We are travelling from Nice to Cinque Terre area in Mid September and are really undecided where to stay.
Wanting a reasonably priced place with the option of having things to do in the evening would be great.
We are considering staying anywhere from Levanto to Lerici. We plan on staying 3 nights. We will not be renting a car and will utilize train and bus (Lerici/La Spezia) if need be
Any thoughts on your personal preferences would be great.
Thank you
Posted by
Boston
1710 posts
The choice is really between La Spezia and Levanto. Using the bus to come and go from Lerici or Portovenere would be a significant damper on excursions, as would using the ferry more than once due to the time and expense. If it's your first Italy trip, I'd suggest Levanto - everyone enjoys it and it's a good balance between authentic Italian and tourist accommodating. If you've been to Italy before, La Spezia is enjoyable and easy for an urban Italian experience. It has had a reputation as a dingy seaport, but that is long gone. Today, it's clean with good gardens and waterfront promenade and still has an enthusiasm for visitors. There are some nice attractions - the Lia Museum has a Renaissance painting collection that any city outside of Italy would die for.
Posted by
OP
66 posts
Great info Mike. I had read on other sites about avoiding La Spezia because of the reasons you had mentioned. Any favourite hotels in either area that you or anyone else can recommend. Obviously walking distance to train would likely be necessary for trips to CT and surrounding areas.
Posted by
Moncton NB
1045 posts
My preference is Vernazza, and I recommend the Hotel Gianni Franzi. Beautiful views and patio over the ocean.
Posted by
Boston
1710 posts
I've seen the Hotel Crismar has a good location and reviews. Also mentioned here: http://www.apathtolunch.com/2014/06/la-spezia-travel-guide-top-ten.html
Posted by
Boston, MA
1829 posts
If you can find accommodations you like stay in one of the 5 towns.
The most enjoyable times are early morning and evening when most of the day trippers are gone.
If you stay outside and commute in you will get likely more conveniences/luxury with your lodging dollar but you then become one of the day trippers.
I prefer either Manarola or Vernazza (they are the most picturesque) ; Monterosso has more options for dining / evening so may appeal more to you if you want a little more action. Monterosso also has the most lodging options and is flatter than the other towns. Corniligia is one I would shy away from given it's distance from the sea and it sounds like you don't want to be secluded in the evening. It is a good town to visit and has great views but a little too small and secluded for staying there I thought. Riomaggiore seemed fine, not overly memorable compared to the rest so would be lower on my list but would not hesitate to stay here if I found a great lodging option there compared to what was available in the other 3 places.
Cost wise, Riomaggiore is likely a little lower in price than the others.
In terms of price anything will a view will definitely drive the price up and typically mean many steps with your luggage to reach, places without a view can be very low cost and typically will require less walking/less steps.
I think you can find for the same money a place in one of the 5 towns than you can outside of them ; keep in mind I am talking airbnb properties since most everything outside of a couple of hotels in Monterosso are really B'nB's or BnB without breakfast more commonly ; everything is small and family run. The only logical reason I can see for staying outside of the 5 towns is if you wanted/needed luxuries like a beachside place, a pool, high standard of service that only a large hotel could provide. Large hotels don't exist in the 5 towns.