Europe

 Italy

 Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Italy

Rating:
 

The Cinque Terre - five fishing villages perched along a stretch of mountainous coast - is exalted by tourists from around the world. For many, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must see on a first, second and third trip to Italy. So what’s the allure? For starters, the villages or ‘five lands’ of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore were until the 1960s only reachable by foot, rail and sea. And while the once sleepy villages are today connected by road, the Cinque Terre hasn’t lost its charm. Even in the peak tourist season. Apart from Monterosso, which has grown in size, the villages are tiny. And when the afternoon tour bus and train crowds depart they are deliciously serene. But make no mistake; there are no luxury shops, gourmet restaurants or five star hotels at this bend in the Ligurian coast. Instead the quaint streets offer what discerning tourists want. Casual cafes and restaurants serve simple yet delectable local cuisine. The shops sell primarily local foodstuff – olives, wine and cheese. And the quick-witted proprietors have turned modest apartments into modern affittacamere complete with private bath, minibar and, in many cases, a room with a spectacular view. So why bring the kids on a family vacation in the Cinque Terre? There is no reason not to!

Cinque Terre Photo Gallery
Cinque Terre Photo Gallery
Cinque Terre Photo Gallery
Cinque Terre Photo Gallery
 
 
Cinque Terre reviews

Truly a must see

Rating:
Submitted on 30 January 2008 by snowedunder from Monza, Italy

I've visited the Cinque Terre on numerous occasions since moving to Italy more than 15 years ago. And while the foot traffic along coastal footpath and in the five villages has increased significantly since my first trip I still find this corner of Liguria charming. Here a few tricks to avoiding the throng. Stay overnight rather than tour the area on a day trip. Relax on the beach or take a boat trip elsewhere during the peak tourist hours from 12:00 to 17:00. Stroll the village streets and hike the coastal trails before the day-trippers arrive and after they go home. Adjust your internal clock to Italian time and make your dinner r ... Read More

I've visited the Cinque Terre on numerous occasions since moving to Italy more than 15 years ago. And while the foot traffic along coastal footpath and in the five villages has increased significantly since my first trip I still find this corner of Liguria charming. Here a few tricks to avoiding the throng. Stay overnight rather than tour the area on a day trip. Relax on the beach or take a boat trip elsewhere during the peak tourist hours from 12:00 to 17:00. Stroll the village streets and hike the coastal trails before the day-trippers arrive and after they go home. Adjust your internal clock to Italian time and make your dinner reservations for after 21:00 when the majority of diners are finishing their coffee. Succumb to your child's desire for yet another piece of focaccia even if after 17:00. It's a long time until dinner.

2 out of 2 travelers found this review helpful. Was this review helpful? Yes No

Fun things to do in Cinque Terre with kids

Adventure Travel

Get the latest kids can travel ideas, guides, reviews and tips for traveling with kids. It's FREE!
  • Add kids can travel
RSS FeedAdd to GoogleAdd to My MSNAdd to My Yahoo!
  • Tell others about us
Furl itdel.icio.usStumbleUponDigg!
TRAVEL TRIVIA
Buenos Aires is the capital of:
Mexico
South Africa
Brazil
Argentina
About Us | Suggestions | Submissions | Advertise | Site Map