Have you been to the Cinque Terre?

Question

How long were you there for? How much time do you think is enough to get the full effect? What kinds of things did you do (besides the obvious hiking, swimming, sailing, dining, etc.)?

Answer 1

It's become a tourist trap now. There is a fee for the trails. Once they were free and not cement.  I would say that 3 to 4 days would be plenty to do the scene it's justice.  Not much else to do, it's very quiet and relaxed.

Answer 2

I've been several times. I live in northern Italy and either go for a day trip or a weekend. Personally, I prefer starting in Monterosso in the north and doing the more rigorous part of the hike in the morning and the leaving the easier part for the afternoon when it's hotter. I like the restaurant on the rock above the sea in Vernazza for lunch. When I stay, I stay in Monterosso.

In addition to walking, you can get between the towns by train or boat. There are some good views from the boat. The train runs mostly through tunnels. Personally, I usually only use it to get back to the hotel at the end of the day when I'm there for more than a day trip.

Other than the obvious there isn't a lot else to do there unless there's a festival going on - or time if you're hiking. Genova is worth a visit and is an easy train ride from Cinque Terre. There are some interesting museums in La Spezia.

Answer 3

I have been there -- hiked on the trails from town to town in just one day.  But I think that spending the night and doing it in two days would be more relaxing.  The easiest hike is starting at the south and proceeding north.  Vernazza is a delightful place -- lodging and food easy to come by.   I actually stayed the week in Comogli,  north of the Cinque Terre, but it was easy to get to by train.  You may find accomodations cheaper in other towns.  At any rate, the hike and views are spectaular.  

Answer 4

It's a beautiful place, but I think I would come out of the region by boat to La Spezia to spend the night. It's a little too tranquil for me.