Our family of 4 (with college-age daughters) will visit Italy for 2 weeks next June. We plan a short (2-night) break for relaxation and hiking at Cinque Terre in the middle of the trip. I have read everything I can find on Cinque Terre, here, in Rick's book, and other travel forums, and have talked to friends and family members who have been there, and am still having difficulty choosing a place to stay. I am hoping you can help.
First off, I will say that I have heard and read the negative opinions about CT: that it is over-crowded, too touristy, the locals are fed up with tourists and sometimes rude, etc. But I've also read how much it is loved by some. So we want to go see for ourselves.
I am trying to choose the most pleasant/charming village, and have narrowed my choice to Manarola and Vernazza. Manarola seems to be quieter, more in the vineyards, but with deep-water swimming available (a good thing for our family). Vernazza looks stunning in the photos, but seems to be more crowded, busier. I would appreciate feedback on these impressions.
For lodging, I am more interested in a lovely view terrace than a cheap price. Not that we will spend all our time at the rooms---far from it. But at the end of a day of hiking, we like to relax on the deck or balcony with a glass of wine and just enjoy the view. Right now I am considering La Toretta in Manarola--at the high end of our price range---and La Marina Rooms in Vernazza. We would have the apartment there, which is built right into the wall you see in the photo: http://www.lamarinarooms.com/index.html
It is right above the water, but I wonder if that rock-bound terrace might be too hot to enjoy?
Anyway. . . if anyone has stayed at either place, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks for your help.