cinque terre area

Ciao, Judy! We LOVE Albergo Pasquale, right on the beach, in Monterosso al Mare. Kids play out on the main square, right there, too, Piazza Garibaldi. Because Monterosso is the 'biggest,' most active of the five villages...live music on the rocks in the summer, an old town and new town, the largest of the CT beaches...I think with kids, it's the most entertaining.

I’ll recommend La Torretta in Manarola.

Judi[INVALID]-how many kids and how old are they? We loved La Toretta as well, but it would not be suitable with small children. With children, an apartment might work best for you, or maybe a quad room at Hotel Villa Steno in Monterosso al Mare.

My kids are 4 & 6. I'm only staying 1 night, and I've found that to be a problem. Any advice would be great.

I'd suggest trying Hotel Villa Steno and Hotel Pasquale in Monterosso. They are ownded by the same family. The website for Villa Steno, at least, doesn't say anything about minimum stay. They may, however, have one on weekends. But it can't hurt to ask!

I'd recommend two nights (or more) if there's any way you can make that work. One night just gets you an afternoon of exploring.sightseeing.

We thoroughly enjoyed Albergo Marina in Monterosso although it's not by the beach. Wonderful staff and breakfast.

In Vernazza, try: www.elisabettacarro.it

Just got back. Have to say the Hotel Margherita in Monterroso. Modern, extremely clean, great breakfast, an hour of free internet each day (with a laptop included) and A/C. It is right on the main Via and my kids loved it. If you are near the water it is loud with people and the train goes right by.

One other thing; as for time, we extended from 2 to 3 days. There is no way you can see the other towns, walk some of the trail, shop, eat and enjoy the beach. Bonus tip, bring water shoes for everyone, a must have (and my flip flops are currently somewhere in the Mediterranean).