We're wrapping up a trip in Italy with a couple days on the coast and can't decide whether to stay in Cinque Terre or Camogli? We were set on Cinque Terro (Porto Rocca), but then found a great hotel in Camogli and have heard the town is equally as charming. Thanks for the help.

I've stayed at both the Porto Roca in Monterroso and the Cenobio dei Dogi in Camogli. It is hard to choose between the cities. The nice thing about Monterroso is that you are right in the Cinque Terre and have a short train ride (or hike) between these wonderful villages. However, it is hard to beat the beauty of Camogli. Guess I would choose Camogli. If you do, don't miss out on taking the ferry to San Frutosso (a lovely little hamlet with monestary). Camogli is closer to Portofino, as well.

We are staying in Camogli this June at the Cenobio dei Dogi--any comments, suggestions? how far to Portofino and what is the easiest way to get there? We will have a car but would prefer to ferry it if that is possible. <BR>thanks <BR>Mary

a TRAVEL question

I stayed in Santa Margherita and trained to both Camogli and Cinque Terre. It depends on what you want to do activitywise. If hiking between the towns is your main objective, then staying in the Cinque Terre makes sense. We took one-hour train ride to the farthest south of the five towns and hiked north. That was one day out of the three. We also went to Portofino twice as it is close to Santa Margherita (once by boat, and once by bus), and one evening to Camogli by train. I like Santa Margherita as it sits on a harbor filled with boats, has some shops and restaurants. One day there was a flea market set up and artists were showing their work in the plaza. Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy this region of Italy. Not high on major sites or museums, but brimming with local character.

If your "couple of days" are in May, I hope it's the 2nd weekend - be in Camogli for the Sagra del Pesce! It's an experience right out of National Geographic! It's a fish festival with a nightime processional through the winding, steep cobblestone streets behind the priests, with local men carrying huge, heavy lighted wooden crucifixes, children singing, and fireworks sparkling the sky. During the day small fish are fried in a 12 - foot diameter pan and passed to all in attendance. It's crowded, it's colorful, it's friendly, and it's soooo Italy....

Thanks for the advice. Think we're going to stick to Camogli, but allow one full day to hike Cinque Terre.