Hi,
I am re-checking my itinerary and wondering if people would recommend Vernazza or Manarola? What are the pros and cons of each? I will stay in Monterosso for 2 days but was wanting to try another town in Cinque Terre. Any suggestions? Recommendations for hotels or B&B's?
Thanks. I find suggestions on this forum helpful.
Giselle
I LOVED Manarola!!! 3 wonderful restaurants there. Marina Piccolo, il Porticciolo, Trattoria dal Billy. Rented an apt with a fabulous terrace, sea view. Stunning sunsets. Even enjoyed a very stormy evening at that vantage point! So that's my vote!
Manarola will give you a different experience, although I am not sure it is worth relocating. You can pop over to any of the towns for dinner or an afternoon "tour" via a very short train ride. We usually rent apartments. Try this site. Also liked San Giorgio, a simple, modernized place right across from the pedestrian tunnel.
My Manarola recommendation is on your earlier post. None of these hotel decisions should make or break the experience. As mentioned above, all five towns are easily accessible to each other by train, boat, or some hiking, so you can experience all five.
I would keep the Monarola room for all 3 nights & just visit Vernazza.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Hi Giselle: I loved Manarola when I stayed there. Great restaurants, friendly locals. I stayed in RS recommended place at the very top of the hill - Casa Capellini. Long way up, but you can take the bus if you buy that type of pass. Near to "Billy" restaurant. In my own opinion, Vernazza was my least favorite town...just didn't do it for me. If I were going back, I'd either stay in Manarola, Moneterosso, or Corniglia, which is really high up! As others have said though, it is so easy to go back & forth between the towns, it seems a hassle to move. Besides the train, you can also travel by boat, which is great!
Giselle,
Of the two, Manarola would be my preference. Vernazza tends to be more popular for some reason, possibly because that's the iconic photo of the Cinque Terre that is often used in travel brochures and websites so that's what people "identify" with the C.T.
For hotels in either town, the Guidebook has lots of suggestions for reputable places. If your budget will allow, you might have a look at La Torretta, as I'm sure you'd be VERY comfortable there (book WELL in advance though!).
My favourite in that area is Monterosso, and I can't imagine staying anywhere else.
Giselle,
I just returned from 4 nights in Manarola and stayed in Vernazza several years ago. I prefer Vernazza for its charm and character.
That being said, I would recommend staying in one town for your stay. Even a move like that takes time, and, as others have said, all the towns are close enough to even go to a late dinner in one town and easily return "home" afterwards.
Sharon
I think I'd recommend just staying put in one location as well: the villages are not far apart enough to mak much difference.
Besides the train, you can also travel by boat, which is great!
Yes, and no: the ferries run seasonally so are really only available in during high season. You can view schedules here:
http://www.navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it/home.asp?lang=eng
Also, there is no ferry service to Corniglia as it doesn't have a big enough harbor. That one must be accessed via train and small shuttle bus (or a long walk up the hill from the train station). The bus is coordinated with arrivals of the trains, and schedules will be posted near the station.
We stayed in Monterosso because of easy (flat) access to our waterfront hotel from the train station (did plenty of climbing during our three days but chose not to do that with the luggage!). All five villages are well worth the time to explore at length, though. If you're going during high season, get out of bed to see Corniglia early in the morning. Because that one is so tiny, it's very easily - and uncomfortably - overrun with groups during the busier mid-day hours. Two of the prettiest churches in the C.T. are there so be sure to stop into those.
