From Rick's book, it seems that Manarola would be preferable, however there are more options for us to stay in Riomaggiore. Hoping for advice from this forum...is it better to stay in Manarola even if the view is small, vs Riomaggiore with a more favorable view? It would be for 2 nights...yes, I know not enough time, but all we have unfortunately.
Anyone have experience in Volastra? Am wondering how convenient/inconvenient the shuttle buses actually are.
Thank you
Hi cld.. "...is it better to stay in Manarola vs. Rio..?" There is no way to answer this without knowing your preferences. All of the towns have their pros and cons; everybody has different things that are important to them. As far as Volastra; it is a mile or two up a very steep road. There is regular shuttle service, but I would be reluctant to stay there; for me, staying in a seaside town is one of the main draws of the area. Enjoy your trip!
Thanks Bob, I had read that Manarola was a much nicer town. We would want a quiet place to stay that has easy access to the train and the trails that connect the villages. Oh and with a view of the sea!
I would not stay in Riomaggiore unless the Via dell'Amore is open the whole way to Manarola. And apparently the re-opening has been delayed until,April 2016. That would decide it for me.
https://cinqueterre.a-turist.com/the_blue_path
But maybe you will be there after that? Even so,,the re-opening could be delayed further. You cannot count on that date.
We stayed in Manarola and loved it. We were high up in the village at La Torretta, and our "partial sea view" room actually had a lovely view.
Thank you! I had not researched what parts of the trails were open. I have one option only in Manarola - Studio Lucio. By chance, does anyone have any first-hand experience with this unit?
Stay in either Riomaggiore or Manarola, whichever town you can get a nice room. Try for a sea view. Volastra is farther away uphill.
Whichever town you choose, the train can get you to the next one in 5 minutes, so you can spend time in both.
I enjoyed staying in Manarola even without a sea view - I had a view of gardens and an old lady tending her rabbits.
