where would be a good base city in the cinque terra. Will have a car and a 5 year old. I am thinking monterrosso or levanto?

Help!!

With a car, you are correct. Also, the 2 best beaches are there.

Monterosso was wonderful. We had a great stay at La Poesia. Getting between the 5 towns by train is a good option also. We had a rental car, but didn't use it while in Cinque Terre. Enjoy!

I have visited the Cinque Terre several times. With a car, I recommend Monterosso. Just be sure to stay in the old part of town which is quite charming. The newer part of town is much less so. We like Hotel Villa Steno, Hotel Pasquale, and Hotel Porto Roca (sp?).
You may have better luck finding information if you search under the correct spelling: Cinque Terr<b>e</b>.

Agree with Monterosso, but I wouldn't worry about whether to stay in the old part or new part. They're withing a few minutes walk of each other, so it's not that big a deal.

What's your budget for hotels? The Porta Roca can be expensive. Or with a 5-year-old, you may want to look into renting an apt. instead of a hotel.

this thread was a feature on Cinque Terre and there are some photos too.
http://p104.ezboard.com/feuropetogof...icID=206.topic