CINQUE TERRE and LIGURIAN COAST

I haven't stayed here yet, and haven't seen any reviews more recent than 2 or 3 years ago, but after doing extensive research for an early May trip, this was the best option in my opinion:

Affitacamere Roberta

Via Gramsci, 119/E
19017 Riomaggiore - SP
Tel/Fax (+39) 0187-920789
Mobile (+39) 329-9264550

www.cinqueterre-camere.com

They were prompt to reply to e-mails, and had the most reasonable rates on an apartment with a terrace. They'll also send you a link to a webpage that has videos of their rooms. See if Arancio is available (the video of the view from the terrace looks amazing).

The downside is, it's in Riomaggiore - the southernmost town, if you're looking for a beach, I hear the best sand beaches are in the northernmost town - Monterosso al Mare.

Lori,

Your best bet would be to check the Italy Guidebook, as there are listings there for various types of lodgings in each of the Cinque Terre villages. There's also a good summary of each of the villages, which will provide you with some information on which one you might like to stay in.

You might check the web site for Mar-Mar Rooms in Riomaggiore, as they have a variety of reasonably priced, "charming and clean" rooms available.

However, as the previous post mentioned there's not much of a beach in Riomaggiore, just a small boat launch ramp leading down to the water. Vernazza has somewhat of a beach inside a small harbour protected by a breakwater. The largest beach is at Monterosso al Mare, which is the largest of the five villages on the north end (closest to Genova). Monterosso has both a "new" and "old" section of town, accessed via a short tunnel.

Happy travels!

Hi Lori,
I stayed in Vernazza two years ago. My place did not have a kitchen, so I cant help you on that front; however, Vernazza is really small, so everywhere you would stay is in walking distance to the water. Vernazza is not as beachy as some of the other towns, but I found it really charming. Also, wherever you decide to stay, enquire about the proximity of the location to the train station. Some places tout themselves as very convenient to the train station, which sounded good when I thought about the bags I'd be carrying, however, my accommodations were very loud as the train ran all night, shook the room, and I ended up having to get earplugs.

We walked the trail to all villages from Vernazza. We did Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore on day one and then Vernazza to Monterosso on Day 2.

In looking at my notes, it looks like Corniglia does not have a beach or access to the water right from town (not saying there might not be something nearby). Other than Vernazza, we liked Corniglia and Manarola best; Riomaggiore least. Monterosso has the largest beach, but looked kind of touristy to us. However, it was still nice and we werent there for the beach, so perhaps it would what you were looking for. Have a great time on your trip. I could have stayed an infinite amount of time in the Cinque Terre.

We stayed in Riomaggiore at Edi's Rooms on Rick's recommendation in his book. We had a 2 level apartamento with a small kitchen and a terraza overlooking the sea and the main drag. Very nice. No beach in Riomaggiore, but a real town with real people not just tourists. Worth a call, or email inquiry. We really enjoyed Riomaggiore and are staying there again.

Hello, just want to invite you to our site about the Cinque Terre where you can find useful info, hotel and B&B list and rates, pictures and travel tips.

Monterosso has a big public beach. According to R.S. Italy, the other Cinque Terre towns don't have much of a, if any, beach. The beach in Monterosso is more "small rocks" than sand, but it was very nice nonetheless!