What's you thoughts on the cities in Cinque Terre? We will have 2 days to spend there. We are very active people and would like to hike/walk as much as possible and also have evenings for relaxing.

Thanks

I'm interested as well. We are looking at www.acasa5terre.com and thought we had read good reviews but now I can't find any of those. We prefer Manarola then Vernazza - what are you looking at and when are you going? We expect to be there Oct 2-4.

We are going in May.

I can't comment on the towns (I'd stay in a town outside the 5T on the train line), but as a hiker I do advise you to look into doing the more ambitious hikes. Many trails run up perpendicular to the main trail linking the towns, which I found far too crowded to enjoy in late May. There is an upper trail that is parallel to the main trail. Unfortunately, I did not have time to check out these trails, but if they are half as beautiful--and more important, half as crowded (I am sure they are more so), then you will be glad you did!

I've been twice to the 5T area. It's my favorite part of north italy. We've stayed in Vernazza and Riomaggiore--and liked Vernazza better. 2 days is plenty. We spent 2 nights the first time, and one night the second. The "trail" between the towns is more like a very long sidewalk--very easy to do, though it can take all day if you stop in each town and drink and eat (like we did!) The trails going up are more like hiking trails and are steep.

We were there in May, stayed in Vernazza and liked it a lot. If I were to go back I would choose to stay in Manarola first then Riomaggiore. If none of those three were available I would stay in Monterosso, but it had a lot less character than the other cities. In last place (for me) would be Corniglia just because it was way to small and sleepy, but a lot of others like it best.

I agree with Jannan and Krgystn. Vernazza is tops. Quaint. Great gelato and pesto-laden eateries. Great locals hanging out their laundry and enjoying the sunset. Do walk between the towns. Easy to moderate hikes. Some longer tham others. Have a great time!!