Realistically, how long should I plan for a Cinque Terre stay

My husband and I took a day trip from La Spezia to just get a taste of CT. I think more time would be more fun. If you like hiking and/or hanging out in the main squares I think two days would be very nice. After that you might be interested in side trip.

We spent 3 nights. We spent the better part of one afternoon getting there from Rome. We hiked and took the boat and train between the different towns for 2 full days. We divided the hike in half. We left at the crack of dawn after our 3rd night to get the train to Venice. A lot of the places we looked into wanted us to book a 3 night stay. I am glad we did because it was so beautiful.

you need at least two full days of leisure after you factor in the travel time to get there. You can do a lot in one day, but why not slow down and enjoy...that is what Cinque terre is all about!

As long as you are not arriving in the evening of the first day and leaving early your last day you should be fine. If you are into the hike, with stops in each town that would eat up most of your day, but I suggest only hiking a couple legs and spending more time relaxing on a beach, sitting having a glass of wine, or just walking the towns. I really loved the CT the first time, bit disappointed the second, not sure if I'll be back, probably will. Obviously the charm is quaint small towns in a beautiful setting, unfortunately, shuffling shoulder to shoulder with the crowds down the streets takes alot away. Evenings, after the tour groups depart can be better, or finding the out of way spots still affords some of the magic. It is still a nice respite from big cities and worth the trip, just not worth 3,4, or 5 nights with the thought of relaxing.

You didn't say what time of the year you were going. If you are there during the height of the season, I agree with the writer who suggested Santa Margherita Ligure...we stayed there early last October at the Metropole and had a lovely time...visited the CT via train but found it to be very crowded with tourists...

We will be there in early October, more specifically October 9 & 10, but if we add added day then it will be from the 8th - 10th.

I went for 2 days and stayed 7 but as I was traveling for 3 months with no set itinerary, I could. Stayed at an amazing apt for 25 USD each per night (3 of us) by getting off the train and being met by Hugo--everyone in town knows him, just ask at a market or internet cafe. I think we stayed in Riomaggiore and did every hike in between the towns. Got to know the locals and often sat until dawn drinking wine in their establishments after everyone else had gone home. Depends on what kind of traveler you are--fast and furious on the tourist treadmill or do you like to get to know the area and the locals? FYI--can't remember what hike it was but there was an old guy selling olive oil and limoncella--the beverage was very strong, only imbibe at the end of your hike when you're on your way home by train but what an amazing experience. The next day I went back and his wife had baked up some pastry and fresh bread. How can you beat that?

Two full days is enough. They are very small towns.

We just got back last week. We spent 2 nights....2.5 days in CT. we based in Vernazza and thought it was perfect. Our first day we hiked to Monterosso and had a GREAST MEAL at Biky. Then took boat back.
SPend evening in Vernanzza walking, wining, talking to people
next day we hiked the south three towns, lunched, took boat back. LEft am of next day.
We stayed at Martinas rooms..great!

I feel 3 nights is just right. Our last stay there we stayed a 4th night due to a train strike. It gave us a day to hang out in the sun but we felt ready to go. Two nights will not give you the time to just sit in a cafe and watch the locals and the sea. If you are a slow traveler and wish to experience the ambience, give yourself the extra day.

We just returned and two nights is really the minimum - we stayed 3 nights. We hiked all the towns one day and then did some additional hiking the next. You can easily do all 5 towns in one day - so if that is your goal - two nights is enough.

Sounds about right. One for the trail, one for the towns, and one extra. Just got back. We loved Vernazza as a home port, but Monterossa would make sense too. Had a great meal at Miky in Monterossa.

BTW, a lot of folks overlook Porto Venere, which can be reached by boat from the CT towns. (It's one town south of the CT but the turnaround point for the CT boat line.) It's a gem. Castle, tower, two medieval churches, ancient merchant street, and a beautiful little harbor square. For some reason, not many Americans get here--maybe because it's not easily accessible by land. But well worth it, esp. if you have 3 days.