We are staying in Manarola and are curious about the parking situation. Does anyone have any strategies for finding a parking spot in the public lot? Do you have suggestions for the best time of day to get a spot? How open is the parking lot, did anyone have trouble getting a spot. Additionally, any information of the shuttle from the parking lot to the town would be appreciated.
Unless someone in your party has difficulty walking, the car will be useless in the Cinque Terre. Strongly suggest leaving car outside Cinque Terre at a train station and taking the train in, as you will either walk, use the train or boats when there. Plus, trains are cheap travel there.
With very limited exceptions (hotels with private parking lots mostly), tourist cars are not permitted in the CT. There are two public parking lots high above Monterosso and Riomaggiore. During the busy season, these lots are FULL and the authorities often close off the road to them.
CLICK HERE to see the parking information from www.cinqueterreonline.com which is where I get my information above. The best advice is don't take a car to the CT. The train is so much better and stops in the center of all of the towns (except Corniglia which is high above the station).
The only public parking lot that I know of is in Monterosso. Then either take the train, boat or hike to each village. There is no shuttle from the parking lot in Monterosso that I know of. Our hotel came to pick us up. We stayed at Porta Rocca in Monterosso.
If you are off season there is parking. We could have parked in October but left the car in La Spezia and trained in. I'm sure parking would be unavailable if it was summer.
Your car may not be safe i these lots assuming you can find a place. If you are there only one night it is less of a risk but anymore and I am not sure. Stay in Santa Margarita ligure at a hotel that has parking and ferry to CT for the day.