I will be in Florence either the week of Sept26 or Oct3 (dates are still pending). While I wanted to visit Cinque Terra for an overnight visit, I cannot find an available room. I have been using Rick's book as a guide for hotels since his recommendations have never failed me in the past. There is a one day tour out of Florence for around $200 US and I'm wondering if one day would do Cinque Terra justice, or if I should bite the bullet and spend more for a hotel room if I can find availability (which seems to be a challenge for either of these time periods)?
Posted by
Richmond
7 posts
Hotel Belvedere in Bonnasola was recommended to us by a family member, apparently a very short train ride from the Cinque Terre, and away from the tourist crush.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
Last time we visited CT we stayed a bit off-campus in nearby Tellaro, at the Locanda Miranda B&B. It's a B&B with restaurant, and it was terrific. If you won't have a car, you can easily take a bus or even a taxi to La Spezia, where you can get on the Cinque Terre train.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
Try www.elisabettacarro.it in Vernazza.
Posted by
Holliston, MA
11 posts
We were in Cinque Terre last year (Monterosso al Mare), but waited too long to book this year. We are staying in Portovenere, which is a ferry ride from Cinque Terre, just south of Riomaggiore if I remember correctly. Very pretty seaside town, we had no trouble getting rooms. Good luck!
Posted by
manarola, italy
63 posts
Hello, in my opinion a daily trip from Florence may result too stressing and "not give justice" as you say. Also it will not be so difficult to find a room if you're flexible about the type of accommodation... I can give you a couple of links to check: - <a href="http://en.baranin.com">B&B Da Baranin Manarola</a> very good quality service. -<a href="http://www.cinqueterre.com/eng/form_ricerca.php">Find hotels in Cinque Terre</a> (also online booking available on the site.) Bye
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
The high season ends after September. If it's not a weekend, you should be able to show up and be offered something at the train station (by owners who wait for the trains to arrive). Most often the place they offer will be a flat rather than a hotel room and cheaper than the price you would have paid by booking a hotel room ahead.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Lisa, I agree that you wouldn't be "doing the Cinque Terre justice" by only going for a day. Most of the day would be spent on travel to and from the area, so you wouldn't have time to see much. You might try * www.5terre-marmar.com/ * in Riomaggiore as they may have rooms available during that time (you'll have to cut & paste the link inside the asterisks, given the current "technical problems" on the HelpLine). If they do have a vacancy, as I recall you MUST arrive prior to 17:00 as that's when the office closes. AT LEAST one night would be very worthwhile! At that time of year, I'd be very surprised if there wasn't something available in Monterosso as well, as there are a wide range of accommodations available there. Are you interested in "budget lodgings" or something a bit more "upscale"? Good luck and happy travels!