With the temperatures starting to creep up and the rain chances continuing to fall, April is a great time to visit Cinque Terre. You won't have to contend with too many other visitors either, as the tourist season doesn't get into full swing until next month. The days are getting longer too, with an extra hour of daylight this month compared to March. You'll get over seven hours of sunshine each day this month, plenty of time to get out and explore the mountains, villages, and coastlines of the area.
Rainfall amounts drop down to 85 mm this month and that amount falls over eight days. More than likely, you'll get more dry days than rainy ones, but bring along the umbrella just in case. With the lows dropping down to 10°C (about 50°F), you'll probably still want a light jacket or coat, especially if you'll be outside during the evening hours. The average daily temperature reaches 14°C (around 57°F), very nice for heading outside and touring the five villages that make up Cinque Terre.
The highs jump up to 18°C (about 64°F), starting to really feel like spring. During the day, light-weight, long-sleeved shirts and comfortable trousers are appropriate. Pack sturdy walking shoes for sightseeing and sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes from the springtime sun. Depending on your cold tolerance, you may be able to at least stick your toes in the water. The average sea temperature for this month is 14°C (about 57°F).
Though unusual, the record high for this part of the Italian coast reached an extra warm 22°C (around 73°F) in 1988. The record low dropped down in 1986 to -6°C (about 21°F), way below the normal winter temperatures for this area. You most likely won't get such extreme highs or lows during your visit this month.
Hotel Villa Accini has classic Italian architecture and is surrounded by green space. You can choose from a single, double, or triple room with air conditioning, private bathrooms, television, and minibar. Breakfast is served each morning in the cosy breakfast room, or you can take your food out to the garden or terrace. If you'd rather eat in the comfort of your room, ring up room service to bring you a meal or snack.
At the Hotel Palme, you'll have a great base for exploring the Cinque Terre area. The 50 guest rooms all have private bathrooms, telephones, mini bars, televisions, and views of the surrounding gardens. Other hotel amenities include a large lounge for relaxing, game room, and breakfast room where you'll enjoy a continental-style breakfast each morning. If you need help planning your sightseeing excursions, the friendly staff can assist you and answer your questions.
A simple guest room with a double bed, Sol Levante makes up for the sparse amenities with amazing views of the bay. It's located in Riomaggiore right above the train station. There's even a lift to take you from the station right to the front door of the guest house. The owner is friendly and helpful, providing information on the area and what to see and do in April in Cinque Terre.
Open for lunch and dinner, Trattoria La Scogliera sits on the main street in Manarola. The restaurant is something to see, with one room made entirely of stones pulled from the sea, one room transformed from a wine cellar to a dining area, and a large outdoor patio to enjoy the sunshine. The menu features wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and fresh seafood and fish dishes.
Situated in the tiny town of Groppo, just outside Manarola, Cappun Magru in Casa di Marin has some of the best seafood dishes in all of Cinque Terre, according to many patrons. While there, enjoy several tasting menus full of dishes like squid ink pasta, spaghetti with tuna, and its self-named famous dish, Cappun Magru. Finish off your meal with a delicious glass of limoncello, made fresh with local lemons.
Enjoy a glass of Cinque Terre's finest wine at A Pie' de Ma' in Riomaggiore. The bar is built right into the side of the cliffs over the sea, providing you with panoramic views of the water and the surrounding mountains. The teak tables and chairs lend to the feeling of being out on the water, soaking in the wind and the waves. If you need a bite to eat, it serves food that complements the wines.
A traditional Italian vineyard, tucked in the hills above Monterosso, Buranco Agriturismo welcomes guests like family. While here, you can sip on Cinque Terre's best sciacchetra, as well as other local varieties. You can also grab a quick snack of cheese plates that complement the wines. It's somewhat of a hike to reach the vineyard, but in the pleasant April weather, it's well worth the trip to experience the beauty of the views.
Tucked away in the village of Corniglia, the Church of San Pietro, or Saint Peter, is a beautiful example of Italian architecture. You'll also see Ligurian, Baroque, and Gothic influences in the interior and exterior. Highlights include the arched, intricately carved entryway and the white Carrera marble rose window with detailed inlays. Inside, you'll find a stunning Baroque vault and christening font.
Any animal lovers in your group, will love a dolphin and whale watching excursion with Cinqueterre del Mare Tours. The excursion takes guests beyond the marine protected areas where the dolphins and whales like to swim. Along the way, you'll make stops for swimming and the entire time you'll be surrounded by the beauty of the water and the cliffs along the shoreline.
