I would be interested in hearing from travelers who have been to both the Cinque Terre and Amalfi Coast areas within the past five years. Which destination is more beautiful and relaxing? I would like to do some trail hikes in either or both of these locations. Any feedback will be appreciated.

If you can wait until the end of this month I will gladly report on the Amalfi Coast. We have been to the CT last year September.

Forgot to mention that we're leaving tomorrow!

While both are great i prefer the Amalfi Coast because it has everything the 5 Lands do - dramatic coast, lost-in-time seaside villages but as a base offers a panoply of great day trips - Capri, Ischia, Sorrento, Pompeii, Paestum as well as the coast towns of Amalfi, Positano and Ravello - so more to do for a longer period. I'd get tired of the 5 Lands in about two days and though you can day trip to places like Portofino, S M Lagure and towns on the Italian Riviera these places to me don't fascinate as much as Pompeii, Capri and Ischia.

My wife and I were in Italy in May for 3 weeks - spent 3 days in 5 Terre and a week on Amalfi Coast...

That is a tough ? because they are two totally different places. 5 Terre is an outdoors dream, with breaktaking hikes and charming restaurants and places to stay. Though much more touristy than the first time I visited, it is still one of the most romantic, beautiful places on earth. As PalenqueBob stated, 2-3 days is plenty to thoroughly enjoy yourself without getting bored.

Amalfi, on the other hand, is busy busy busy...you could spend months in the region and still not see everything. Sorrento, Positano, Pompeii, Napoli, Ravello, Amalfi, the list goes on and on...and you could easy spend a day, if not more, in almost any of the cities. Sorrento itself could keep you busy for a couple days, Pompeii is certainly intriguing, and Positano and the other coastal villages are day's trips in themselves.

For shopping, nightlife, people watching, thrilling driving, and lots of cash, go to Amalfi. For a more peaceful, intimate, slow vacation (and perhaps a slightly truer slice of Italy), hit the 5 Terre. Or best yet, do both!

I had actually considered staying 3 nights in Vernazza (5 lands), and taking a train down to Sorrento, and then staying in Positano or Ravello (maybe both). Thanks so much for the insight. Yes, I would like to see Pompeii, Capri, Ischia, Paestum. Obviously, lots to see and do in the Amalfi area. Then again, maybe I'll save Cinque Terre for another trip.

I agree with everything Phil3698 said. The second week of April this year my sister and I visited 5T for 2 nights; down on an overnight train to Naples, then took the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento for 2 nights; then 2 nights in Positano. Though everywhere was beautiful (for someone from frozen Michigan, the sight of all the wildflowers and wisteria in bloom was incredibly welcome), 5T got the slight edge since it was so much less crowded (IN EARLY APRIL) and the hiking was great. We also hiked on the Amalfi Coast (Ravello down to Amalfi, unfortunately did not get to Capri for the hiking there)and spent a day at Pompeii. It was a wonderful trip, and I don't regret doing any of it, though I would have liked more time on the Amalfi. You can't go wrong!