Summer may be winding down on the calendar, but in Cinque Terre it's staying strong with continuing hot temperatures and low rainfall amounts. August is still a popular time to visit the area thanks to the near perfect weather and amazing sites to see. This month has the highest sea temperatures, up all the way to 25°C (about 77°F). Take advantage and spend your afternoon on the beach, splashing in the water.
Like the nearby town of La Spezia, the average daily temperature for this month sits at 24°C (about 75°F), as close to perfect weather as you can get for this time of the year. At night, the lows drop down to 19°C (around 66°F), still a nice temperature for spending time outside. Depending on your cold tolerance, you might want a light jacket or sweater if you'll be out and about at night. During the day, the highs go up 28°C (around 82°F), so bring along the short-sleeved shirts and shorts.
With 10 hours of sunshine each day, it's helpful to have a pair of sunglasses and a hat to protect your skin from sunburn. Bring along plenty of sunscreen too. Compared to July, the rainfall chances increase just a bit, up to 80 mm falling across the month. The month sees an average of four days of rain. An umbrella isn't necessary, as any rain that does fall is typically light and short-lived.
This part of Italy is known for consistent and moderate weather, but it has had its share of extremes. In 1989, the high hit a record of 30°C (about 87°F), not too far from the normal high. The lowest recorded temperature, however, dipped all the way down to 2°C (around 35°F), nearly unheard for any month of the year in this part of western Europe.
The Hotel Villa Steno gives guests an amazing experience when staying in Cinque Terre with its tasteful décor and high-end amenities. The family-run hotel in Monterosso has 16 rooms and most have a private balcony or terrace with sea or town views. The buffet breakfast is served each morning in the classy dining room. Or, you can eat on the outdoor terrace with spectacular water views and enjoy the warm August breezes.
At the Hotel 5 Terre in Monterosso, you'll be treated to charming accommodations and amenities. The helpful reception desk staff can answer your questions about the area and help you with sightseeing tours. When you're not in your room, relax in the lounge with bar, play in the games room, or head out to the two outdoor gardens. The beach is within walking distance of the hotel and you can also easily get to the restaurants and bars in town.
After a flood destroyed the property in 2011, the Hotel Souvenir in Monterosso was remodelled and now offers modern and contemporary accommodations. The public spaces and rooms feature mostly neutral décor with bold pops of colour in the accessories and furniture. Choose from a double room with the basics or a junior suite complete with separate seating area with sofa.
The water temperature is as hot as it gets in August, reaching 25°C (about 77°F), an ideal temperature for swimming and checking out Vernazza's two beaches. The first is accessible on foot, only 200 meters from the train station. There are no amenities and only a very small parking lot, but it's a great place to swim and sit on the mostly rocky shore. The second beach can only be reached via a caved passage found close to the main village square.
Popular with nudists, Guvano Beach sits just outside Corniglia and can be difficult to reach. There are no amenities and you get to the beach through a tunnel, located about 1.5 kilometers from the Corniglia train station. Bring a flashlight, as the lights no longer work in the tunnel. You can also reach the beach from the Blue Path, but the hill getting down to the beach is steep and hard to climb.
A tiny place in the heart of Monterosso, Da Eraldo Tigelle has only five tables inside and several outside, so you're guaranteed personalized service. The menu includes traditional and authentic Italian dishes like antipasto platters, Bolognese, and pesto. Be sure to try the restaurant's homemade focaccia breads, served warm. To complement your meal, check out the local wines.
Don't let the simplicity of the restaurant fool you; Gastronomia San Martino is one of the best restaurants in all of Cinque Terre. The restaurant, tucked away on a side street in Monterosso, is seat yourself and uses disposable utensils, but the homemade Italian dishes make up for the lack of extras. The menu changes frequently, and includes favourites like pesto, linguine, meat lasagne, and fresh seafood.
Quench your thirst at Vertical Bar Riomaggiore, a cool Italian pub and bar serving up delicious and cold drinks. The drinks taste especially good after a day of hiking between the villages. You can enjoy your drinks inside at the bar or take them outside and do some people watching on the streets of Riomaggiore. The bar serves sandwiches and light meals if you need a bite to eat as well.
Try your hand at deep sea fishing on a tour with Fish and Chill Cinque Terre Boat Tours. The fishing trips are laid-back and easy-going, with stops for swimming and snorkelling in the warm August weather. You'll also enjoy on-board snacks like focaccia, finger foods, and the area specialty, anchovies. The tours last anywhere from two to four hours, depending on the time of day you go.
A fun way to get out on the water and explore the Ligurian Sea is by renting kayaks from Enjoy Cinqueterre Boat Tours. The company, which is based in Manarola, has single and double kayaks, so you can go out alone or with a buddy. Rentals are available by the hour or for half a day and include life vests and safety gear. If you need a little guidance, the staff speaks Italian, English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Educate yourselves on the cuisines of Cinque Terre and learn how to cook local dishes with A Casa Cooking Classes. You can choose from several different themes, including using herbs, wine and olive oil food pairings, breads, pastas, seafood, and desserts. Many of the cooking classes include shopping in the local markets and groceries, finding the freshest ingredients to use in the recipes.
