The tourist season officially winds down during the month of October in Cinque Terre. The temperatures continue to drop and the rainfall amounts reach the highest amount out of the year. This part of Italy sees 150 mm of rain falling over the course of the month, a jump of nearly 50 mm from September. That amount falls over nine days on average, so you can expect heavier rainstorms when it does rain. Bring along the umbrella or poncho to stay dry.
The number of daylight hours drops too, down to six hours of sunshine a day. You still have plenty of time to get out and explore during the day, but you'll have to dodge the raindrops. With an average daily temperature of 17°C (around 63°F), you'll want to pack warmer clothes like long-sleeved shirts and trousers. On the warmest days, when the high peaks at 21°C (about 70°F), you can still get away with short-sleeved shirts and maybe even shorts.
At night, the temperatures drop down to 13°C (about 55°F), so bring along a jacket or sweater if you'll be outside during the evening and early morning hours. Most people won't be swimming anymore this month, as the sea temperature has dropped down to 19°C (about 66°F), nearly matching the air temperature. You can still enjoy the afternoon walking along the coast, enjoying the breezes blowing in from the sea.
Though extreme temperatures are rare for this part of the Italian Riviera, in 1986, the high jumped up to 22°C (around 72°C). That temperature isn't too far from the normal high for this month. The lowest recorded temperature was much more extreme, falling all the way down to -6°C (about 22°F) in 1997. Fortunately, you most likely will experience much more moderate temperatures during your stay.
With tasteful neutral décor throughout the interior and beautiful olive trees decorating the outside, Albergo Degli Amici is a great place to call home during your stay in Cinque Terre. Some of the rooms come with a balcony, so you can enjoy amazing views of the town and the bay and the October weather. Room choices include the single standard, double standard, and double comfort with additional space.
Sitting high in the hills above Monterosso, Suisse Hotel Bellevue is surrounded by natural beauty. You'll find loungers and benches spread around the garden where you can sit and take in the incredible views of the bay and the Cinque Terre coastline. Hotel amenities include breakfast room, bar, lounge with television and reading nook, solarium, and beach access.
The Locanda dalla Compagnia has five double rooms with private bathrooms, satellite television, and air conditioning. It faces the square in Riomaggiore, so you can enjoy people-watching in the town. The cosy lobby is a great place to grab a cup of coffee and read a book in the afternoon or enjoy a yummy breakfast each morning. The simple, comfortable, and affordable rooms are a great choice for the budget-minded traveller.
Built into the stony cliffs of Vernazza, Belforte provides diners with amazing water views and equally incredible seafood and pasta dishes. Start out your meal with appetizers like the locally-known anchovy and move onto main entrees such as shrimp and zucchini tagliatelle and spaghetti pasta. Save room for dessert with choices like cake with mascarpone cream, panna cotta, and buccellato served with wine.
At Taverna Del Capitano, you'll feel like part of the family, with friendly staff and delicious homemade dishes. You can dine inside or head out to the colourful patio full of umbrellas to shade you from the warm sunshine. Whenever possible, the chef uses local meats, produce, and fish in the seafood and pasta dishes. Don't miss the seafood pasta, antipasto platters, and whipped tiramisu for dessert.
If you want a quick but yummy meal to go, head over to Pizzeria La Cambusa in Riomaggiore. You can pick a slice of pizza or get a whole pie, as well as take away pasta dishes and calzones. The affordable prices make it a good choice for the budget-minded traveller. And, the quick service makes it a great option for those wanting a snack as they travel between the villages of Cinque Terre.
A must-see when visiting Cinque Terre, the Cinque Terre National Park has plenty to see and do. The park is huge, encompassing most of the five villages that make up Cinque Terre. It has miles and miles of hiking and biking trails that take you up to the mountains and down to the shore. The trails also wind in and out of the different villages, so you can explore the area almost entirely on foot.
The Scalinata Lardarina connects the village of Corniglia with the train station below. The staircase is made up of brick and natural stone and has over 370 steps. Fortunately, the stairs are wide and deep, making it easier for most people to navigate their way up and down. As you travel up or down, you'll be treated to views of the water, as well as the gorgeous greenery and flowers planted along the way.
Spend a rainy October afternoon pampering yourself at Vernazza Massage and Reflexology. The owner, Kate, offers several different types of massage and reflexology to relax you, help with sore muscles, or detoxify your body. She uses essential oils during the massages that promote relaxation and healing. It's suggested you call ahead for an appointment, but often, last-minute appointments are available.
