Hi all. Two girlfriends and I are planning an Italy trip in Sept/early Oct 2025. We'd love to go to Cinque Terre , as I've always been enchanted with the idea of hiking between the towns. Everything I read is that it is extremely overcrowded. I also read that day trippers and cruisers are gone by the early evening. So, if we were to hike during the day, it might be ok at night with not so many people. I realize "not so many people" is relative! Is the hiking crowded , too? We may have missed the window to go there without it being a tourist mecca. thanks for any perspective.

See this recent thread: Cinque Terre to Florence to Lake Garda especially posts #12 and #13. However, as mentioned in this thread, it is lessened if you hike on the higher areas where day trippers and cruise passengers are less likely to do.

I have seen some references on this forum for it to be packed even in late fall/winter.

You can lessen this by staying IN one of the CT villages, plan around the crowds with your hikes and return to the villages after they have moved on. But, it will still be quite crowded.

I was fortunate to go before it became so crowded and so perhaps shouldn't comment; the information to which Travel_Nerd has directed you is much more current. But I thought I'd chime in because I visited during October and so my experiences might be relevant.

If you check climate statistics (I like the range of information provided on weatherspark.com), you'll see that the chance of rain in October in that part of Italy is about 30%. I got caught by a major rainstorm while hiking those trails, and trust me, it was among the most terrifying experiences of my life. The very narrow trails -- those very narrow trails that have no guardrails -- turn into slippery, muddy slopes. I was almost exactly halfway between Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza when the clouds burst; it took me terrifying hours to get to safety. The trails were then closed for a few days because they were in such bad shape. Weather forecasts are better these days, so the risk of getting caught in a storm is probably lower, but note that the trail conditions might not favor hiking even if you are there on a day without rain. Perhaps the trail conditions have changed since I was there -- maybe they would be safer in rain then they were then. If anyone who sees this post knows, do speak up!

Also note that sunset is, I think, between 7 and 8 p.m. at that time of year, so your window for hiking after day trippers leave is somewhat limited.

I'm not saying you shouldn't go, but if you do decide to go, I would encourage you to do so with awareness that you might not be able to hike even if you can avoid the worst of the crowds.

Good luck with your decision!

This is only my opinion, so take it for what it's worth in relation to your trip. The villages are undoubtedly attractive, particularly Vernazza and the largest of the villages. Monterosso. Unfortunately however, tourism has spoilt the area that for me, the place is unvisitable. The paths between the villages are churned up in the dry and in the wet are so dangerous that you just shouldn't try the walks. In the dry it's a shuffle along the paths.

There are many areas in Italy equally as picturesque, but don't get the guide book entries that the CT does from lazy travel writers trying to fill pages. I'm delighted that some of the loveliest places aren't written about, so that they maintain the character and attractiveness that makes them lovely.

By all means try the CT, but IMO, it's been spoilt beyond measure. I'm sure many people will disagree with me and that's their right. The world would be dull if we all agreed with each other.

Lots of Italians still head for the 5T.
If you really want to go my advice would be to
1. research well, on this website https://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Eindex.php

So you understand the different trail options and the tickets required for the lower trails.
2. Stay in one of the 5T.
3. Be out walking really early in the morning, as soon as it's light. It'll be cooler and most tourists except for the most determined, get up not very early, have breakfast, get the train.....all this takes time. Then head up to the higher trails
4. Bad weather is a possibility, so heed kja's advice.
5. Make sure you avoid Friday Saturday Sunday because 5T is a popular short break with Italians too
6. There is scenic hiking in the Portovenere area (as beautiful as 5T) but far fewer people. Also look at Lerici Tellaro area (Will be quiet in October)Bonassola Framura Moneglia Riva Trigoso for hiking with a sea view also won't be busy
.I know what you mean about missing the window. I haven't been to Costiera amalfitana and I think I will never go.
The last time I was in 5T area was January 2020 when the first news about Covid was arrving. I expected very few people in 5T and was amazed that the train from La Spezia was packed and it took us ages to get out of the station....https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspo...eport.html?m=1

Thanks for the informative perspectives. I'll look at some of the other hiking opportunities or the roads less traveled.

There are other great opportunities for hiking in nearby areas of Liguria

https://sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product...ra-di-levante/

When we were there in Oct of 2017 I purposely investigated to see which days there were cruise ships in port and then chose to plan our visit around the days when there were no ships in port. We rented an apartment for a week and used the CT as a base--some days hiking in the CT and other days expanding our visit north and south along the coast. I'd say go for it if it interests you, but do your research in advance.

I don't think you missed the window at all! We went last October and were really glad we did! We really liked staying in Manarola. Is it crowded? Definitely and you have to accept that reality.

I think you need to plan on at least 2 nights there to take advantage of the quieter mornings and evenings. If you want a nicer restaurant, I would also make sure to have reservations. Also, plan your dates using one of the cruises in ports sites, some days 8000 cruisers invade and that puts a strain on the trains and restaurants. If you choose dates where no ships are docked in La Spezia, your experience will be a lot more enjoyable. Enjoy!

For example
https://cruisedig.com/ports

Haha, julies, typing at the same time

"Have I missed the window on Cinque Terre?"

Only by 30 years or so . . .

well, 30 yrs ago, I was busy with two babies. so, can't do it all