Has anyone ever been to Cinque Terra Italy?

Question

I will be going there in September and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations about places to eat or things to see and do? I have a wide range of interest both cultural and recreational and am open to most things. I don't care for most tourist-y things but would rather soak up some authentic local atmosphere. Thanks in advance for any information you think would be helpful.

Answer 1

We stayed at Manarola (La Torretta - Ref. 2) and loved it.  It was a little more quiet.  One night they erected a boxing ring right in the town square.  We saw some good fights from local and nearby boxers.

All 5 towns are not big, so I recommend to walk around looking at the restaurant and menu and decide at that time where you want to eat.  Have a fun walk exploring the town history and architecture etc.  Sit down and relax at your hotel balcony taking in the Mediterranean view.

Take a walk along the cliff.

Take the ferry ride to see a different perspective from the sea.

Take the train between towns when you are tired.

Please check out some pictures below.

Answer 2

Gary, the Cinque Terre and the Gulf of La Spezia are wonderful. My parents have a house there and I have been going there since I was 7 years old (and that's a LOOOONG time, trust me). All of the Cinque Terre are nice. Be sure to include Porto Venere which is the "sixth" of the Cinque Terre. You can also go to Lerici and take a boat ride along the coast. You may also want to venture further south to places like Carrara, Forte Dei Marmi (the playground of the rich), Lucca and even Florence.

As far as food goes, you shouldn't have much of a problem finding great food. One of my favorites is Ciccio in Bocca di Magra.

Answer 3

Le Cinque Terre are beautiful and I would definitely suggest hiking them all if you're up for it, you get a nice little workout and postcard quality views every few minutes.  

As far as places to eat, my only suggestion is to make sure you try the pesto while you're there.  Pesto was born in Liguria and its not like pesto youve had anywhere else.  I had a dish in Camogli that was by far the best Ive ever had.

Answer 4

I've been to Cinque Terra a few times.  We always stay in Vernazza.  We never make reservations for accomodations in advance because we have always found a great place.  When you get off the train there will be a lot of locals there to rent you a room.  Don't take the first room, look at a few options and choose the one you like best.  If you feel more comfortable making arrangements in advance, contact Mike Castiglione (987-812374)  He has a fantastic room with an attached terrace that overlooks the sea.  He's a New Yorker so English is not a problem.

:You can hike from village to village.  if you're to tired, or have had too much wine, you can take the train back to Vernazza from any village.  Hike early in the day to avoid tourists.

There's a few good restaurants in Vernazza.  We like one that's on the harbor.  If you're coming from the main square to the harbor, it's on the right as you enter the open harbor area.  THey have this fried pasta as an appetizer that I dream about.  THe restaurant above the museum is good too.  The pesto and sardines (anchovies) are excellent.  Try the white dessert wine they specialize in.

Have fun!