We will be staying somewhere in the CT in late June of this year and still trying to decide the best options. We will be driving up from Tuscany. RS advises against driving directly into the CT due to the difficult roads, etc. As a result we are trying to decide if its best to get our lodging in a nearby town (La Spezia or Levanto) and then take a train into the CT, or just leave the car at one of those respective town train stations and stay in a hotel right in the CT. I like the latter but feel a little funny about leaving the car at the train station for those days.
I would welcome any advice.
Bill
Posted by
Boston, MA
1832 posts
You cannot use the car once parked in CT or La Spieza train station so why does it feel wierd leaving it in a secure underground lot?
Normal advise aside this fall I drove from Pienza in Tuscany to Manarola
Stayed 3 nights in Manarola with the car parked in the Manarola pay lot the whole time
The drive was easy, worst part was driving through downtown La Spieza which you have to do if parking at the train station as well
Posted by
Treasure Island, Florida, USA
267 posts
Assuming you need the car after CT, have you looked into two different rentals vs the cost of keeping and paying for parking for the CT days? I would consider returning the car in Tuscany, enjoy CT, train to your next destination, and if you need a car, pick up another...?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
It may not save you any money to pick up a second car, based on the weekly rental rates. Changing cars would also usually mean taxis to/from La Spezia Centrale station and having to take all your gear into the Cinque Terre, even some not-valuable items that you might otherwise by comfortable to leave in the trunk. We'd rather let your car sleep in the relatively boring city of La Spezia and your body sleep in the destination you came to see.
Levanto also works as a hotel location, usually plan B if other towns are full up. It's only a 4-minute train ride to Monterosso. Of the five towns proper, Monterosso has the largest parking lot and may be best choice to fit your concerns.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
Here's thought. Stay in Portovenere and take the boat to CT.
Posted by
OP
milwaukee, WI, USA
176 posts
You guys are awesome, now my wheels are turning.
All said, I'm liking the idea of ditching the car in La Spezia and sleeping in the CT, Although the transit by boat is intriguing.
Thanks
Posted by
3 posts
Leaving your car in La Spezza is pretty easy. The pay lots have automated ticket machines sort of like every city center in Europe, except you can buy time in days as well as hours.
The trains are frequent and inexpensive. Manarola seemed to be a very convenient home base. (Cornelia would be a nightmare with several hundred steps to climb from the train station into the town. Definitely visit Cornelia from a trail above--see note below--and walk down to the train.)
A local guide in Manarola suggested that instead of commencing our hikes from Manarola, we should take the local bus that stops in front of the post office (fare=1.50€ when purchased ahead of time at the tourism booth at the train station, 3.00€ when purchased on-board) to Volastra. This small town is at the head of two beautiful trails, one relatively short trail leading back to Manarola, the other much longer trail to Cornelia and beyond. The difference between going up or down these trails is the key. Not only is the walk much easier, but also the spectacular views of the sea are in front of you!
One other tip: the national park fee for using the trails applies to the seaside trails. The high trails that depart from Volastra are free.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32402 posts
Bill,
"Stay in Portovenere and take the boat to CT."
That's not necessarily the best idea. Operation of the boats is dependent on the weather, so if the seas are rough, you'll be stuck in Porto Venere. Even if the weather is favourable, you'll be restricted by the boat schedules. I'd suggest staying in one of the five towns as you'll have access to the frequent trains there, and can easily and quickly get to any of the towns (ie: have dinner in one town and then return to your home base in the evening).
Of the five towns, Monterosso has the best parking options with car parks both in the "new town" and "old town". The "new town" location is right on the beach and quite large. I can't remember the charges. Some hotels there also provide limited parking for guests (usually on a "first come, first served" basis).
As you may be aware, when driving in Italy each driver listed on the rental form must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any CAA/AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which may be provided by the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot!
You may also want to have a look at some of the other posts here concerning the dreaded Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many Italian towns & cities especially Florence, which is almost saturated with automated ZTL cameras. EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket, which you won't know about until several months after you return home! This website provides more information - http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/driving/traffic_cameras_speeding.htm