Oh, Italy. Why should you make selecting so laborious?
You’ve picked Italy on your subsequent trip. Molto bene! And you realize you need balmy evenings, recent seafood and sea views. So, naturally, you’ve narrowed it down to 2 of Italy’s most iconic coastal locations: Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast.
However now you’re caught.
Do you go for Cinque Terre’s rustic fishing village vibes? Or indulge within the Amalfi Coast’s glamorous seaside golf equipment – did somebody say sundown Spritz?
Ideally, you’d do each (like on Intrepid’s Better of Italy Household Vacation). But when annual depart or funds solely permits for one, which ought to or not it’s?
Don’t fret, mio amico. By the tip of this information, you’ll know which coast is for you.
Bounce to
Why go?
The UNESO-listed Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre share many similarities. Each supply attractive surroundings, scrumptious meals and ample methods to discover. However the vibe? Fairly totally different.
Cinque Terre, that means ‘5 lands’, is made up of 5 pastel-coloured fishing villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso – alongside the Ligurian shoreline in northwest Italy. Automobiles are banned throughout the villages, so every thing’s related by scenic climbing trails, ferries and the environment friendly Cinque Terre Specific practice. Lodging is essentially guesthouses, B&Bs and small lodges, and regardless of the day trippers who roll in en masse, life strikes slower right here.
The Amalfi Coast is larger with 13 cities stretching alongside the Sorrentine Peninsula in Campania, southwestern Italy. Whereas it additionally has picturesque cliffside villages, sweeping sea views and old-world attraction, it affords extra luxurious lodges, seaside resorts and bars, making it an excellent alternative for many who like a livelier environment. As a result of it’s extra unfold out, it might even be a greater possibility in case you have extra time to discover.
Getting there and round
When you’re on a decent schedule, logistics matter. Right here’s how the 2 areas weigh up.
Cinque Terre
- Finest if you happen to’re additionally visiting: Tuscany (Florence, Chianti, Pisa, Lucca, and so on.) or Lake Como.
- Nearest airports: Pisa and Genoa (1.5 hr drive). Florence and Milan are additional away (2-3 hr drive) however have extra worldwide flights.
When you’re coming from Milan, Genoa or Pisa, hop on a regional practice to La Spezia, the place you’ll be able to then take the Cinque Terre Specific practice to any of the 5 villages. Automobiles aren’t allowed within the villages (in all probability for the most effective contemplating the slender roads), however the practice makes it tremendous simple to get round. Ferries additionally join all villages (excluding Corniglia) for a scenic different, as does the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path), however extra on that shortly.
The Amalfi Coast
- Finest if you happen to’re additionally visiting: Rome, Capri, Naples or Pompeii.
- Nearest airports: Salerno (30 min drive) and Naples (1 hr drive). Rome (3.5 hr drive) is additional away however affords extra worldwide flights.
The closest main airport is Naples. From right here, take a high-speed practice to Salerno or Sorrento (1-2 hours), adopted by a ferry, bus or taxi alongside the Amalfi Coast. Salerno is normally a greater train-to-ferry possibility, whereas Sorrento is best for buses or taxis. When you’re coming from Rome, count on a 3-4 hour journey. When you arrive, you’ll want to make use of ferries or buses. Renting a automotive is feasible, however not for the faint of coronary heart, with slender roads, heavy site visitors and restricted parking within the peak summer time season.
Mountain climbing and surroundings
If exploring on foot is your factor, each areas supply gorgeous trails.
With over 120 kilometres of trails, Cinque Terre is considered one of Italy’s prime climbing locations. These routes have been as soon as mule tracks and a lifeline for villagers, and whilst you gained’t see mules immediately, you’ll achieve an appreciation for a way life thrived on such rugged terrain.
The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path) is probably the most well-known path, linking all 5 villages by hamlets, vineyards and olive groves. The complete 12 km path takes about 5 hours, however the magnificence is that you are able to do a few sections and hop on the Cinque Terre Specific if you happen to get drained (or have one too many afternoon aperitivos!). With difficult uphill stretches, steep cliffs and footbridges, it requires a superb health stage – however the views are completely value it.
Whereas the Amalfi Coast isn’t as well-known for climbing, it nonetheless delivers. Its star path is the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), a 7 km route that hugs a excessive mountain ridge between Bomerano and Positano. It snakes previous orchards and vineyards and as much as spine-tinglingly tall cliffs that look out to the Tyrrhenian Sea. With over 1700 stairs, it may be powerful on the knees, however the views – and the seafood linguine ready for you on the opposite facet – make all of it worthwhile.
Seashores
Craving seaside time? There might be a transparent winner relying on whether or not you like quiet swimming coves or a Riviera environment.
Cinque Terre isn’t your typical seaside trip. It has seashores, however they’re extra rugged and pebbly, so it is dependent upon how granular (pardon the pun) you wish to go. When you just like the sound of swimming in secluded harbours, rocky outcrops and hidden bays, Cinque Terre gained’t disappoint – particularly at Manarola, Canneto Seashore and Riomaggiore. For a ‘beachier’ seaside, head to Fegina in Monterosso, Cinque Terre’s most well-known spot, the place stripy umbrellas and deck chairs stud the shoreline.
Like Cinque Terre, you gained’t discover stretches of powdery sand alongside the Amalfi Coast. however you will discover loads of pebbly seashores. There are extra choices, they’re greater they usually typically have bars so you’ll be able to order drinks and snacks between sea dips. Positano’s Spiaggia Grande is probably the most well-known (and photogenic) with brilliant blue water and umbrellas set in opposition to a backdrop of vibrant buildings stacked alongside the mountain. Spiaggia di Atrani is a good different for pristine swimming situations however a fraction of the crowds. For dramatic views, although you’ll must go early, head to the fishing hamlet of Fiordo di Furore the place you’ll be able to loosen up on a tiny seaside wedged between a slender gorge.
Meals
That is Italy, so that you’ll be well-fed irrespective of the place you go. That stated, the flavours in every area might sway your determination.
Cinque Terre is all about pesto, seafood and crisp Ligurian wines. Liguria is the birthplace of pesto Genovese, and also you’ll discover it slathered on trofie pasta in most trattorias. After studying find out how to make conventional pesto with a neighborhood cook dinner on Intrepid’s Italy Expertise, you’ll by no means take a look at the stuff on the grocery store cabinets in the identical means once more.
Focaccia is one other native specialty, as are anchovies (fried, pickled, stuffed – you title it). Meals in Cinque Terre are usually relaxed affairs loved in family-run eating places alongside the water’s edge or in piazzas. It’s not identified for nightlife, however there are just a few bars that keep open late, primarily at weekends, in Monterosso.
The Amalfi Coast, in Campania, is known for lemons. And what do the Campanians do when life offers them lemons? They make limoncello! You’ll discover loads of lemony dishes on the menu too, from scialatielli al limone, a shorter, fatter model of spaghetti in a wealthy lemon sauce, to delizia al limone, a cream-filled sponge with a citrusy glaze. Seafood can also be plentiful, as is conventional Neapolitan pizza due to its proximity to Naples. Intrepid’s Italy Household Vacation features a hands-on pizza-making class at a farm overlooking Mt Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples – take that for household pizza evening.
The Amalfi Coast has extra high-end eating places than Cinque Terre, particularly in Portofino which is usually frequented by the wealthy and well-known. So if you happen to fancy dressing up and treating your self, the Amalfi could also be a better option.
Finest time to go to
The very best time to expertise every thing Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast supply is in summer time (June to September). However if you happen to go to throughout this time, be ready for crowds – particularly in hotspots like Positano and Vernazza. The trick? Base your self in Cinque Terre. Most vacationers are day trippers, so if you happen to keep in a single day, you’ll expertise quieter mornings and evenings and get a really feel for native life. On the Amalfi Coast, enterprise past common Positano and Amalfi to quieter however equally fairly pockets like Minori or Praiano.
For a steadiness of nice climate and thinner crowds, think about visiting in spring or autumn. Winter is the off-season all through Italy, however if you happen to don’t thoughts cooler temps, a little bit of rain and fewer restaurant choices, you’ll get pleasure from cheaper lodging costs and quieter climbing trails.
Ultimate verdict
So, will or not it’s Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast?
Cinque Terre is ideal for travellers who love climbing and a laidback environment. The practice makes it tremendous simple to get round, so it might be a greater possibility if you happen to don’t have a automotive or are quick on time.
The Amalfi Coast, alternatively, is good if you happen to like just a little extra luxe and a vibrant nightlife. You’ll nonetheless discover loads of trattorias and pizzerias, but it surely undoubtedly caters extra to those that get pleasure from fantastic eating and cocktail bars. It additionally has extra seashores if that’s your factor.
However actually, you’ll be able to’t go flawed both means. And if you happen to nonetheless can’t determine, why not do each? Italy is pretty simple to get round due to its intensive practice community.
Prepared for an Italian journey?
With small group journey, the toughest determination you’ll make is selecting between spaghetti alla puttanesca and spaghetti alle vongole. There’s no must stress about bus timetables or reserving a lodge throughout peak season. Simply rock up and depart the remainder to the consultants.
