No Place to Stay in Cinque Terre - Sep29 - Oct 2nd

I would check out nearby Santa Margherita Ligure or Rapallo. They are just a few train stops away. Personally, I prefered both to the Cinque Terre, but you can enjoy both worlds based here. Have fun! Great time of year to go too.

we are staying in Santa Margheritta as well check out travel advisory site.

We've stayed in Levanto and just caught the trains that go to the c.t. - very easy to do. Levanto is a nice quiet town favoured by European
tourists more than those from North America. Lots of good restaurants - even a pleasant beach.

On September 29th, when you get off the train, there will be people greeting the train trying to rent rooms. There are far more rooms available than those that book via internet. If you don't find something suitable right away you can do what we did. We went to one of Rick's suggested hotels in Vernazza, told them what we needed, a discussion ensued between several women, then they offered us a decent apartment (at a good price). It may be slightly problematic going into the weekend but four days is a pretty long stay in CT and makes you an in-demand guest (they really like long stays).

I agree, if you spend 4 nights you should get a better deal. We stayed in Riomaggiore which we thought was the best, had a super 'hotel' , not as touristy as other places, good restaurants and shops. Try emailing hotels directly.

In Vernazza, try: http://www.elisabettacarro.it

That's shoulder season enough that you probably will be able to find something right when you get off the train. Good luck.

Check out www.acasa5terre.it They have apartments in all the villages.

Another vote for Levanto and take the train to the CT. I was there in 2008 and loved the wide bay, the beach and the little beach houses. It was slower paced and after a long day of fighting the crowds of Americans carrying Rick Steves' guides in the 5 villages, it was pleasant to return to Levanto (imo).

We're in the same boat for CT, but our dates are 9/25-9/27. Have emailed a dozen+ places, with no availability. Rick (in the book) says just to show up, but I'm nervous we'll get there and be out of luck. Could use advice or a reassuring words from others who have done it before. Will we be met at the station by nice people with rooms to rent, or will we be left on the streets?

Bridget, you'll be met by people. The fallback plan if you don't find lodging, is to take the train to Levanto and find lodging there. Ask at the TI office if you don't see someone at the train station.

If you do not have a reservation. I would recommend to stop by Riomaggiore first. They have three to four room rental offices (Shops) on main street. If the locals have rooms, they will be standing in front of the rental offices. Try Mar-Mar rooms, they have over 30 rooms and also hostel. Rio rooms, five rooms, apt.
Good luck!

Matt - unsure of how many are in your party? But we are 3 families and looking at Agitourismo Buranco next year. http://www.burancocinqueterre.it/agriturismo.php?lang=en

Have you tried Monterosso al Mare? It is the largest of the CT towns and has more hotels than the rest of the towns. Many of the hotels are listed in the RS book. Try to stay in the Centro Storico and not Fegina (newer part).

I just returned from cinque terre and I would not reccomend just showing up- as you could be searching for a while for a place to stay. There was noone at the train stations waiting to rent rooms. We stayed in vernazza at a nice little apartment you can google taverna del capitano in vernazza. They have rooms for rent at an affordable price and offer you free breakfast at their restaurant by the sea.

Vernazza!! Try Rosa Vitali @ www.rosacamere.it and if she doesn't have anything she will help you find something. She is also recommended by RS. We were there during Easter and EVERYTHING was booked. She set us up with Marco whom met us at the Blue Marlin, bar/cafe. He walked us to our apartment right off the main road. It was VERY clean, quiet, just a short walk into town and CHEAP! On your way to seaside stop at Il Pirata, a cafe run by 2 smart-alec brothers whom speak several languages. Their food/coffee is great, their antics fun and insights/suggestions quite helpful.
Good luck and have a great time!