We jsut got back from 3 weeks in Italy and our favorite by far was Portovenere close to Cinqueterre and La Spezia. We stayed at Royal Sporting Hotel and had a view over the bay. The hotel was E180/ni enclusing breakfast, pool and balcony. Great, we loved it. The hotel had a sand/rock beach you could use. The only place on Cinqueterre that seems to have a sand beach is Monterosso.
Papermoon

I agree--it is my favorite coastal village in Italy. We have stayed there 3 times with the first being 1984--it was even better then.

When I saw your title, I thought "well, my favorite town isn't actually part of the Cinque Terre, it's Portovenere". Only to discover that's what you were writing about, too. I LOVED Portovenere; it's beautiful, lowkeyed and wonderfully sited. We, too, stayed in the Royal Sporting with a balcony over the bay...what a treat that was. The pool was fun, the view great....sigh...wish I was there now...

I kep hearing such wonderful things about Cinqueterre. My husband and I are in Italy in November. Is it still worth a visit at that time of year?

Dear Mishka:

By all means go in November. My hubby and I were there in mid November and lucked out and had great weather. Plus it wasn't crowded. If it is rainy, have a plan to do more eating, drinking and looking instead of hiking.