Weekend trip to Cinque Terre

Catherine, Any of the five towns in Le Cinque Terre would be a "good place", as all are safe and it's easy to get around to any of them using the local trains. If you're planning to go soon, your choice may be dictated by where you can find accommodations. It's likely quite busy there at the moment, and will probably get more busy as it gets closer to peak season in July and August. Are you interested in a B&B, Hostel or a more conventional Hotel? Have you got a preference for which town you'd prefer to stay in? What are you planning to do while there? With the answers to those questions, it would be easier to provide more specific suggestions. Happy travels!

Thanks so much for posting back! A B&B or a hotel would be great! We are looking at Monterosso al Mare or Vernazza but I know those have been affected by the flooding. We are hoping to get in on a Friday, go hiking and visit the other villages on Saturday and maybe stay at the beach or explore more on Sunday. Let me know if you have any recommendations on something we must do when we go. Thanks so much!

One of the nice things about the CT is that there really aren't any "must see" things. You just kind of relax and wander around. (BTW, since you're studying in Italy, I'm betting you'd like someone to point out that the correct name of the five villages is the Cinque Terre, with an "e" at the end. It means "Five Lands.") Have a great time!

"stay in Vernazza so you can party at the Blue Marlin." The Blue Marlin is supposed to re-open in June according to the official "Travel Advisor" page, but I'm not sure if that's happened yet? It would be a good idea to check. If you want to see the status of businesses in Vernazza, either for lodgings or "parties", check Vernazza for further information. Cheers!

Catherine, Monterosso would be an excellent choice, but the difficulty might be finding somewhere to stay. You may have to take what you can get. I'm assuming you plan on taking this trip in the near future? Regarding places to stay, you might have a look at Monterosso for a list of Hotels. You might try Villa Adriana first, as they may have vacancies. A couple of other suggestions, if you want to stay in other towns. I've heard rumours that the Hostel in Manarola has closed, but there's also a Hostel in Corniglia. It's one of the smaller towns, but has it's own character. You could also try Mar-Mar Rooms in Riomaggiore. One point to clarify. While the "old town" section of Monterosso and the town of Vernazza were damaged in the flooding, both are open for the season and anxious to welcome visitors. Monterosso is pretty much back to normal, so you shouldn't have any problems there. Vernazza is coming along quite nicely with many businesses open, but there is still some re-construction in progress. The trails from Monterosso to Vernazza and Riomaggiore to Manarola are open (Park Pass required). If you're planning to hike the trails, do the Monterosso-Vernazza one first, and be sure to take water with you (if you don't use it, refill the bowls for the stray Cats that live just above Vernazza - you'll see when you get there). Although two of the trails are closed, that could change. In the meantime, just take the local train from Vernazza to Manarola to continue the walk. Cheers!

Since you're college girls, my recommendation would be to do what all the other college girls do in Cinque Terre - stay in Vernazza so you can party at the Blue Marlin.

Thanks so much everyone, this really helps!