I would think it's smart to follow the hotel keeper's advice. Vernazza is so small, I don't think you'd want to bring a car into it. Trains and ferries are the best mode of transport between the Cinque Terre towns. Someone else might know more about having a car there. We didn't want to deal with a car there.

Have you read our thread regarding the Cinque Terre trails themselves: 'The Cinque Terre trails: a compilation of Fodorites' comments'. After being there myself last June, I put together comments from other fodorites, to give better information about the degree of difficulty, etc. Be prepared with the right shoes, sunscreens, hats, water, etc.

Have fun there!
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I was in VErnazza in April,'04 with sister and her husband. We had rented a car in La Spezia our last day when we wanted to make a trip to find some distant relatives. We left it at the town parking lot outside of town. It is quite a hike down to the town, but there was a shuttle bus. At end of the stay BIL walked up to get the car and my sister and I waited at town "gate" with luggage. He was allowed to drive down for pickup. The lot seemed very safe. Don't know about train station lot mentioned on earlier post. Even townspeople are not allowed to drive into town and those who have cars park in a small lot right at the edge of town. shuttle bus goes from that lot to the guest parking spot. There was a small fee to be paid at the guest lot.

Thanks for the advice folks. I'll look at that other thread Maureen. I've been to Italy several times but never to C.T. Sounds unique. I'm looking forward to it.