Cinque Terre: let’s try to draw an introduction to what you should imagine, in order to take the best out of your stay in the Cinque Terre, beyond the glittering images of touristic brochures, and stereotypes
Let’s try to summarise few some essential traits. Five villages between the mountain and the sea, along the most rugged part of the Ligurian east coast . Scenic landscape of terraced vineyards. Definitely, a must see…
Is that all ? Maybe this is absolutely realistic. However also find a lot of myth in many touristic brochures, adding nothing, but maybe, misleading you from the search of what is important and authentic, that you would likely like to catch, as independent traveler. And, maybe, I could help you, if you will choose me as your guide.
So, let’s see some tips that may help you taking the best out of your trip to Cinque Terre.
Being among the more famous, the Cinque Terre can also be among the more crowded places in the world. Do you feel comfortable in crowd? No problem. If not, consider the following.
The touristic season goes from Eastern to mid October; every season is wonderful, but, coming during full season, be prepared and make your reservation in advance.
Each day, groups of pack tourists generally come mid morning to mid afternoon. Early morning is fantastic: you will hear the silence of local sounds, and see people taking care of their orchards; why do not oganise a hike at that time of the day? Hiking during peak hours can be less pleasant: the paths are narrow.
Out of season is great: autumn and winter can have periods of heavy rains but, with good weather, temperatures are pleasant and hiking is will take you into a kind of winter summer, especially if you come from cold part of the world.
Yes, many hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops will be closed, but you will better catch the feeling of local life of these tiny places.
Cinque Terre are not, and have almost never been, fishermen villages. Now, people live on tourism; in the past, they lived on subsistence agriculture, with the only cash product being wine. Vineyards shape the landscape and wine is still a discrete income source for somebody.
But please consider that, tourism has an impact, maintenance of terraces is costly and hard. The place is rugged and fragile. We will, try to approach it with respect, and find what is really authentic, both in modern way of life and its connection to the past, that is sometimes still alive, but hidden.
Cinque Terre are not a place for beach tourism. The only beach is in Monterosso. In all the other places, you get to the sea in small spot among cliffs and rocks.
Cinque Terre are a hiking place. And are connected by train, so there are fantastic possibilities for most… But, walking from a village to another is not trivial. A kind of small mountain hike. And, if you want to do all in one day, it can become demanding and challenging. And, what is important, let’s to go also off the beaten tracks, to find quiet places also during peak season. And, if you are really interested in understanding places, and are a determined hiker, let’s go also on the inland side of the ridge, where you will see how a different geographical situation can determine the destiny of places.
Local food ? Yes, there is. But do not think of seafood. Of course, tourist come for seafood, and they will find it everywhere, with many restaurants doing excellent culinary interpretation. But, as I told you, these are not fishing places. Local food was mainly terrestrial. So, be patient, you will to find it everywhere; maybe almost nowhere in the more touristic restaurants, during peak season. But come, and I will do my best to address you, in case you are interested.
Ok, for the time being, that’s enough. Hope to be soon able to share with you experience on place.
Hi everybody,
here is Filippo. Wanting to walk, hike, sightsee, enjoy nature and be connected to the environment around you ? I may be your guide in the Cinque Terre, Ligurian east coast and the northern Apennine range, in Italy.
Please, find at the end my professional qualifications.
My work places are a diverse area, but with a common past background. From the Mediterranean sea coast to almost Alpine environments; from overcrowded tourist spots, to almost neglected places full of emot
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