If I can only pick one, where should I go? Age group is late 30's early 40's if that makes a difference.
Thanks for any recommendations.

I'd opine Lake Como (or Lake Stresa or Lake Garda) as all these lakes have much more varied things to do than the 5 Lands - where there's a hiking trail between 3 sleepy villages and two hectic towns as well as boats and trains between them. But unless you use the 5 Terre for a base from which to hop to nearby gems along the Rivieria di Levante (sp?) or Portofino then i personally would not have much to do in these 5 towns after a few days.

The lakes have boats going everywhere and varied sights on islands and land.

Just my opinion.

Wow! That's like having to choose between hot fudge or chocolate chips on top of my ice cream!

First of all: when are you going? I lovedlovedloved CT, but we were there in late October; I don't think I'd want to go mid-summer.

Time of the year will affect your choice. We went to Lago di Como in Oct and it was wonderful-still warm but not too hot. Cinque Terre last May was hot (late 20s) and tiring for hiking as there's a lot of climbing.

thanks for your responses so far...It would be mid-July. yes, probably hot everywhere!

but much hotter in 5 Lands than in the Lake District bordering Switzerland

Not so much the heat that would deter me from CT in July, but the crowds. The lake area will be hot and touristy, but it's a much bigger area!

Keep in mind they are two very different experiences. If you're a hiker &/or lover of cliffs/beaches, CT is just spectacular.

Thank you for the responses...it sounds unanimous that Lake Cuomo is where I should go!

Whole heartedly agree. Mid July CT is hot and the crowds are unbelievable. Wouldn't want you to be discouraged from ever visiting CT because it is gorgeous and great fun but you definitely want to stay away June - August. We were there this past May during first week and the weather was perfect...the crowds were manageable. Lake Como gets my vote for mid summer visit.

The lakes are lovely and so much more than the CT. You are close to Milan if you want a big city environ for a day or 2.

BUT!! CT is an extraordinary place...please don't write it off your list. I, for one, am not saying I like the lake area better than CT. Just that July in CT might be too too too!

OK...now I'm thinking I might spend one night in CT and the rest in Como. If I chose one town for one day/night in CT, which should it be?

Now that would be really frustrating...to stay in Cinque Terre one night AND battle the hordes of tourists. Again...I'm not bashing CT -I just want you to love it when you go because the experience can be awesome.

One night in CT? My pick: Manarola -- one night will make you want to come back another time!
www.marinapiccola.com
Loved everything about this place (October 2006)!

Caroltis, that is a good point....
Lucie, thank you for your recommendation. That site is "under contstruction" but now that I have a location, I will do a google search and see what I can find!