Originally Posted by
sanibel island girl
Any suggestions on places to eat and things to do. I will be there for 3 days in May and this is my first trip to Europe. I also love local Flea Markets. If you know of any in the area we are renting a car and can travel a reasonable distance. Thanks in Advance
I was just there about 2 weeks ago. We stayed in a B&B outside of Monterosso al Mare.
The thing to do in CT is to hike between the towns. Its not a terribly difficult hike.......the trail between the 5 towns is about 10-15 miles. Lots of up and downs, which the difficult portions being early on if you start from Monterosso al Mare. When you get to the end (or wherever you decide to stop) you can catch the train or ferry back to your starting point.
If you like flea markets, then you'll love the 5 towns (especially Monterosso). They are loaded with arts and crafts stores and there is a lot of local artwork on display.
As for places to eat............what I learned in Italy that it is very, very difficult to find a bad meal. Food is taken way too seriously in that country for a restaurant to survive serving sub par food. One day I picked up a sandwich at a gas station along the Autostrada...........so I'm sitting in the parking lot, eating my sandwich and drinking a beer thinking.........this is one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. So look around for a restaurant that looks nice and check out the menu. If it has something you like on it, then go in and sit down. I seriously doubt you will be disappointed.
I have 2 words of caution about CT...........One, watch out for pickpockets. If you see children approaching you, grab your bag/wallet because they're probably coming for it. During our travels I spoke to two Americans that got hit there. Two.......parking in CT is a real hassle. Some of the towns are completely inaccessible by car. The ones that aren't have very limited parking. Give careful consideration on where you stay and whether or not you will even need a car.