elizabeth022

I was wondering if Cinque Terre is worth going to? I only have 11 days in Italy. So far, I have Rome, Venice, Florence planned. I was going to try to squeeze in Cinque Terre?

It seems out of the way? Would anyone recommend it? Is Cinque Terre mainly for hiking? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

caroline_edinburgh

I'll be interested to read the replies as I had actually been thinking about posting the question - why do the Cinque Terre seem to be such a 'must' for Americans ? Is it down to this man Rick Steves ? They are barely heard of in the UK.

strass

It's worth it if you value a day or two of utter relaxation--hiking, taking in the amazingly beautiful views, swimming and lying in the sun, and enjoying some good meals. That's all there is to do there.

You might appreciate a break from the hustle and bustle of city traveling...

TravelingMom

I have to agree with Strass...we spent a wonderful 3 days in Cinque Terre in the middle of our 3 week European trip. Admittedly, we did learn of the towns through a Rick Steve's book but found that, since they are such a challenge to get to, they are still very quiet and un-touristy.

We had amazing pesto pizza and red wine for dinner (2 nights in a row, it was so good) and hiked along the water.

Is it worth it? Depends what you're looking for, but I'll be back someday!

Kate

Good point Caroline, I don't think I'd heard of it before finding Fodor's a few years back, and I've been going to Italy for years.

Or perhaps we traditionally call that area something different?

Or maybe we're creatures of habit and just stick to Chiantishire.

Kate
London

strass

I don't read Rick Steves' books... I think I heard about CT on eurotrip.com. I've heard that he helped "put it on the tourist map," so to speak. I don't know how touristy it is now; I was there in summer 1999. But I'm so glad that I went.

Richard

We learned of CT in 1989, in a newsletter called BETS. We did the walk in 1990 and again 4 years later. It's not something to "squeeze in" it's a destination. I would say Rome, Venice and Florence will take up your ll days, save CT for the next time.

Huitres

No CT is not mainly for hiking, however, its hikes are well-known and for that reason, it is a major draw for Americans, Canadians, Germans, and Australians. The 5 towns of the CT make up a region that is slower, more laid-back, almost rustic compared to the hustle and bustle of other Italian towns and cities. You can just walk the "Via Dell'more" between Riomaggiore and Manarola which is an ordinary walk (no mountains!) and takes ~ 20 mins. The cuisine is wonderful (home of pesto, and lots of fish) while the atmosphere and people there seem more relaxed and mellow (read: slower).

The CT is do-able as day trip via train from Florence, it is ~2.5 hours away, with trains leaving in the morning, e.g. a 8:01 am train arrives 10:16 am, allowing you the day to explore 1 or 2 towns, have lunch, hike, shop, etc then return to Florence at nightfall.)

However, given that you only have 11 days there, you might want to save the CT until your next trip when you can stay longer to appreciate and experience the area better.

JBX

When will you be visiting Italy? The time of year you're planning your trip can also factor into your decision whether the CT "is worth it". Going during winter? Gray, chilly, rainy --- I wouldn't include it in my itinerary. July? August? High season, very busy & crowded --- again, I'd choose another location to have some low-key down time.

MyriamC

<<I don't know how touristy it is now; I was there in summer 1999.>>
We were there a few weeks ago. It was extremely touristy!

<<I was wondering if Cinque Terre is worth going to?>>
Depends on what your interest are. There's nothing to see in terms of monuments but the villages are quaint and the coast is beautiful. The villages are so small, though, that you can see them all in one or two days. We were there for a week and combined the C.T. villages with relaxing at the beach/pool and visiting other coastal towns as Portovenere, Lerici, Rapallo and Portofino.

To be honest, I had never heard of the Cinque Terre until I read about it on Fodor's, too!

Patrick

To me the main attraction of the true five villages is that they are supposedly laid back, real working villages which are rather remote from main roads and tourism. The exception to that is the northern most town of Monterossa, which is also the largest. It is filled with hotels and typical tourist things, so to be it is the least attractive of the places to stay. I'm always amazed when people are disappointed by the Cinque Terre because there aren't many deluxe hotels or fancy restaurants. Nor are there museums or major tourist sites. If those are things you're looking for, you're going to the wrong place.

wondering

Last time I was in Italy I was with a student tour. Since I had visited the Cinque Terre earlier in the year with my husband I was anxious to talk aobut it with our tour leader, a well-educated 40-something native of Rome. She has travelled extensively throughout Europe, but had never visited the Cinque Terre, nor had any plans to. It was clearly to her an American and German tourist spot. That said, I must say we enjoyed it thoroughly as a change of pace on an otherwise packed with "culture" trip and the food there is very good.I can still taste the calamari.... I can't imagine NOT hiking there. the views are beautiful and the people very friendly. We went in the fall and it was not very crowded at all! Good luck deciding. My guess is if you love Italy on this trip, you will find a way there eventually!

elizabeth022

Thanks for all your comments. I think I will stick to Rome-Florence-Venice.

Maybe I will try to take a one day trip to CT from Florence. I did find out about CT from Rick Steves. Amazing...how much influence he has.

cruisinred

I love Cinque Terre and had a wonderful time there. I really think it is one of the most beautiful places I have seen. However, I went to Ravello and the Amalfi cost last summer and that was as good or better, in terms of views, etc.

Also, my parents went to 5T last summer on my recommendation and said that while they thought it was nice, they thought the Greek Islands were more beautiful in terms of views, etc.

offwego

I went to CT in the pre Rick Steves era and I adored it. I've been afraid to return. I bet it's really different.