Portovenere or Levanto as CT base?
 

I cannot get a room at any of the Cinque Terre towns for August. Has anyone been to the Royal Sporting Hotel in Porotvenere or the Stella Maris in Levanto? Which would be a better place? thanks

Not stayed in either but from looking, location and appearance would suggest Portovenere would be a good option.

Try in Lerici--Doria Park or Hotel Byron. Good luck--August is prime time along the Italian coast.Never stayed there but the Royal Sporting has a good reputation.

I have stayed at both and it really depends on your purpose. Levanto will <BR>give you better access to CT since it is <BR>on the train line. However, Portovenere <BR>is a wonderful destination unto itself. <BR>You have to boat to Monterosso to hike <BR>the villages, or drive to Riomaggiore. <BR>But, I prefer 2 other hotels on Porto. <BR>The G.H. Portovenere is a better 4 star <BR>and the Paradiso is a very good 3 star. <BR>The Royal Sporting is nice but a :10 <BR>walk to the main part of the village. <BR>Good luck in August--may be crowded.

If you want to be in, or hike the CT in August, try towns to the north. They are all under 1 hour, and on the train line. Check out Camogli, S. Margharita Ligure, Rapallo, Chiavari, Sestri Levanti, Levanto, Bonasola. South of CT try La Spezia. Hurry!