Both are wonderful places to stop and spend time and are beautiful. The hiking in Cinque Terre is amazing but it will likely have larger crowds. Lake Como will be probably be more peaceful and relaxing.
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Frankly, the Cinque Terre is a visual place and a sensual place. It's best to see it with your own eyes but if that luxury escapes you at the moment just check out these pictures taken by one of my guests. I've also published a perfect itinerary for a four-day stay in the Cinque Terre.
The area around Lake Como has a rich historical heritage. It was a popular retreat for Roman aristocrats and later served as a place of inspiration for writers, poets, and philosophers. The region's history and culture have left their mark on the architecture, art, and traditions of the area.
The Cinque Terre is made up of five villages on Italy's Ligurian coast. Not only is the entire region a national park, but it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The natural beauty of this rugged coastline is unmatched and draws visitors from all over the world.
Shopping and pricesThe Cinque Terre is not cheap. As everywhere in the world, tourism has raised prices. I often go to the market of La Spezia to shop for food, it's much cheaper than the stores of the villages. In restaurants, you have to expect Western European prices.
Vernazza: Located to the north of the Cinque Terre, Vernazza is probably the most beautiful and picturesque fishing village of Cinque Terre, where its colourful houses hang above the sea level on rugged cliffs. It has a charming natural port and an old castle, built to protect the area from pirates.
TIP: Due to its proximity, a visit to Cinque Terre can easily be combined with that of Tuscany. Here you can read more about the most beautiful towns of Tuscany.
Lake Como is a must-visit to add to your bucket list if you love the mountains. Located in northern Italy's Lombardy region, the majestic Bergamo Alps surround the lake. Cloaked in green in summer and white in winter, these peaks provide beautiful scenery all throughout the year.
However, for most itineraries, 2 days in Lake Como is a sufficient amount of time. You can also take a day trip to Lake Como from Milan, but I personally recommend staying in the region if possible. The lake is beautiful to see overnight.
It does not have to be expensive, but can be if you want it to be expensive. Typically I pay abot €11 for lunch in a bar and about €15 for dinner in a trattoria for dinner in the evening (both including wine). Restaurants will be more expensive.
You can walk the entire route in about six hours, if you take short breaks—although many hikers prefer to spread the route out over a few days at a strolling pace, stopping to enjoy the towns along the way. You can start from either direction (Monterosso, heading south, or Riomaggiore, heading north).
Overtourism in a fragile areaFabrizia Pecunia, the mayor of Riomaggiore, came up with the new plan for the 3,215- foot-long path to combat overtourism. Last year, about three million tourists visited Cinque Terre, a fragile national park. In contrast, there are fewer than 4,000 residents left in the area.
Lake Como is a popular tourist destination located in the Lombardy region of Italy. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, historic villas, and picturesque towns. Visitors to Lake Como can enjoy a variety of activities, including boating, hiking, and exploring the local culture and cuisine.
Being one of the most beautiful destinations in Italy, it will come as no surprise that Lake Como is extremely popular. Furthermore, the main tourist season here is rather short – approximately from March through October, with most tourists visiting in the peak summer months (June – September).