Italian Riviera?
 

Greetings all - we will be fortunate enough this year to be spending one week in Lucca and another week somewhere on the Italian Riviera, and I'm looking for info on the best town to stay in. I suspect staying "in" the Cinque Terre will be too expensive & crowded, and was hoping to find a spot in a small town north or south of there. We are 2 couples in our 60's, looking for an apartment to rent within walking distance of shops, restaurants, train, etc., and ideally also with a great water view. We will have a car with us, but prefer not to have to drive everywhere. So far I'm considering anywhere between Portofino & Bocca di Magra, but we're really open to any other thoughts.

If anyone knows of a 2 bedroom apartment for rent for one week in early October, please pass it along! Thanks so much, Maria

To get you started (so many options!), I rather liked Lerici. Click on my name for my two trip reports to the area.

Thanks so much, I will consider Lerici. Any thoughts on Bocca di Magra? I've found a great apartment, right on the water...but not sure about the town...

Santa Margherita Ligure is a nice mid-sized harbor town.

Check out AirBnB .com...I just reserved an apartment in Riomaggiore for June $114 a night...I found the reservation process a breeze. You can see the apartment/house/or rooms availability calendar, amenities, map and property photos -- read visitors reviews -- then email and ask questions of the prospective hosts before booking. I booked a month of apartments from CT to Naples....from my account dashboard I have all the details for each booking handy and in one place...including the hosts cell phone numbers! Many hosts will even pick you up at the train station or airport. Just so you know I have no affiliation with AirBnB and was referred o their web site by an acquaintance.

Maria, I only got near Bocci di Magra while hiking in Montemarcello National Park, but I love the area. With a car, I would certainly consider it a nice option. You need not be tied to the car for the entirety of day trips, as you could just drive to the nearest train station (maybe Sarzana).