Brian in Atlanta

I had been planning 3 days in Monterosso in early March but am finding that many hotels (including the Porto Roca) are closed at that time. Assuming we can find a place that is open, will eveything else be shuttered? Should we just stay in Southern France? Thanks for your opinions.

Patrick

I love the CT, but early March sounds cold, bleak, and desolate. I can't imagine doing the hike along the mountains at that time of year, and that is the main point of going as far as I am concerned. On the other hand if you were just planning on hanging out in Monterosso (the least exciting part of the CT) then I suppose quite a bit will still be open and you could have a satisfactory time.

Brian in Atlanta

Thanks Patrick. We were going for the hikes but wanted to avoid the tourist crush and take advantage of a good airfare (it doubled once you went past mid-March).

I'll keep trying to find an open hotel and guess we'll just wish for the best with the weather.

John

Hi Brian:

We were on our way to a ski resort in 1998 and had a few days to kick around before the ski package started. We went to the Cinque Terre Around March 15th and the weather was wonderful! The lack of crowds made the area more enjoyable. You will not be able to swim, obviously, but the hike should be fine! We stayed in Vernazza and had a grea time! Beautiful spot, go for it!
JOHN

Liz

Brian, check out www.cinqueterronline.com you'll find out that the Via dell'Amore is closed due to a landslide as well as the path from Vernazza to Monterosso until Easter. You might be doing a little less hiking, but the good news is that you will be able to spend more time in the great little towns.

Howard

Hello

I was there at the end of November 1999, and the weather was fine for hiking - in the mid-50's during the day. March and November weatehr would be comparable. Some restaurants and hotels were closed, but how many of those do you need to be open, anyway. You are not in the mountains there, since the start is at sea level, you may climb to an elevation of 500 0r 700 feet, not enough to affect the temperatures.

Howard

Hilary

I just got back from Vernazza in the CT -- some rain, some sun, temp in the 40s. It was fine. You'll find a place to stay -- just get off the train and ask around in a local trattoria. We made absolutely no plans and had great luck. It's very laid back there.