Where to stay in Cinque Terre

They are all close enough together, that it really does not matter.

It is a very small area, all villages are close to each other. They offer different things so read up to see if one jumps out to you more than another. We wanted parking and a beach so chose Monterosso.

My third trip to Italy next May but my first trip to Cinque Terre and I chose Manarola for 3 nights 2 days. Just so pretty and small to get around. Planning on walking up to scenic points and maybe vineyard trail and some boat travel between villages. Not big hikers so looking for low key visit.

We really enjoyed staying at Hotel La Spiaggia in Monterosso al Mare. It was an easy short walk from the train station with luggage and it was by the beach. Ask for a seaview room with a balcony or terrace. The view is lovely. There is gelato across the street. Monterosso was a good base for us. You can take the train to all 5 towns and hike from some of them. We hope you enjoy it!

When we were looking at the Cinque Terre for our trip in late May/early June this year, we chose Monterosso as we had several in our group that had mobility issues and Monterosso is relatively flat. It turned out to be a good choice for other reasons: nice beach, old town, and good restaurants. We enjoyed all the towns and if we visited again, would choose Monterosso again.

After looking at the 5 towns my friend and I chose back in February Corniglia for our October trip because it seemed a little more remote than most. We went for an airb&b which was a little nicer than what was offered in Vernazza . If your going this October and haven't booked yet you may not have much of a choice, so I would check all the towns and see what your options are. I stayed in Monterosso al mare in 2014 with the RS tour but I was looking for more of a small town experience.

Liam

We really enjoyed staying at Hotel La Spiaggia in Monterosso al Mare.
It was an easy short walk from the train station with luggage and it
was by the beach. Ask for a seaview room with a balcony or terrace.

Ditto: we loved the place and we sent friends there who loved it as well. Trouble is, it's VERY popular so getting a room next month is probably difficult to impossible. We booked over 6 months in advance for our spot, and only got a room because someone else fell out.

Commenting on liamof's choice for Corniglia...
It's tiny, pretty and I love it but it's the most difficult of the 5 to access as the town is perched far above its train station: you need to either take a long switchback stairway to get up there or a little bus that is roughly timed to meet the trains (small fee required). It also has no ferry service. I would think twice about this one if convenience is important to you.

We just left the area two days ago. First time there and we stayed at a wonderful B&B in Monterosso called il Giardino Incantato. It is about a 10 minute fairly easy walk from the train station. No water view, but their private garden was the most peaceful, relaxing place you will find in the center of all the madness. We were very happy to get back there every afternoon to enjoy the complimentary, homemade limoncello. It's so quiet, hard to believe you are a half block away from the masses.

Wonderful owners, free bottled water and snacks. I could go on and on. We will definitely go back ( at a slower time of the year).

We stayed at Il Giardino Incantato last September. Exactly what Sue said. Marvelous.

ermkid,

Depending on when you'll be there in October, you might have an easier time finding accommodations as tourism there will be winding down for the season. Of the five towns, I always prefer to stay in Monterosso as the it's the largest and has the greatest number of hotels, restaurants and other amenities (and also the nicest beach).

If you want a more "tranquil" place to stay, I would *highly recommend Hotel Villa Steno! It's in the "old town" and uphill from the main square. It's easy to walk there but I'd suggest a Taxi when arriving with luggage. If they're booked up, try their sister property Hotel Pasquale.

We had a lovely stay in Monterosso (old town) at Il Giardino Incantato B&B. The breakfast in the garden is really nice and it was a very quiet, comfortable place. The couple that runs it is very nice. It's a longer walk than if you were staying in "new town" but worth it for the atmosphere. Everything is very walkable, but there are taxis if you require it when you get off the train.

Definitely Monterosso. All other islands are easily accessible by a 2 minute train ride.
It offers most options for food and lodging. We stayed at Hotel Porta Roca. I highly recommend. Though they say Monterosso is the biggest of the islands, you in NO WAY lose the charm of a small Italian town.

My all time best experience was at the Aria di Mare in Manarola. It’s a BnB rental which you can find online. RS also lists it in his guidebook. It’s pirched up high above the tourism with excellent susnset views. The host is very friendly and helpful too. Good Luck!

Monterosso is the flattest (so probably oldest group of tourists), best beach, and more of a resort feeling. It would be my last choice, although if I found just the right placed I'd stay there. Corniglia is high on a cliff with what feels like hundreds of steps from the train station, although there is a bus. Riomaggiore is the town least spoken of here, but would be my third favorite. I'm all about Vernazza and Manarola and would be hard pressed to pick a favorite. Vernazza is probably the most crowded during the day (10 to 4), but in October not that bad (I was there last October)/

I'd just pick an accommodation that strikes your fancy regardless of the town. It would be helpful if you'd state what kind of accommodation you are looking for.

We stayed in Manarola in Room Maria through Manarovistamare five years ago and are going back for two nights within the next two weeks. Not sure of their availability but LOVED our room (we booked our upcoming 10 day Italy trip around being able to stay there). The room is nothing fancy but the location is fabulous, overlooking the harbor. We were able to book a garage to keep our rental car in as we won't need it when we're in Cinque Terre.

Ha camama2!

We also stayed in the Maria room and loved it. The room was quite small, but it had a beautiful view of the old buildings and sea. I shot this from balcony. I envy you for going back!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsTpvnxzduM

We went back and stayed at Stalin Terrace in Vernazza listed at Air BNB - mind-blowing water view and larger apartment. I loved both places.

We just were on the RS Best of Italy tour the past couple of weeks and we stayed at the Hotel Steno in Monterosso. Gorgeous property and beautiful rooms. Village is awesome, easy train or ferry ride to other villages. Just a forewarning that there are a lot stairs as it's set up higher in the village but our luggage was taken up there so we didn't have to carry it up. They also do laundry on property if needed. Awesome terrace at the top with a gorgeous view where you can relax and have drinks. Nice breakfast buffet and very friendly staff. One of our favorite hotels on the tour.

We just stayed at the Hotel della Stella Marina in Monterosso and loved it!! It is in the heart of Old Town and has air conditioning so is quiet. We met two couples who were staying in Vernazza who both said it was too quiet for them and they wished they'd stayed in Monterosso.

We highly recommend the Hotel Villa Steno in Old Town Monterosso al Mare. We stayed in Room #5 in September of 2017. Matteo, Carla, the entire staff are fabulous. They arranged for a taxi to pick us up with our luggage at the train station. (Direct train from Milan) Fabulous views, lovely room, breakfast, laundry service, hospitality. The stairs are steep but the walk through the lemon groves is worth the climb. They made dinner reservations for us every evening and gave us great advice on places to hike and visit. Don't miss this wonderful place.