Cinque Terre: Vernazza or Monterosso?
Sep 18th, 2007, 06:28 AM
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Cinque Terre: Vernazza or Monterosso?
We are trying to decide between staying at Villa Steno in Monterosso or in Vernazza at Gianni Franzi or Albergo Barbara.
I understand Vernazza is a more beautiful town but that Monterosso has more restaurants and other amenities.
Are there other pros and cons to consider?
I understand Vernazza is a more beautiful town but that Monterosso has more restaurants and other amenities.
Are there other pros and cons to consider?
Sep 18th, 2007, 06:33 AM
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We stayed in Vernazza and thought it was great. We were only there a couple days, but found ample restaurants and amenities for that short time. We hiked to Monterosso, which was also very beautiful.
Sep 18th, 2007, 07:10 AM
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Your OP sums up my take after having visited both.
Monterosso has a neat old town above the sea but also a thriving modern town on the sea and also has the best beach in the area it seems. Cars can drive to the seaside modern town - no cars in Vernazza.
Vernazza at night is probably very quiet and that has plussed for some
Others would like the usual vibrant night sea in a more real town with yes lots more possibilities for restaurants, etc.
I'd say you can't go wrong but Vernazza may more fit the dreamy 5 Lands portrait sketched in your mind's eye.
Monterosso has a neat old town above the sea but also a thriving modern town on the sea and also has the best beach in the area it seems. Cars can drive to the seaside modern town - no cars in Vernazza.
Vernazza at night is probably very quiet and that has plussed for some
Others would like the usual vibrant night sea in a more real town with yes lots more possibilities for restaurants, etc.
I'd say you can't go wrong but Vernazza may more fit the dreamy 5 Lands portrait sketched in your mind's eye.
Sep 18th, 2007, 07:11 AM
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and if you stay in Vernazza or any 5 Land village trains will take you in a few minutes to Monterosso or any other so you can have the best of both places.
Trains run often day and night. It's Corniglia i think however where the train station is a long stair climb from the village perched high above it on a hill.
Trains run often day and night. It's Corniglia i think however where the train station is a long stair climb from the village perched high above it on a hill.
Sep 18th, 2007, 07:14 AM
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The two towns are so close together it hardly matters which one you choose. Most people visit all the towns in the 5T when they're there and it's just a quick train ride from one to the other. The hike from Monterosso to Vernazza is the most strenuous one along the path.
Villa Steno is wonderful.
Villa Steno is wonderful.
Sep 18th, 2007, 08:33 AM
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Not sure what your budget is, but La Mala in Vernazza is a gem. It ranges from 130E-210E depending on season. We'll be there in October. It gets excellent ratings on Tripadvisor.com
http://www.lamala.it/en/index.html
It's pricey compared to most lodging in CT, but of all regions in Italy I expect that we'll be spending more time at the inn/deck in CT since there are not many sights to see/do. La Mala will be a nice welcome after long days of hiking.
I envision spending alot of time enjoying their stone deck overlooking the sea with vino and nibbles. Idyllic!
There is some nightlife in Vernazza (Blue Marlin bar, Gianni Franzi, etc.). With Monterosso only being a short hop away, we plan to dine a night or two there.
Ciao!
http://www.lamala.it/en/index.html
It's pricey compared to most lodging in CT, but of all regions in Italy I expect that we'll be spending more time at the inn/deck in CT since there are not many sights to see/do. La Mala will be a nice welcome after long days of hiking.
I envision spending alot of time enjoying their stone deck overlooking the sea with vino and nibbles. Idyllic!
There is some nightlife in Vernazza (Blue Marlin bar, Gianni Franzi, etc.). With Monterosso only being a short hop away, we plan to dine a night or two there.
Ciao!
Sep 18th, 2007, 10:16 AM
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Without considering your specific accomodations choices (as I have no experience with them), I prefer Vernazza. The place least accessible by cars will usually get my vote (which is also one big reason why Venice is my favorite city!)
Sep 18th, 2007, 10:19 AM
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The owners run a caffe bar at street level of the inn. A poster at Tripadvisor.com mentions it. From what I read it's simple: pastries & caffe'. Which I guess is standard breakfast fare in Italy?
Isn't this place a find? It totally reminds me of Greece. So minimal and clean. I found out about it on this board and booked it immediately.
Have you seen MaureenB's post about the cumulative info gathered on the CT trail hikes? It's valuable info.
Happy Trails!
Isn't this place a find? It totally reminds me of Greece. So minimal and clean. I found out about it on this board and booked it immediately.
Have you seen MaureenB's post about the cumulative info gathered on the CT trail hikes? It's valuable info.
Happy Trails!
Sep 18th, 2007, 10:27 AM
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The site mentions breakfast, but gives no details. I do recall reading somewhere (maybe TripAdvisor) that it is a continental breakfast and you get daily coupons to redeem at a local cafe'.
I, also, found out about this inn on this board. I've been plotting and planning (love it!) for over a year and have been so grateful for all the advice from Fodorites.
I'd recommend booking ASAP since more and more travelers are finding out about this place. I booked 9 months ago and grabbed the last room available.
Ciao!
I, also, found out about this inn on this board. I've been plotting and planning (love it!) for over a year and have been so grateful for all the advice from Fodorites.
I'd recommend booking ASAP since more and more travelers are finding out about this place. I booked 9 months ago and grabbed the last room available.
Ciao!
