Cinque Terre News
The Disaster of October 25th
An unusually severe rainstorm brought flash flooding and landslides, to the Cinque Terre towns of Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare — filling the streets with rocks, mud and debris up to 12 feet deep. Three people drowned in Vernazza and one in Monterosso.
In November, relief workers removed all the mud from both towns, and work began to rebuild the streets and sewer systems. Many businesses will be up and running this spring and summer; others — especially in harder-hit Vernazza — await renovation and financial assistance.
Read a traveler's story of surviving the October 25th disaster.
See photos and videos of the disaster scene and the progress that is being made toward rebuilding
Share comments about the disaster and recovery on Rick Steves' Graffiti Wall
On April 25th, Rick took an emotional walking tour of Vernazza with representatives of Save Vernazza and Mayor Vincenzo Resasco (left). (Photo by Michele Sherman)
On March 21st, Italy's President Giorgio Napolitano traveled to Vernazza to meet with Mayor Vincenzo Resasco (center) and Liguria's President Claudio Burlando about the next steps in the rebuilding process.
Welcome back! Vernazza's Belforte Restaurant has reopened — as well as the Capitano, Gambero Rosso, La Torre, Pizzeria Baia Saracena, and Albergo Barbera. (Photos by Bea Newton)
Vernazza and Monterosso are Open for Business
Updated 5/17/2012
News from Rick Steves' Recent Visit
I visited Italy's Cinque Terre towns of Vernazza and Monterosso on April 25th, six months to the day after flash floods had devastated both communities. This was also Italy's Independence Day — a day of almost mandatory relaxation — but everyone was hard at work. Read more...
- Watch Rick's video of his return to Vernazza
- Read Rick's updated guidebook chapter on Vernazza + Monterosso
- Download/print the chapter in PDF form
Local News Sources
Many hotels and restaurants in Monterosso and Vernazza have reopened, with more to follow this summer. Researched and frequently-updated by our friends at Save Vernazza and Rebuild Monterosso, these lists (linked below) give you a good idea of what to expect:
Two important ways you can help:
1. Visit the Cinque Terre in 2012. This corner of Italy — especially Vernazza — needs travelers to keep their economy afloat. A family-run hotel or restaurant will not survive waiting a year or two for business to return. Honestly, you'll be a hero. If you can't make it in 2012, think of what you'd normally spend during a day in Vernazza or Monterosso, and donate that amount to one of the groups listed below!
2. Donate to local relief groups. We trust and recommend these:
- Save Vernazza is a very active and engaged non-profit organized by American ex-pats in Italy
- Per Vernazza Futura is a non-profit fund set up by the municipality of Vernazza
- Rebuild Monterosso is that town's municipal relief fund and information center
Articles by Rick Steves
Tours visiting the Cinque Terre in 2012
- Best of Italy in 17 Days Tour
- Best of Europe in 21 Days Tour
- Heart of Italy in 9 Days Tour
- My Way: Europe in 14 Days Tour
- Village Italy in 14 Days Tour
- My Way: Italy in 13 Days Tour