My husband and I are leaving in one week for Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast. We plan to stay only 2 1/2 days this time in Cinque Terre and have nothing booked at this point. Does anyone have a suggestion for a nice,quiet, moderately prised room in Manarola or another quiet town? (We're finding Rick's reccommendations are faily booked.) Another question: What about recommendations for things to do and where to stay in Ischia? We'll be on the Amalfi Coast for about 2 weeks. Any general recommendations for must-see or great places to stay there would also be appreciated!
Cheryl and Mark
My family and I spent 2 weeks in Sorrento the beginning of July. We rented an apartment through VRBO.com (vacation rental by owners) so that we could have the flexibility to prepare some meals. Sorrento has a bus and train system that will get you to many places on the peninsula. I'd recommend taking the local bus from Sorrento to Amalfi, Positano, and you can ask the locals about small towns they would recommend. You can take the ferry from the marina in Sorrento to go around the peninsula-gorgeous views of the coast. There's a ferry from the marina that will also take you to Capri.The blue Grotto is worth the boat ride and expense. We spent 2 nights in Ischia and although the southern part of the island is lovely, I don't think that I would spent more than 2 nights there. The ports where the ferries dock are crowded.
Cheryl - At this late time you might have a problem booking La Cinque Terre - A thought for your consideration. Santa Margherita is about 75 miles north of La Spezia - A Beautiful town with some great scenic hotels and my favorite that I've taken small groups to is Hotel Metropole - Google it and check it out. A short distance from Santa Margherita is Rapallo where you can catch a train that will drop you off in any of the villages - Either way be sure to walk some of the trails - Fantastic on the cliffs - Riomaggiore to Manarola is my favorite section.
Have a Great Time whatever you do!!, Greg
Cheryl, we will be staying in Manarola at http://www.carugiu.com/ in september too, it seems quiet, only 70euros for a double, but no view. They are pretty fast at answering emails back. Good luck!
I would suggest staying on the island of Procida instead of Ischia. It is a stones throw from Ischia and a great place for relaxing. We spent a week there a few years ago. It has several very good beaches and the couple of towns on the island are really wonderful. No American tourists at all. When we checked into our hotel we were told that we were the first Americans to ever stay there. Very few vehicles on the island and fabulous food.
Thanks to all of you for your helpful suggestions! We leave tomorrow, and we were fortunate enough to find a nice apartment in Corniglia even at this late date! We'll post our review of it later. Thanks again and happy trails to all of you!