Hi I am traveling to Florence in early October. Need advice on how to get to Cinque Terra and where to stay. Are we better off with a car or can we get there by train? We are arriving mid afternoon. We usually don't stay in hotels. Would love a good recommendation on an agriturismo or VRBO type of place. Thanks in advance for suggestions!
Posted by
Charleston, SC, USA
922 posts
Take the train from Florence. Most of the CT is off limits to cars. There is parking available at few locations, but it's much easier to travel between the town using the train or hiking. How long do you plan to be there? Try booking.com for hotels or use the RS Italy guide book. Lots of recommendations for lodging there, including apartments. We recently stayed at La Sirene Rooms. It's a hotel in Monterosso and only 5 minutes from the train station. It is fairly basic but the location is great.
Posted by
West Chester PA
109 posts
You might want to check out the Buranco agritourismo....I have stayed there twice as well as two sons & their wives. We all enjoyed the the property. It is in Monterosso. they only rent 3 cottages on the property which is a working vineyard.
Posted by
Ventura, CA, USA
297 posts
Take the train. Very easy. Usually just one stop/train change in La Spezia. Station in each of the towns. Easiest lodging would be in Monterosso. We have always stayed in old town at Locanda Il Maestrale. A B&B right in center of town. Close to everything and wonderful owners. Not to mention the best cappuccinos.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32214 posts
jk,
Travel by train to the Cinque Terre is the easiest method, since cars are prohibited from driving in the five towns. There are numerous trains from Florence to all the towns every day, usually with one or two changes at Pisa Centrale and La Spezia Centrale.
Where to stay is always a subject of debate, as each of us have our favourites. I prefer to stay in Monterosso as it's the largest of the five towns and therefore has the greatest number of lodgings, restaurants and other amenities, and also the nicest beaches. I can't offer any suggestions on VRBO type properties as I usually travel solo and stay in B&B-style hotels (I like a good breakfast and when on holidays, I DON'T cook or do dishes!!!).
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thx! unfortunately Buranco does not have availability :(
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Locanda Il Maestrale not available :(
Posted by
Ventura, CA, USA
297 posts
You might want to contact either of those two places and ask them for a recommendation? At Il Maestrale, ask for Giovanni or Stefania and ask them if they know of another place. They all know each other.