September signals the official start of Autumn in Cinque Terre and one of the last months of the tourist season. The temperatures have started to drop and the rainfall chances begin to increase as the resort heads into the last months of the year. The number of daylight hours also starts to wane, down to eight hours of sunshine a day on average this month.
The average daily temperature sits at 21°C (around 70°F), still plenty warm for spending time outdoors, hiking and exploring the mountains between the five villages. You can still do some swimming and water sports this time of the year, with an average sea temperature of 22°C (about 72°F). Just be warned it will be a little chilly when you get out, as the air temperature is lower than the water temperature.
Just like in the nearby town of Portofino, the lows drop down to 16°C (about 61°F). Generally, you'll only experience these temperatures if you're out and about at night and in the early morning hours. Bring along a light jacket or sweater just in case. You should also pack light-weight shirts and trousers and a few short-sleeved shirts for the heat of the day. The highs get up to 25°C (around 77°F). With 100 mm of rainfall during the month, falling over six days, it's a smart idea to have the umbrella or poncho handy too.
The highest recorded temperature for this part of western Europe was taken in 2000, when it got up to 29°C (about 85°C). That's hot, but not too far off the normal high for the area. In 2003, it got down to freezing, at 0°C (around 32°F), frigid for this time of the year. Check the local forecast before your trip to see what temperatures you can expect during your holiday.
Located in the village of Manarola, Hotel Marina Piccola combines the traditional with the contemporary. The décor features stone walls interspersed with sleek and modern furniture. The room choices include doubles, triples, and one quadruple room that's perfect for families or large groups. All the rooms have air conditioning, private ensuite bathrooms, and views of the water or the main street of the town.
In Monterosso, Hotel Porto Roca sits perched high about the sea, providing spectacular views of the water and the surrounding mountains. Many of the rooms have large balconies that allow you to enjoy the view from the comfort of your room. Each room is individually-decorated and many of the rooms have separate seating areas with couches or chairs. Other amenities include an infinity pool, hot tub, and on-site restaurant and bar.
Just minutes from the beach in Monterosso, as well as the path to Levanto, Hotel Villa Adriana offers a tropical getaway for guests. The pool is nestled in a luscious garden setting with plenty of spots to relax and unwind in the warm September weather. The kids will love the playground. Along with standard rooms, the hotel offers three mini-suites with separate bedrooms and seating areas for extra space and privacy.
The village of Corniglia is home to two other small beaches, one close to the train station and the other about a 30-minute walk uphill and through the village. Neither one has any amenities or parking but both are peaceful and quiet. Spiaggione, the one closest to the station, often floods with high tides. With water temperatures near 22°C (about 72°F), it's still warm enough for swimming in September.
Consistently ranking as one of the best restaurants in Monterosso, Enoteca da Eliseo is the perfect spot to sit and sip on some of Italy's best wines. The wine bar serves local favorites including reds, whites, Proseccos, and dessert varieties. Owned by a friendly husband and wife team, Enoteca da Eliseo makes you feel like you're at home with family with the shared tables and laid-back atmosphere.
If you're craving an authentic Italian-style pizza, the Ristorante Pizzeria Da Ely can satisfy your craving. The delicious pizzas are cooked in a wood-burning oven, giving them a crunchy and crispy crust. While their pizzas are some of the best in the town of Monterosso, the restaurant also serves up pasta dishes like pesto ravioli, spaghetti al mare, and a variety of antipasto plates.
Offering a little bit of everything, La Cantina del Pescatore is a restaurant, wine bar, café, and bar all rolled into one. It's the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat and take a rest from exploring all the villages. It's also ideal for a pre- or post-dinner drink; you have to try the limoncello, made from local lemons. You can also try one of several local wines and the kids will love the different sodas.
The village of Monterosso is known for its delicious anchovies, and in September each year the town celebrates its delicacy with a festival. The Sagra dell'Accuiga, or Anchovy Festival, features the tasty little fish. Traditionally, you eat the anchovies with olive oil and a glass of white wine and the town offers an anchovy banquet for everyone to enjoy.
Head outside the Cinque Terre area and take an excursion with Trek Guyd that explores Palmaria Island. The all-day tour starts at the Riomaggiore train station and travels to La Spezia for sightseeing. From there, you travel to the Palmaria Island where you'll experience the sights of the island, stopping for a local lunch and swimming. On the way back to Riomaggiore, you'll make stops in Portovenere, Manarola, and Vernazza.
Jump on an electric bike and take a tour of some of the villages outside Cinque Terre. Arbaspaa offers the tours, which explore the villages of Framura and Bonassola. The tours depart from Levanto and travel the paved roads that wind around and through the coastal hillsides. The tours take about four hours and you'll finish back in Levanto with a glass of white wine and focaccia.
