Anyone? How is weather along the Italian Riviera in September? And, have most of the tourists departed. We plan on staying in or around Genoa and doing day trips. A couple of us want to "run" the paths along the Cinque Terre. Any comments about that would be helpful. Thanx in advance.

September is usually ideal weather in that area of Italy....we stayed in Levanto, right next to the Cinque Terre in late September two years ago and the weather was ideal...sun/70's..........and yes the crowds thin out as schools reopen after the summer.

Mikek

Weather should be ideal that time of year, but Genoa is too far for day trips to the CT. I would stay in Monterosso or Levanto.

My sister and I were there Sept. 2006 and it was perfect weather. In the evening we wore a long sleeved shirts but not even a sweater was needed.

Crowds are gone on weekdays, but expect a lot of people at the coast on sundays, so that's maybe the day to do a trip more inland (visit wineries in south-piedmont, go hiking in the appenines, do some outlet shopping in Serravalle Scrivia, ...)

Thanks everybody. Bob the Navigator. You are right. We could stay closer to the Cinque Terre for a few days. Better access to some of the other towns too, like Portofino. We also wanted to go to Monte Carlo and see how the wealthy live. Maybe go back to Genoa for a few days. I have heard that a town, DolceAcqua was worth a visit, any comments.

Forget Monte Carlo--not worth the hassle---see Portofino instead, and do not miss Camogli.

Jumping on this thread enthusiastically!

AGRITURISMO VERDITA & OTHERS: What are some pretty areas with wineries that you would recommend in southern Piedmont as an easy daytrip from Liguria? (I know nothing of that area!) Would love to hear more about Serravalle Scrivia too. Thank you!

Betty070, where are you going to be in Liguria?

This is an old thread, but I want to correct something bob said above (I live in this area).

It usually takes longer to get from Cinque Terre to Portofino than it does to get from Cinque Terre to Genova, since you must get off the train and get onto a bus, boat or walk to Portofino, whereas Genova is a one-seat ride. People should also know that Portofino is for many travelers annoying and a disappointment, and pricey and not very good if you imagine it as a nice lunch destination.

I live in Camogli, so that should be an indication of how highly I regard it, but those of us who live in Liguria know that the magic of the place is not hopping from town to town on the old dirty trains, but inhaling the perfume of where you are. However, Genova for those with certain kinds of interests (food, history, museums and all things seafaring) is certainly rewarding to visit if you are staying in one of the fishing villages along the coast and easily reached. Trains run often.

Hi Zeppole! We actually might be skipping Genoa altogether. I have some family in the Veneto region. So we will be driving to Liguria from there. I'm trying to find out if southern Piedmont would even be feasible as a daytrip from Camogli. Something tells me we might be "pushing it", but I'm intrigued by La Morra, Savigliano... or even further south. However, if this is too stressful as a "daytrip", I would consider skipping it. I've never been to the Piedmont region, but love the region's wine and would love to try one of the many enotecas in the countryside.

Portofino: Honestly I can take it or leave it. I might consider a hike up to their lighthouse for the views, but I plan to avoid their overpriced restaurants and shops as much as possible, though I figure Santa Margherita will be fun as a daytrip also.

Zeppole, I always welcome your thoughts and ideas!

topping for Zeppole or others with comments on Southern Piedmont!

Betty: I wrote about my morning at Serravalle in my ongoing trip report; I was there a few weeks ago.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...nd-bicerin.cfm




One option in Piedmont that is relatively close to Camogli, or at least closer than the a Morra area, is the Val di Borbera in the SE corner of Piedmont. I wrote a bit about our brief visit last fall here (look after Camogli, at the post dated October 25); it is not a wine region, but is nevertheless, lovely--hill towns, great food, etc.


http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-much-else.cfm

Hey Zeppole or anyone -
We are commiting 2 nights in Cinque Terre in September. Any thoughts on best city of the 5 to stay in; and best way to research availability?

EKS: That's great. Thanks! Are there any outdoor markets in Liguria that are not to be missed in September?


THESMITH3: From talking to many people who have been in the area -- if you only have 2 nights -- consider Monterosso or Levanto. Both have easy access to the trails.


Levanto, if you prefer to have more Italians around you.

Monterosso, if you prefer to be around more tourists -- particularly American and Australian.

I found a lot of good hotel info from tripadvisor.com

Oops! And some people have loved staying in Vernazza too, but I have heard more about Levanto and Monterosso. (Apparently Monterosso has more "nightlife" than the other Cinque Terre towns.)