Another Cinque Terre parking question
 

We are going end of March with car coming from Lucca and heading to Venice after. Originally aiming to stay in Vernazza as it sounds like the most charming town. Manarola sounds nice too and through research, it seems that driving to Manorola and parking is easier and closer. The drive to Vernazza sounds long and difficult. My concern is that in March, there won't be many restaurants open for dinner in Manarola to choose from and the trains don't travel often after 8PM making going to another town not feasable. Anyone have any info on restauarants in Manorola? Anyone parked their car in Manorola? Would appreciate any input.

RDixon: Do yourself a favor. Driev to La Spezia, park at the train station (just circle around until a spot becomes vacant), put all your belongings in the trunk (those you won't take with you), insert the appropriate payment for the time frame you require and take the train to Cinque Terra getting off wherever you want. Takes about half an hour. I agree with staying in Vernazza. I have done this several times. No problem. Have a great trip.

Driving to, and parking in/near Manarola may indeed be easier and closer but I don't know since we didn't do that. What I can tell you is that, if you'd really like to stay in Vernazza (which is what we did, and loved) we drove there and didn't find the drive long or difficult. The narrow windy road down to Vernazza is a <i>bit</i> unnerving in a few places, but nothing one can't handle. On the other hand, the view down to Vernazza is spectacular. There is a parking lot above, and close to, Vernazza with a shuttle bus that runs between it and the town. Good luck with your decision!

Thanks, it sounds like we should make the effort to stay in Vernazza however we get there.

ttt

Get cracking on your hotel reservation in Vernazza. I am going in mid May and my first three room picks were booked! Although I was looking for a sea view.