Cinque Terre

When? Where have you been trying? How long will you be there?

Lara, It would help if you could provide some further information. I'm not clear on your questions, or your reference to "new towne"??? When are you planning to be in the Cinque Terre???

Hi Ken- We are going to be there 2 nights in June. When I look at the CT maps it says Old Towne ( Historic) and New Towne - where they moved the train station- More beach like area. I have been able to find rooms at Albergo Marina and A Cu du Gigante. Beyond that everything seems booked. Just trying to decide if we should stay one or two nights? And if it CT is better for a 15 yr. old then Siena ?

We are going to be there 2 nights in June. When I look at the CT maps it says Old Towne ( Historic) and New Towne - where they moved the train station- More beach like area. I have been able to find rooms at Albergo Marina and A Cu du Gigante. Beyond that everything seems booked. Just trying to decide if we should stay one or two nights? And if it CT is better for a 15 yr. old then Siena ?

Lara:
"New Town" and "Old Town" refer to Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost of the 5 towns. You could look at each town independently: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. If you still cannot find a triple room ( Yes, you need a triple) consider La Spezia, a bit outside the CT but only a 20-25 minute train ride away, or Levanto, to the north. If a place you want to stay says "no room," ask if they can refer you to someone who would have a room. There are many that are unadvertised. Good luck!

So Lara, you found rooms at Albergo Marina, so why didn't you confirm them? It's a lovely place to stay, the staff is very warm and friendly, the breakfast is fantastic and the terrace is a fun place to enjoy the end of the day.

Hi All- Well I did book rooms per Rick's book in Monterosso at the A Cu du Gigante. I ended up deciding this was the best bet for us with my teenager . I tried to book both this one and the Albergo Marina (OT) and decided fate would decide. It did ......the Marina had booked the triple by the time they received my email. So if anyone has specific "To-do's" to recommend beyond what I will read in Rick's book - send it my way. I really think I needed a travel agent but I am going to read , type and beg for help instead! Thanks for the help so far.

Hi again, Lara.
Besides possibly hiking the CT trail, you can enjoy touring each village using Rick's guide. We hiked up to the mausoleum/cemetary in Monterosso for a fascinating view, then down the back side into town. Maybe not the dream of teenagers, but definitely off the beaten track. Each town has its charms and Rick does a nice job of laying out self-guided tours. You can also take a boat between the villages. No need for a guide at all. You may enjoy Il Pirata (the pirate) in Vernazza. Great food both mornings (amazing pastries) and evening for a dinners. The pirates are hilarious and fabulous cooks.

Lara, I wasn't clear on your last post. Are both Hotels that you tried booked? Have you tried the other listings in the Guidebook in both the "old town" and "new town"?

FYI I read on Trip Advisor that most of the hiking trails in Cinque Terre have reopened as of this weekend. They were closed for a while due to winter storm damage.