I should add, as the more popular areas seem to mainly have places out of our budget, we especially welcome suggestions for other 'towns' that are not as well known as la spezia etc that have travel options to the CT area (even if this involves a short drive to/from a carpark every day/night. we are open to creative suggestions.) It's hard to 'know' which quaint towns close to the CT are worthwhile alternatives to the well known ones. thanks again in advance.

I like Levanto as an option with a car. Look at Villa Margherita. But, Monterosso does have a large public lot and gives you more direct access to the CT via train or ferry.

Thanks Bob levanto looks fantastic- i think ill settle on that place and i have found some availabilities for my dates. i will also look forward to taking the ferry/boat to check out portovenere largely due to your glowing trip reports of that village


Does any one have any restaurant suggestions for Levanto???

or even faveurite restaurants in Monterosso which is just a short train trip from levanto?

Hmmm!
It has been awhile. I do recall a place named Mikey--something like that---in Monterosso.

Make sure to visit Portovenere on a day when no giant cruise ships are anchored nearby unless you want to join the throngs that all but overwhelm this small port.

You will probably find better restaurants in Levanto than in the CT towns.