Need advice on taking a trip to Cinque Terre area. We'll be leaving from Arezzo and are thinking of staying over for one night...Any thoughts? This will be in April (probably on the 17th--Sat).

Will you have a car? I would stay 2 nites if you take the time to go.

Yeah, two nights makes it much less stressful to be able to hike one full day and not worry about needing to depart the same day. I stayed in Levanto the time I visited the CT (three nights) only because I couldn't reserve ahead of time what I thought I needed in a lodging; going back again I'd probably stay in Vernazza or Riomaggiore.

You don't NEED a car, either - the trains take you efficiently between the five towns.

My husband and I stayed in Manarola 3 years ago. Absolutely loved it. I would stay there again as it is quieter than some of the other towns. We hiked to Vernazza then took the ferry down to Riomaggiore and walked back to Manarola. 2 nights would be good, of course more is better!

If you are arriving from Arezzo, you will not likely get to the CT very early, assuming you will be traveling by train. We were surprised how long it took from Florence and you will have to go through it on your way. At best you would arrive and have only a half day and then be thinking of departure after your single night.

My experience has led me to suggest at least two nights and preferably three. This allows the exploration and movement between towns which makes the area so attractive. In spite of our desire to return, we have declined when we have not had adequate time to explore and relax.
Good luck.

Thanks for the advice; we would be going by train; one of my daughters who will be with us needs to fly out of Bologne on Monday, so it might make sense to stay 2 nights...