We plan to spend three days in Cinque Terra and are in need of direction as to what town to make our home. Both Vernazza and Manrola have caught our eye, but to hear other opinions would really help. Thank you!
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
695 posts
Loved Manarola! less busy, lots of nice restaurants, nice waterfront. Depends of what time of year you are going, Vernazza was packed with tourists in September.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
I was in Vernazza in May. The most complete of the little towns, and I would definitely recommend it. All of the towns can be quickly connected with the trains, so I had dinner in a different town every night, often returning by train at midnight to vernazza. Relaxing with a bottle of white and freshly harvested anchovies on the harbor in the afternoon shouldn't be missed. Both are great towns, but Vernazza is my vote if you're not in peak season.
Posted by
San Francisco, CA, USA
125 posts
We were there in July, and stayed in Manarola for 3 nights. Great little town, not as crowded at Vernazza during peak season. Since we were out almost all day, hiking or visiting the other CT towns, Manarola made a good home base for us.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
113 posts
We have an apartment in Corniglia in early June...anyone stayed there?
Posted by
Hoboken, NJ
16 posts
Does anyone recommend any good accommodations in Vernazza?
Posted by
Saint Helens, OR, USA
304 posts
Manarola or Riomaggiore yes. Vernazza maybe not. Everyone goes to Vernazza these days. Manarola & Riomaggiore are quieter, especially after sunset. Both have many rooms with terraces. Vernazza not so much. Vernazza is lively in the evening (maybe too much). Better to day trip & eat there. Have a glass of wine on Vernazza's breakwater at sunset, like Rick says. Vernazza is easily the most scenic of the towns. It's also become the most popular & busy (besides Monteroso).
Posted by
OP
Burson, ca
16 posts
Thank you...Thank you all for taking the time to help me make this decision. Sounds like we can't go wrong where ever we stay. I love this website!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Donna,
As the others have mentioned, either location is good. However, Vernazza tends to be "busier" than Manarola, especially with tour groups (won't mention any names). Vernazza has a small beach protected by a breakwater, while Manarola doesn't really have one (although people do swim there). The best beach is at Monterosso.
I suppose which place to choose will depend on what type of "CT experience" you want and where you can get accommodations.