I am traveling to Italy soon and am trying to decide on whether to add Cinque Terre to my itinerary. I thought it was a must until I started reviewing comments on the internet. I've read that its overrun with Americans (which I am one of), hard to find hotel accomodations, and the trails are often closed. I hear that because of Rick Steve's recommendation, that it is now on the list of every traveler to Europe and that the number of vistors (vs locals) reduces its charms. Your thoughts?

Hi Cathy- <BR> <BR>

Hi, <BR> <BR>I just returned from Italy and spent three days on the cinque terre. There were tourist, but nothing like Capri or Florence. We walked the two hour path between Monterossa and Vernassa(sp), and we only ment up with about 8 other small groups that were hiking. They were American, English, and German. The only trail closed was the Walk of Love between the last two towns. We also took the the train to Portovenere and the ferry back, went to Portofino, and stayed in Monterosso. The beach was best in Monterosso. I love this area. I have been there before, but was glad I returned. We found the area with the least amount of tourist was in Chianti. Have fun.

Sue, I didn't think that Portovenere had train service. Does it? I haven't been there yet, but I'm planning to visit the area and thought the only way to see Portovenere was to hike there, take the bus or the ferry. <BR>Thanks. <BR>

We were there in the Fall and had a wonderful time. The only part that wasn't open was the walk of love part, no big deal. We stayed in Riomaggoria and found a room to rent that had a small balcony over looking the village. We were probably one of only a handful of tourist staying in that town. I think most people come for the day and don't stay the night. So, to get the nicest experience, you should stay the night, but not in Monterossa. That's where the hotels are and too many people. We got up early and started hiking right away, so maybe that's why we didn't encounter a lot of tourists. It was well worth it.

Yes! The Cinque Terre is worth it! Vernazza is probably the town with many Americans, but its not like you're battling the crowds of Florence or anything. This was by far my favorite part of Italy. I liked it far more than the Amalfi Coast, more intimate. I loved Vernazza dn can't wait to get back, Corniglia and Riomaggiore are other options for lodging. I found Montarosso(sp?) too crowded when compared to the other 4 towns. If you go have a dinner at sunset at Costello's restaurant at the castle in Vernazza, one of the most romantic settings in the world.

Cathy: I was there the early part of May and would never go back. I guess it's what your looking for because we met people who loved it. We loved Santa Margherita much better - a very classy place. Cinque Terre was probably nice before it became a tourist area and you can't deny the beauty. <BR>

My wife and I just got back from a trip that included 2 nights in the Cinque Terre. We liked Vernazza and Riomaggiore best, although we stayed in Monterosso (a little too crowded - but with Italians, not Americans). The smaller villages were delightful, were not full of tourists as we feared, and the pesto was the best we had anywhere. (I've thought about the spaghetti with pesto we had there every day since we got back.) My favorite part of our trip was Chianti, but the Cinque Terre was definitely worth visiting.

Hi <BR>Indeed, you need to take a train to La Spezia and then the bus to Portovenere. It was an hour and a half. There is a ferry every day from the Cinque terre to and from Portovenere. <BR> <BR>Have fun.

I'd second the poster who suggested Santa Margherita Ligure as a place to stay. More choices of hotels and restaurants but still a short train ride to the Cinque Terre towns.

Cathy: <BR> <BR>--Right now all trails are open EXCEPT Via Del Amore (trail between Riomaggiore & Manarola). Usually any other problems that cause trails to be closed are during the latter portion of fall thru early spring (Nov-March) when rains MAY cause sections to become too slippery/muddy to safely traverse. You said that you're going to Italy soon --- you'll be fine, no problema. <BR> <BR>As to how hard it'll be to find accommadations, well, you are going to have a challenge. Summertime is the most popular season for the CT --- that includes for Italians as well as Americans; and it's also become quite popular with the Germans (don't want to get caught up in Bippy's thread re: influx of Germans into Italy). Suffice to say that many northern Europeans enjoy visiting the beautiful mediterranean climate in Italia. <BR> <BR>It's such a lovely place --- if you want to give it a go, here's several websites that offer info & list of places to stay. <BR> <BR>http://www.cinque-terre.it/english/englishindex.htm <BR> <BR>http://home.sunrise.ch/avong/cinque_terre/index.htm <BR> <BR>http://www.italyone.com/Welcome/Liguria/Cinqueterre/ <BR> <BR>http://www.navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it/homee.html <BR> <BR>

TRUE OR FALSE??? Does the famous walk close down in mid to late October??? I've read elsewhere that it might due to the rainy season and we plan to be there this coming Fall.

In Sept. rode in car from La Spezia to Riomaggiore, up long, narrow , breathtaking road, single lane at 1 or 2 points with stop lights controlling passage at narrow points, overlooking water 100s of feet below. This is a small village on side of mountain with gardens on slopes. Very picturesque BUT crowded and facilities not at all modern. Had the great fortune by mere chance to stop & stay in small town of Brugnato about 15 miles north of La Spezia in clean, small motel Hotel Dei Tigli, via San Lazzaro. Hotel run by Italian family with mother speaking no English but daughter good at it. This is a very small village about 800 + years old, few cars in very narrow streets, with statue of patron saint in middle of town square. One of the best experiences of 18 day trip was here, overnight in small Italian town near Cinque Terre.