cinque terre or positano
 

Going to italy for my honeymoon next May and am trying to decide between cinque terre or the amalfi. Any advice. Does anyone know what the weather is like in both these regions during the middle of May?

I've been to the cinque terre twice in May, and had some rain each time. I've only been as far south as Sorrento. Of course, the Amalfi coast is supposed to be absolutely beautiful, as is the Cinque terre. You have a difficult (but pleasant!) choice to make. <BR> <BR>Here are a couple of factors: I don't really like southern Italian food much, so as far as food is concerned, I prefer northern Italian/Ligurian/seafood over the southern dishes. Also, the road down the Amalfi coast is VERY narrow, so if you don't like driving on narrow roads on cliffs above the water, you might consider the cinque terre, or arranging a bus tour of the Amalfi.

I was in Cinque Terre in June, it rained for a few minutes and then it was sunny and clear. It was the most fabulous place I've been to. The fresh seafood was unquestionably the finest I've ever eaten. The scenery was exquisite and I wasn't at the edge of my seat during the ride.

having been to both places in the past year or two, i recommend the amalfi coast. cinque terre are charming little towns with connecting walks, trains and boats. that's about it. the amalfi coast has a little more diversity i think. amalfi, positano, sorrento, pompeii and paestum. as for food, both cuisines depend heavily on the sea and each has its own merit. the coast road is a stunningly beautiful ride, but a treacherous and frustrating drive. as i have noted on this site before, i think the sita busses are a cheap, dependable way to negotiate amalfi drive. buon viaggio.

We just visted the Amalfi Coast in March. It was just beautiful. The small towns are lovely with beautiful vistas. And after driving through the Alps, the road did not seem as treacherous as we thought it would be. <BR> <BR>Amalfi and Positano offer lots of fine restaurants, hotels and very nice shopping. <BR> <BR>I also beg to differ with a previous post....we happen to love southern Italian food and enjoyed every morsel while in the south. If you do do, be sure to have lots of mozzarella...it's the best in the world! <BR> <BR>Have a ball.

By the way, since it is a honeymoon, check out the Hotel San Pietro in Positano. We couldn't go because it didn't open until April 1 and we were there in March. Take a look at www.ilsanpietro.it.

I've been to both and they are wonderful honeymoon choices. The South seems more romantic and dramatic in scenery to me. The food is great in both places and I don't think most of Amalfi is as crowded. <BR> <BR>The further South you go the more ruins you get to see, so if you are interested in old things and antiquities than I would say that the South wins no contest. Also there is a certain light all over Italy that is golden and in May it should be in full evidence. Either place would be fine though. I stayed right on the water in Formia and Gaeta back in '97. Many happy years ahead to you both!

I was leaning towards Amalfi and I think all the input has helped me make my decision. thanks for your help. i just posted another question i need help with as well.

Farrell, my recommendation would be for Positano/the Amalfi Coast. I was there about a month ago, and in Cinqueterre (Vernazza) back in '87. While I loved Vernazza -- with its picturesque harbor and little castle overlooking it -- I thought the scenery along the Amalfi Coast was far more spectacular. <BR> <BR>Plus, for what it's worth, National Geographic Traveler magazine considered the Amalfi Coast one of their &lt;a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/media/traveler/intro.html"&gt;50 Places of a Lifetime&lt;/a&gt;, in the "Pardise Found" category. <BR> <BR>Also, here's a 1997 article about that area, entitled &lt;a href="http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis/web/vortex/display?slug=amal&date=19970803&query=NAPLES"&gt;U nconscious perfection&lt;/a&gt;, which you may find interesting and helpful. <BR> <BR>Have a great time!

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Tough call --- been to both places & they each have their unique charms. In fact, I was in Italy (5/3 thru 5/15) when you posted this query. Now that I think about it, believe I was somewhere in one of the CT towns on May 9th --- weather was nice. However for honeymoon in May I think I'd tip the scales in favor of Amalfi Coast region. In the CT, you might get a few sprinkles during mid-May and since a good portion of the Cinque Terre's attraction is the great outdoors, then if weather isn't great, it can be a bit dull. Amalfi area (recommend staying in Positano) is a bit larger than CT and has more 'to do' things. <BR> <BR>Also, while on my recent visit to Italy I spent a few days in Tuscany region ----ooooooo, the rolling green hills of Toscana --- also a very lovely area. There's many quiet & secluded bed & breakfasts that I think would be a grand start for a honeymoon. You may want to consider flying into Florence or Pisa, driving a few days thru the countryside & then head off to your seaside choice (whether it be the Cinque Terre or Amalfi). Again, my preference would be to head south & when you're ready to depart, fly out from Naples.