Cinque Terre- best home base

aimee, Everyone has their own views on how much time is suitable in the C.T., but I'd suggest at least two or three nights. That will allow time to hike the trails and enjoy the atmosphere of the area, without being rushed. The "best home base" is also a matter of personal opinion. A large part of the group here seems to prefer Vernazza, but I prefer some of the other towns. I stayed in Riomaggiore on my last visit, and will be staying in Monterosso this September. In my view, that's a good way to learn a bit about each of the towns. I'll probably make it to Vernazza eventually. Cornigila is probably the least favourite town, as it's located high on a bluff, so not as accessible to the rail station (there is a Shuttle though). In terms of "ease" in hiking the trails, it doesn't really matter which town you stay in, as they're all very easy to reach via the local train. I'd suggest having a look at the Italy Guidebook and read the descriptions of each of the villages. That should provide a good idea on which one best fits your preferences. Happy travels!

You can take a quick train ride to/from any of the 5 towns, so it's really a matter of where you want to hike that day. Hop the train to the town you want to start in, then hike to wherever you like and train home (or hike home). We found a great restaraunt we liked in one town, then the next day planned our hiking to end up in that town. Great time.

Aimee, I agree with Ken that 3-4 nights is a good amount of time for the CT. We stayed in Monterosso and enjoyed it because it's the largest of the 5 towns which means more amenities & restaurants, etc. & it's fairly flat so you don't have to walk up/down hills or tons of stairs to access your hotel. I agree with Ken about Corniglia; I probably would not want to stay there but would not hesitate to stay in the rest of the towns. I also loved Vernazza and will consider staying either in Vernazza or in Monterosso again when we go back next year.

Corniglia while in the middle is the most difficult to get in and out of because the train station is about a kilometer downhill from the town and it's a steep hill. If it's hot, rainy or you a tired from walking around I would say it's the least advantageous of the 5T. We stayed in Monterosso al Mare which is nice because it is two towns and flat (though there is a big hill up to the cemetery we climbed. Vernazza is a cute little town too. I enjoyed all the towns. We stayed 3 nights which was good but if there is bad weather it may seem long as there is not much to do there but walk/hike.

Writing this from Vernazza... Whoever commented about Corniglia was correct. Very steep, narrow road from town to the train station. The hiking is not for the faint of heart nor weak of legs. Lots of up and down with stairs. You can access the villages pretty easy from either La Spezia or Santa Margerita or Levanto, so you might want to consider them as a base and work with the trains.

Depending on the type of traveller you are, I think two days are sufficient. It takes about a day to hike and explore the towns. In terms of hiking I like the views on the stretch between Corniglia and Vernazza. No matter where you stay, you can always use the train to move to starting points for your hikes or head back to your base when you're done. I like Riomaggiore as a place to stay. Have fun.

I will be staying in Riomaggiore because: 1) it has good train connections 2) groceries, restaurants and bars 3) not as popular as Vernazza 4) not as touristy as Monterosso 5) Corniglia too small/hard to access 6) could not find cheap accommodation in Manarola. Check out Cinqueterre Residence in Riomaggiore.

I found Vernazza the most quaint. We stayed there and I thought it was a decent choice. To add a beach (and purportedly nightlife), I'd choose Monterosso. Of the group, I wouldn't choose Corniglia. It's a hike from the water (and train).