We are going to spend some time it the area next fall and were initially planning on staying in Vernazza, but came across an agriturismo in Levanto. I'd rather not deal with a car rental. Is Levanto a good alternative?
Levanto's a good alternative. You can board the local "regionale" train In Levanto. It stops at all the Cinque Terre towns. You won't need a car. All you'll have to do is find a way from your agriturismo to the Levanto train station. Lots of people park in Levanto and use the train to visit Cinque Terre.