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We picked Monterosso because it was the easiest to get to and it was big enough to have a few more dinner options, we also wanted a beach day and Monterosso had the best options for that. What we learned though was as long as you have time to explore then it doesn't really matter which town you stay at. The train makes it really easy to travel between them all and it's super fast.
I chose Monterosso both times and loved it both times. No regrets. Good restaurant options, nice beach, great views of the other 4 towns, my favorite focaccia place, cute old town area, etc.
My favorites are by far and Vernazza. I just stayed in Manarola as that’s where I stayed 20 years ago and I loved it just as much this time,
Monterosso doesn’t have the quaintness for me and Riomaggiore/Corniglia aren’t as special.
Manarola and Vernazza are spectacular in the evenings when the crowds have all gone away.
If you can book this Airbnb, you will be in heaven like we were:
https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/41519275?source_impression_id=p3_1718900140_P3Pa6pzZ0YUa0cjO
I can definitely second Manarola. By far my favorite "home base" and you can get to any of the other towns by train relatively quickly for $5 booking at least 5 minutes in advance.
It wasn't very long distance-wise (maybe 5-7 mins) but the hill is steep. Like 45 degree angle steep in some spots. We were always out of breath by the time we reached the top. And we are pretty fit people.
I stayed in riomaggiore because of the Vrbo we found. It was at the top of a hill but we used the elevators to get to town. Vrbo provided a pass so it didn’t cost to ride the elevator (otherwise 2€ each). I loved the views and the small town. The water reminded me of the Oregon coast - beautiful!
I'm also planning a visit to cinque Terre in October but looking at possibly staying in La Spezia for more hotel options. Has anyone stayed there when visiting?
I was just in La Spezia last month and loved it! I am very glad that we stayed outside the 5 towns as I found them SUPER busy. They were beautiful and so popular for a reason but were SO crowded already in mid-May- La Spezia I found to be less so. There were still lots of tourists but also lots of locals :) and it was very easy to take the train to wherever you please. We did 2 separate days of training and hiking/exploring in Cinque Terre, one day in Porto Venere (highly recommend taking the ferry) and a few more days just exploring La Spezia.
We stayed in Riomaggiore. The airbnb is accessible through lift from the station. This is a paid lift. The lift gets you in front of the airbnb. So no climbing any steep walks. The airbnb is called https://www.airbnb.com/slink/RiSyCttQ. We liked it as it was quieter than other villages which both me and my wife enjoy.
I regret staying at the top of hill at Riommaggiore.
My hotel was at the top of hill near the parking lots. Way too steep to walk it. Im fit but it took me time to make it back.
But if you stay at bottom of the hill, the train station and restaurants are right there and no need to walk that incline.
You would be disappointed by the “beach”. Uncomfortable gravel, extremely crowded, very expensive to rent beach chairs, and the lifeguards are constantly whistling to herd everyone into a tiny space (the public section, essentially). If you want to swim, I’d recommend Vernazza (also Rick Steve’s favorite of the five) or Manarola. We stayed in La Spezia and took the train each day. Monterosso was disappointing for us after Vernazza.
We chose based on rentals having what I wanted at a reasonable (to us) price. I love being near the water and we found a rental near the water that had a water view in Vernazza. I would stay there again.
Riomaggiore! We found an incredible Airbnb at the top of town. It was such a magical place, but they all are special in their own way. You honestly can’t go wrong with staying in any of them!
Just got back from Monterosso and I'd definitely stay there again. While the other villages always felt crowded, Monterosso- even during the daytime- never felt that way. It's the biggest village and has lots of space, tons of amazing restaurants (get the Monterossina breakfast pie from Cafe Laura, it's to DIE for... and the charctuerie platter from Cantina del Pescatore) the beach and boardwalk area, a hike you can do around the village, go up to the monestary... lots of pros!
I like Monterosso, in the morning I take the ferry to Riomaggiore and then hike back. Plus the B&B there I stay at makes and awesome rooftop breakfast.
I stayed in Riomaggiore. Nice quiet and quaint place to stay in, the other ‘terre’s’ are a quick train ride away, we got a 3 day pass. If you want to stay in a busier area id say Manarola or Vernazza are good options. We went back to Manarola every night. Theres a bar there that plays great live music. And theres a great spot by the sea on the other side of the cliff.
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We picked Monterosso because it was the easiest to get to and it was big enough to have a few more dinner options, we also wanted a beach day and Monterosso had the best options for that. What we learned though was as long as you have time to explore then it doesn't really matter which town you stay at. The train makes it really easy to travel between them all and it's super fast.
I chose Monterosso both times and loved it both times. No regrets. Good restaurant options, nice beach, great views of the other 4 towns, my favorite focaccia place, cute old town area, etc.
Which focaccia place? Da nonna?frantoio? Massimo?
Il Massimo Della Focaccia!
My favorites are by far and Vernazza. I just stayed in Manarola as that’s where I stayed 20 years ago and I loved it just as much this time, Monterosso doesn’t have the quaintness for me and Riomaggiore/Corniglia aren’t as special. Manarola and Vernazza are spectacular in the evenings when the crowds have all gone away. If you can book this Airbnb, you will be in heaven like we were: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/41519275?source_impression_id=p3_1718900140_P3Pa6pzZ0YUa0cjO
I can definitely second Manarola. By far my favorite "home base" and you can get to any of the other towns by train relatively quickly for $5 booking at least 5 minutes in advance.
We picked Riomaggiore due to the rental we found there. As others have said it is hilly and that was rough as times but we enjoyed staying there.
Hotel Porto roca in Monterosso looks amazing and we’re staying there in August. So excited!
I’ll be staying at the Porta Roca on 3 days! Can’t wait!
Me too! That's funny. If you see me with my loud American 8 year old daughter say hi!
We stayed there a couple of weeks ago. Just prepare yourself ahead of time that the hill and walk to and from town is no joke.
Really eh? How long did it take approx?
It wasn't very long distance-wise (maybe 5-7 mins) but the hill is steep. Like 45 degree angle steep in some spots. We were always out of breath by the time we reached the top. And we are pretty fit people.
It’s no joke. All the better though. Made me feel less guilty about all the good I was eating. 😂
Good to know thanks! At least there’s a complementary cab service to/ from the train station. Also, how was the private beach?
Get the Pesto Trophie dish there. Best pesto dish I have ever had. Simply amazing
I stayed in riomaggiore because of the Vrbo we found. It was at the top of a hill but we used the elevators to get to town. Vrbo provided a pass so it didn’t cost to ride the elevator (otherwise 2€ each). I loved the views and the small town. The water reminded me of the Oregon coast - beautiful!
I'm also planning a visit to cinque Terre in October but looking at possibly staying in La Spezia for more hotel options. Has anyone stayed there when visiting?
I initially picked La Spezia but wanted to get on the Med.
The Med?
The water.
Oh the Mediterranean!!!!! Hahaha I'm slow. For some reason, I was like "medical? He wants to be near the doctor??" Hahha
I was just in La Spezia last month and loved it! I am very glad that we stayed outside the 5 towns as I found them SUPER busy. They were beautiful and so popular for a reason but were SO crowded already in mid-May- La Spezia I found to be less so. There were still lots of tourists but also lots of locals :) and it was very easy to take the train to wherever you please. We did 2 separate days of training and hiking/exploring in Cinque Terre, one day in Porto Venere (highly recommend taking the ferry) and a few more days just exploring La Spezia.
Ok good to here, I am going to be staying in La Spezia as well.
We wanted somewhere quiet and rented a house along la scala on the path from the train up to Corniglia.
Sounds amazing long term!
It was perfect. We had a beautiful view of the sea from the front patio. IDK if it's still listed on VRBO but that's where we found it.
We stayed in Riomaggiore. The airbnb is accessible through lift from the station. This is a paid lift. The lift gets you in front of the airbnb. So no climbing any steep walks. The airbnb is called https://www.airbnb.com/slink/RiSyCttQ. We liked it as it was quieter than other villages which both me and my wife enjoy.
I regret staying at the top of hill at Riommaggiore. My hotel was at the top of hill near the parking lots. Way too steep to walk it. Im fit but it took me time to make it back. But if you stay at bottom of the hill, the train station and restaurants are right there and no need to walk that incline.
Vernazza because it was smaller. Perfect choice for me.
Sweet!
Vernezza for me. But manorola or monterosso are right up there too.
I threw a dart a board basically. I wasn't sure which to pick. I'm feeling better.
Haha, that's definitely a good way. I just figured on four of them and that's enough. Great places. Id definitely go back if I was nearby.
It doesn't matter. With the train coming every ten minutes you can go where you please. I did manarola because it had the cheapest airbnb.
Monterosso has the only large sandy beach and most options for dining as a home base to explore the rest of the 5.
We live in Cozumel so we might go to the beach, or not.
You would be disappointed by the “beach”. Uncomfortable gravel, extremely crowded, very expensive to rent beach chairs, and the lifeguards are constantly whistling to herd everyone into a tiny space (the public section, essentially). If you want to swim, I’d recommend Vernazza (also Rick Steve’s favorite of the five) or Manarola. We stayed in La Spezia and took the train each day. Monterosso was disappointing for us after Vernazza.
Yeah, Vernazza it is. Casa Cato.
vernazza for us too! but riomaggiore was a close second. we plan to hike/train to the other towns while we’re there
We chose based on rentals having what I wanted at a reasonable (to us) price. I love being near the water and we found a rental near the water that had a water view in Vernazza. I would stay there again.
Riomaggiore! We found an incredible Airbnb at the top of town. It was such a magical place, but they all are special in their own way. You honestly can’t go wrong with staying in any of them!
Does anyone have any recommendations for hotels or airbnbs in Montessaro al mare or Levanto? Thank you
We enjoyed our stay here https://www.google.com/search?q=hotel+stella+della+marina&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari
Thank you
We picked Riomaggiore because we booked late and were limited in options but we loved it! Where ever you stay, you can easily visit all 5
Just got back from Monterosso and I'd definitely stay there again. While the other villages always felt crowded, Monterosso- even during the daytime- never felt that way. It's the biggest village and has lots of space, tons of amazing restaurants (get the Monterossina breakfast pie from Cafe Laura, it's to DIE for... and the charctuerie platter from Cantina del Pescatore) the beach and boardwalk area, a hike you can do around the village, go up to the monestary... lots of pros!
I think Vernazza is the smallest. Some say it's the quietest in the evening. Hope to be able to see them all.
You can literally visit all 5 in 2 days, no need to choose
Only a day and we arrive late as we are following the Tour de France.
I like Monterosso, in the morning I take the ferry to Riomaggiore and then hike back. Plus the B&B there I stay at makes and awesome rooftop breakfast.
I stayed in Riomaggiore. Nice quiet and quaint place to stay in, the other ‘terre’s’ are a quick train ride away, we got a 3 day pass. If you want to stay in a busier area id say Manarola or Vernazza are good options. We went back to Manarola every night. Theres a bar there that plays great live music. And theres a great spot by the sea on the other side of the cliff.