravello. Thrilled we did not stay there or drive up and down ourselves, but delighted to make a visit. Loved Positano and Marincanto w/ it's great location. Wonderful hotel with small hideous beds. 12 days wasn't enough! Just stay around Tuscany this trip.

Skip C.Terre and concentrate on the lakes for your out of town experiences, they're all different, charming. On Como, Bellagio is lovely, as are many towns around. A steamer takes you around the lake. Lake Lugano, the city of Lugano and the town of San Mammete are wonderful. Also friends have loved Maggiore. The lakes are very close to Milan, not so to Florence

Like others have said, it depends a lot on personal preference. AC does span a larger area and thus has more to see and do.

In my opinion, CT is much less touristy and more authentically Italian. It's definitely more rustic than AC, but I guess that's what I loved about it.