Hotels/B&B's/Restaurants in Cinque Terre

Renee, the Vernazza to Corniglia section of the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) is still closed according to the Parco Cinque Terre website - although I'm reading some unconfirmed reports to the contrary. The section from Monterosso to Vernazza is open for sure, and there are other trails in the park but I've a feeling that's one you were intending to take? Reference the park's website for a map and key of which trails are open.

http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/sentieri_parco.asp?id_lingue=2

It's possible that they just haven't updated the site but what with some sketchiness regarding hiking route plus being very late in the game for booking this month, I'd probably spring for anything at all that's still available in any of the five.

Renee,
My wife and I stayed in Vernazza last month. We very much enjoyed the hospitality of Ivo Basso, who rents rooms as www.ivocamere.com. Our room and bathroom were very clean and comfortable and we were located 50 yards from the waterfront piazza. Very friendly hosts. Climbing several flights of stairs is required, but Ivo will gladly haul your luggage if you want him to.

Thanks kent..will def check out that place now!
Kathy...hmm.. i thought monterosso to corniglia was open and from corniglia to rio was closed ;( thanks I will have to double check.

At this late date, you may have to take whatever accommodations you can find in any of the towns. Your best bet would be to start looking in Monterosso as that's the largest of the towns, and therefore has the greatest number of hotels, B&B's, etc. It will be busy in the Cinque Terre at this time of year, and many of the places will already be booked. If you don't have a copy of the Italy guidebook, have a look at THIS list. There's a similar LIST for Vernazza.

A couple of places that would be great for sunset photos would be from Hotel Villa Steno or Hotel Porto Roca in Monterosso. Check their websites for an idea of the views.

Regarding the Sentiero Azzurro trails, the most recent information I've seen indicates that the Monterosso - Vernazza segment and the Vernazza - Corniglia segment are open as well as a short section of the Via dell' Amore from the Manarola end only. However, this status could change at any time due to weather conditions.

Yes, Corniglia to Riomaggiore is closed except for that little bit of the Via Dell'Amore that Ken mentioned, and I'm hearing conflicting reports on Vernazza - Corniglia: that it's closed, and that it's open but only sporadically. I tend to rely on the park's website but it can be difficult to keep any reference completely current what with the fragility of the trails.

But as previously mentioned, you won't have a lack of routes to explore should that section be under repair (will hope that it's not!) so I wouldn't worry. There are also some very decent climbs up to some cemeteries and churches in the villages themselves - well worth doing - so you'll get a nice workout!

Manarola may be the most photographed of the five towns, with an easy walk up to a great viewpoint.