Cinque Terre

Wherever you can find suitable accommodations is good. Monterosso, is a bit bigger, so it has more choices of hotels and restaurants, but since all villages are quaint and all of them are well connected by rail, any will do. The one I don’t care much for is Corniglia. It’s up the hill so a long climb from the station (although there is a shuttle bus).

Early October is in the most active period for cruise ships. Vernazza in June 'a little crowded'! You are one gregarious fellow.

Since you were recently there, did any of the other towns seem more to your liking? I think all the towns can be crowded since they are so easy to get to one or another. Personally we loved staying in Vernazza. If we were going back, we would avoid Corniglia for the reasons stated above.

I would also recommend Monterosso, for the reasons that Roberto stated. It's the largest of the five towns and therefore has the greatest numbers of hotels, restaurants and other tourist facilities.

That area should be starting to quiet down in October but keep in mind that some of the tourist businesses in all the towns start to wind down for the season in about November.

Another Monterosso fan here for same reasons Roberto provided.

All so very helpful. I did like Vernazza. But I wanted to see what others thought. I love the idea of thinking about where to eat! That is so helpful! Thanks to all!