Hi want some advice on cinque terre I'm planning on going for 4 nights in October which is best to base my stay?

It doesn't matter, there are frequent trains between all 5 villages. Monterosso is the only 5Terre village which can be reached from Milan without train change, however. There are also direct trains from MIlan to Levanto and La Spezia, both a few miles outside the 5Terre area.

I enjoyed my stay at La Torretta in Manarola:
Charme & Relax | La Torretta Lodge Manarola

Manarola is my favorite village. Second favorite is Vernazza.

Anywhere in CT is fine - however, Corniglia <i>(though very charming and serene)</i> is the only village up on the hill <i>(you need a bus from the station or climb 400+ stairs)</i>, so is less "practical". We have previously based ourselves in Monterosso - it's a level / flat town and was easier to walk for my elderly in-laws, has plentiful accommodation and restaurant options, is along the main InterCity train line etc. etc.- making it the most "practical" choice. Vernazza is admittedly more atmospheric.

By going to CT in October you will miss the massive tourist hordes. We were there in 1994 and 2013 and by the latter date the area was just jammed with Italian and American tourists.

Go and have fun.

Buon viaggio,

Thanks it looks gorgeous can't wait

I stayed in Monterosso al Mare and visited the other 4 towns. I loved it. It is the largest and flattest with the most restaurants and largest beach. All of the towns are great but they seemed to me to be best for a visit for lunch or dinner but not for an extended stay. All are accessible by coastline trail or by train.