I was in Cinque Terre only a few weeks ago, and as the season for beach weather gets closer and closer, a few of my friends have suggested that I write some tips about what to see and do there. Though it may seem pretty obvious (there’s the ocean and gelato—need I say more?) the hardest part is not figuring out what you might want to do while you are there—it’s getting there in the first place. Cinque Terre are five connected cities by the Italian railway system, and that is a feat to navigate in and of itself.
Here are some tips I have when you are thinking about visiting Cinque Terre for a holiday.
Book well in advance.
If you are considering beach weather during the popular time of the year, or around May through August, you’ll want to make sure that you have your hotel or hostel well in order. Cinque Terre is one of the most popular spots to vacation in Italy if you are a tourist, and it can get rather crazy if you haven’t taken the time to figure the important details out before you go. If you are worried about beating the rush, think about booking everything at least two months in advance.
Fly into Pisa.
If possible, you’ll want to book a flight into nearby Pisa. Though the Florentines tout that they’re only a few miles from Cinque Terre, by the time you take the train and get settled in, it can take a majority of the day. The best way to get there if you are flying in from another spot is to fly into Pisa. The train system is easier to handle, and you’ll get there quicker than flying into Florence—no matter how much prettier it may be.
Know the cities.
Each of the five towns has its own flavor and personality, and when you’re looking to enjoy one or two, it’s good to know what you are looking for specifically. If you want good seafood, you might choose Vernazza over Monterosso, but if you need a beach, it would be better to choose the latter. Depending on how many days you are planning on spending there, it’s possible to see all and try each one. Doing a little bit of research before you go can help you when you have a limited amount of time and you want to see everything.
Do you have some tips for Cinque Terre? Which city is your favorite?