Can you really see all of Cinque Terre in a day? NO! Many people come here to hike and check their list. They are not really seeing the area. To come and really experience it, you should have a true guide who lives in the area. This way, while you are hiking you get the history and a feel for what you are seeing. You will most likely be on trails or paths that most people don’t know about. You could take a trail map and try and follow it like many people who come here. This is most confusing and a waste of your time!
The bus tour from other cities are not really giving you the full story. They are getting you there and bring you to the villages, but the most common phrase is “meet back here at ——“. Your time is controlled and your not with someone who lives here. The main reason you go to a place is not just to see a place, but to learn about it, feel it and leave with a better understanding of area as a whole. Plus you are coming at a time when all the other buses and cruise ships are coming, so it is packed.
“The main reason you go to a place is not just to see a place, but to learn about it, feel it and leave with a better understanding of area as a whole.”
The best way to see Cinque Terre is to come and stay for a couple of days. This way you will see and experience much more because you will be here after the crowds leave. The lights of the villages at night ad a special feeling and taking the uncrowded trains are a delight. Having a guide on the trails also add to you time. They not only show you the best views and give you the history. Plus tell you where to find the best restaurants, sunsets places, evening happenings, all for the same price of the tour.
Manarola at night
So come and enjoy Cinque Terre without being herded like cattle. Take a special trek, put your feet up at night and take in the true beauty of Cinque Terre. Don’t let the stories of crowds put you off. Come and be part of Cinque Terre and not just tear a photo out of a book!
written by Pall Forloney. Trekguyd
