My husband and I will be in Italy for a week in December for his work. Would Cinque Terre be "doable" at that time of the year?

Not really ! There has to be better options in Dec.

Hi Cherylee, one of my stepgrandson's was in one of the CinqueTerre towns as an exchange student. He said he was so miserable during the winter months due to the cold and damp weather. And he is from our PNW! So along with bobthenavigator I think you could find a better location to visit during December. At least I would.

If it's raining at all there's no way you'd be able to do the hikes between Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. They are a bit challenging (but doable) for the average hiker even in ideal conditions. You have to pay attention and watch your step. I wouldn't dream of doing it if it was damp or had been raining recently.

But, the towns themselves are so unique that I'd still consider a day trip up to the CT and hang out in Riomaggiore or Vernazza unless it was miserable weather. And you might be able to hike from Riomaggiore to Manarola because that hike is really easy - it's almost all paved. Then again, I'm not sure what's open (restaurants, etc.) in December there. I mean, they ARE real towns but perhaps there are fewer options for tourists.

Cold wet and raining! But if you want some quite comtemplation, maybe you are a writer or an artist, and no maddening crowds, I am sure it would be interesting to be with the locals in their down time.

I think some of the hotels are closed for several months in the winter--at least that was the case several years ago when I e-mailed the Porto Roca about a room in November.

A day trip might be nice, though.

Byrd

Thanks so much for the info! I think we'll save CT for another visit....at a warmer time of the year. We have 5 or 6 days free, so would like to visit some place in Italy we haven't been. Thanks again!

Hi Cherry - Where will you be in Italy?

The Dolomites are gorgeous in December ...

http://www.dolomitigallery.com/inver...inverno011.jpg


Steve