Public holiday in destination country: No
School holidays in destination country: NO
Cruise passengers in (nearby) ports: NO
Local events: N/A
School holidays in the following countries: Winter/sport school vacations across Europe
Cruise ships in port: NO
From Florence: Cinque Terre Day Trip with Optional Hike and Lunch
Visit all five villages of the colorful Cinque Terre National Park on this guided tour from Florence. Choose to add lunch on a scenic terrace, and/or a rewarding hike through coastal vineyards.
1500+ REVIEWS
Cinque Terre Sunset Tour
Enjoy stunning coastal views of Cinqueterre’s iconic villages from a unique vantage point as you cruise along the shore from Manarola to Punta Mesco.
Lasting MEMORIES
Are you planning a trip to La Spezia and the Cinque Terre? One of the most important factors to consider when planning your trip is the crowds. No one wants to spend their vacation fighting through crowds of tourists to see the sights or trying to find a spot on the beach. That’s why we at Avoid-Crowds.com have developed a crowd prediction tool that can help you plan your trip to La Spezia and the Cinque Terre during the least crowded times.
La Spezia is a charming coastal town located in the Liguria region of Italy. Known for its beautiful sea views, historic center and being the gateway to the Cinque Terre, a beautiful coastal area of 5 villages, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that are known for their colorful houses, winding streets and beautiful views of the Mediterranean. It’s not surprising that La Spezia and the Cinque Terre are a popular destination among tourists, but with the help of our crowd prediction tool, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds and make the most of your trip.
Our crowd prediction tool uses data from previous years, as well as current booking trends, to provide you with an accurate forecast of how crowded La Spezia and the Cinque Terre will be during your planned trip. You’ll be able to see which months and weeks are the busiest, so you can plan your trip accordingly. Additionally, our tool also provides information on the best times to visit specific landmarks and tourist attractions within La Spezia and the Cinque Terre, such as the best time to take the trail to Monterosso or visit Vernazza.
By using our crowd prediction tool, you’ll be able to plan your trip to La Spezia and the Cinque Terre with confidence. You’ll be able to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time in this beautiful corner of Italy. Whether you’re looking to explore the charming villages, relax on the beach, or hike the scenic trails, our tool will help you find the perfect time to visit.
La Spezia is the access point for tourists wanting to visit Cinque Terre. Although La Spezia itself has not so much to offer, its vicinity to the famous seaside villages is making it an attractive stop for cruise ships. Cruise passengers that for example hop on board in Barcelona or Civitavecchia will often visit La Spezia. As a result, some of the biggest cruise ships in the world dock in La Spezia making both La Spezia and Cinque Terre a crowded destination throughout the summer. In an effort to curb the impact of all this cruise traffic, Cinque Terre famously banned tourists from wearing flip-flops. More information about Cinque Terre can also be found on the national park’s official website.
Best time to visit Cinque Terre
When it comes to deciding when to visit La Spezia and the surrounding Cinque Terre, there are a few things to consider.
Weather: The best time to visit in terms of weather is during the late spring and early fall, when temperatures are mild and the chance of rain is low. The summer months of June, July, and August can get quite hot, while the winter months can be chilly and rainy. Keep in mind, however, that the Cinque Terre is located on the coast and can be quite humid in the summer, even if it is not hot.
Crowds: The Cinque Terre is a popular destination, and the small towns can get quite crowded during the peak tourist season from June to August. If you prefer to avoid large crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of April, May, September, and October.
Cost: Prices for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses tend to be higher during the peak tourist season, so if you’re looking to save money, you may want to consider traveling during the off-season.
Ultimately, the best time to visit La Spezia and the Cinque Terre is a matter of personal preference. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, it can be helpful to do some research and compare prices, weather conditions and of course the crowd predictions on avoid-crowds.com to find the best time for your trip.
Weather in Cinque Terre throughout the year
When it comes to the weather in Cinque Terre throughout the year, there are a few things to keep in mind. The region has a Mediterranean climate, which means that it tends to be mild and rainy in the winter, and warm and sunny in the summer.
January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures ranging from 8 to 12 degrees Celsius (46-54 F). These months can also be quite rainy, so bring an umbrella or waterproof jacket if you plan to visit during this time.
As spring arrives, the weather starts to warm up. March, April and May are generally pleasant with temperatures ranging from 13-18 Celsius (55-64 F) and less rain compared to the winter months. These are also considered shoulder seasons and perfect time to visit to avoid the peak summer crowds.
The summer months of June, July, and August are the warmest, with temperatures ranging from 23 to 30 degrees Celsius (73-86 F). This is also the peak tourist season, so be prepared for crowds and high hotel prices.
As fall arrives, the weather cools down again. September and October are similar to the spring weather with temperatures around 15-20 Celsius (59-68 F). And like the shoulder seasons the crowds tend to be less.
By November, the weather is back to being mild and rainy, similar to the winter months. December is generally considered the off-season, with lower hotel prices and fewer crowds.
Overall, the best time to visit Cinque Terre and La Spezia will depend on your personal preferences and what you hope to get out of your trip. The summer months might be the best choice if you’re looking for warm weather and plenty of sunshine. But if you want to avoid the crowds and save money, shoulder seasons or off-seasons could be a better option.
Cinque Terre, month by month
Cinque Terre is a stunning region on the Italian Riviera, known for its picturesque villages, breathtaking coastal views, and delicious local cuisine. When planning your visit to Cinque Terre, it can be helpful to consider the time of year, as the crowds, weather, and activities available can vary greatly depending on the season.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a month-by-month guide to the best times to visit Cinque Terre, taking into account factors such as crowds, weather, hotel prices, and recommended activities.
Cinque Terre offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, a cultural experience, or a gastronomic adventure. By considering factors such as crowds, weather, and hotel prices, you can plan your trip to make the most of your time in this beautiful region. Don’t forget to check out the unique activities we recommended for each month, we guarantee it will give a unique and fun experience. And remember to use our crowd prediction tool on avoid-crowds.com to make sure you can avoid the peak seasons and enjoy a more local and authentic experience.
| Month | Crowds | Weather (F/C) | Hotel Prices | Season | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Low | 40-55°F (5-13°C) | Low | Low | Take a stroll through the charming towns of Cinque Terre and admire the picturesque, colorful houses. Explore the local church and chapels, try the typical local cuisine, such as “focaccia” and “pesto” and hike along the scenic coastal paths with fewer crowds and enjoy the quiet and peaceful atmosphere. |
| February | Low | 40-55°F (5-13°C) | Low | Low | Experience the romantic atmosphere of Cinque Terre during Valentine’s Day and explore the charming towns and villages, such as Riomaggiore, Monterosso, and Vernazza by foot. Enjoy a traditional seafood dinner with a glass of local wine and hike the coastal trails to take in the spectacular views. |
| March | Low | 50-65°F (10-18°C) | Low | Low to Shoulder | Take a day trip to the nearby town of La Spezia and visit the Castello di San Giorgio, a medieval castle and museum. Take a leisurely hike through the Cinque Terre National Park, or rent a boat and explore the coast from the sea. Taste some of the local delicacies like “focaccia” and “pesto” and enjoy the mild weather |
| May | Low | 60-75°F (15-24°C) | Low | Shoulder | May is a perfect time to visit Cinque Terre as the crowds are low and the weather is mild. Take advantage of the clear skies and take a hike on the famous Cinque Terre trail that connects all five villages. Enjoy the colorful blooming flowers and the view of the sea. May is also the best time to try the local seafood delicacies. |
| June | High | 75-85°F (24-29°C) | High | Peak | June is the start of peak season in Cinque Terre, with warm temperatures and high crowds. Take a boat tour along the coast, visit the local beaches and try some local wine. Book your accommodation and activities in advance as the villages can get quite crowded. Take part in the annual ‘Sagra del Pesce’ (Fish Festival) in Monterosso, where you can taste delicious seafood dishes. |
| July | High | 75-85°F (24-29°C) | High | Peak | July is peak season in Cinque Terre, and it can get very crowded. Take a boat tour to see all five towns, or hike the famous Cinque Terre trail. Enjoy the beautiful beaches and try some local seafood at a waterfront restaurant. Don’t forget to take a dip in the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean. |
| August | Very High | 75-90°F (24-32°C) | Very High | Peak | August is the busiest month in Cinque Terre, and it can be hard to find a spot on the beaches or trails. Make sure to book your accommodations and activities well in advance. Take a guided boat tour, try some local wine and gelato, or attend one of the many summer festivals and events. |
| September | High | 65-80°F (18-27°C) | High | Shoulder | September is still considered a peak season but with a little less crowds, perfect for those who want to enjoy the beautiful views and activities without the crowds. Take a leisurely hike to enjoy the changing foliage, or attend one of the wine festivals celebrating the new harvest. Enjoy some delicious seafood and catch a beautiful sunset from a waterfront restaurant. |
| October | Medium | 55-70°F (13-21°C) | Low | Shoulder to Low | October is a great time to visit Cinque Terre for a quieter, more relaxed experience. Take a leisurely hike to enjoy the changing foliage and milder temperatures. Visit a local winery or olive grove, or attend one of the festivals celebrating the harvest. |
| November | Low | 45-60°F (7-15°C) | Low | Low | November is a great time to visit Cinque Terre if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy mild temperatures. Take a hike along the picturesque coastal trails, visit the local wineries and taste some of the region’s famous wines, or attend the annual Wine Festival in Monterosso. Don’t forget to try some local seafood dishes such as trofie al pesto or farinata di ceci. |
| December | Low | 35-50°F (2-10°C) | Low | Low | December is a quieter time to visit Cinque Terre, and while the weather may not be ideal for sunbathing and swimming, it’s still a great time to explore the charming villages, admire the Christmas lights and decorations and indulge in some delicious holiday treats like Pandoro and Panettone. Visit the local Christmas markets or attend the annual Christmas Concerts in Riomaggiore and Monterosso. |
Things to do and experience in and around Cinque Terre
When it comes to things to do in Cinque Terre, there’s no shortage of options. This picturesque stretch of coastline on the Italian Riviera offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Hiking: Cinque Terre is a hiker’s paradise. There are several trails that wind through the rugged coastline, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the five villages that make up Cinque Terre. The most famous of these trails is the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), which connects Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza.
Beach-hopping: Each of the five villages that make up Cinque Terre has its own small beach, which are perfect for lounging in the sun or swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Some popular options include Monterosso’s Fegina beach and Vernazza’s Marina beach.
Wine-tasting: Cinque Terre is known for its delicious wines, especially the local white wine, Sciacchetrà. Many local wineries offer tours and tastings, where you can sample the wines and learn about the production process.
Photography: Cinque Terre’s colorful villages, picturesque coastline, and charming streets make it a photographer’s paradise. Don’t forget to capture the famous terraced vineyards that are carved into the hillside.
Boat trip: Take a boat trip along the coastline, you can see all five villages from a different perspective and take some great photo opportunities
Explore the Towns: Each of the five towns that make up Cinque Terre has its own character and charm. Riomaggiore is the southernmost town and the most visited one, with a lively promenade and a charming marina. Vernazza is known for its picturesque marina, which is often considered the most beautiful of the five towns. Manarola is known for its winding streets and colorful houses. Corniglia is the only village that is not directly on the sea, but offers beautiful views from high above. Monterosso al Mare is the largest and the most touristy of the towns, but has a long and pretty beach.
This list is just a start, but with so many options, you’ll never be bored in Cinque Terre.