You were correct about the Cinque Terre
 

I had never heard of the CT until I started reading Fodors and we have just returned from 5 days there.

It is wonderful, stayed at Villa Steno in Monterosso and cannot recommend it highly enough. The staff were friendly and helpful, the setting is fabulous, rooms great and exceptionally clean - do use it.

Walked all the trails including the killer from Monterosso to Vernazza but had great fun doing it and laughing with everyone else on the trail wondering if we were going to make it.

Flew originally to Pisa and took the train, they were really easy to use and cheap and clean but sit towards the front as they sometimes stop in a tunnel and you do not know which station you are in.

Just a mention also for the friendly pleasant taxi driver in Monterosso. Had a wonderful time and on Saturday night had a great time at the village dance in the square.

How were the crowds? We stayeyd in Riomaggiore for 2 nights in early July and it was just way too touristy (though quite beautiful). I thought Vernazza was the prettiest town.

vernazza is pretty, but I prefer Manarola, is smaller, quieter, less touristy and more charming..

Did the Villa Steno hasve rooms with a view?

Val, I stayed in Monterosso in the beginning of June at a B&B. I loved those little village dances in the evening..although I'll never completely get "Chihuahua" out of my head..it still makes me smile! Sounds like you had a great trip!

The Villa Steno had a view to die for and I cannot get the Macarena out of my head.

Monterosso is my favorite place in Cinque terre - just love it! I know most prefer Vernazza but I found it way too crowded. Did that same hike and was overwhelmed by the great views. Incidentally, did not realize how difficult it was - my 6 and 10 year old were not very happy!! But they made it and they were very proud of themselves when they finished.

Please tell me more about these village dances in Monterosso. I've been there several times and never saw this. Are they only on Saturday nights? What time of year? Where are they held?

HOw did you book the Villa Steno?

I don't know how Val booked the Villa Steno, but you can do it through their website: www.villasteno.com.

My ulterior motive in providing this information to thorspecken is to top the thread and hope that somebody will provide more information on these village dances. I may be going to the CT next spring, and the dances sound like fun, if they have them at that time of year as well.

Is that Chihuahau from that commercial on tv? We saw it a couple of times and never quite got the point. Was it a Coke commercial?

I dont know if the dance is a regular event, it was well publicised on posters in Monetrosso and there seemed to be some religious procession going on this week as well, I guess we were just lucky to hit upon it.

I booked the Villa Steno through their web site.

Yes, those dances do sound romantic. I'll report when we get back! My husband and I met dancing so to dance under the star to a nice little Italian band--great!

Yes, I do believe that the "chihuahua" song is from a coca cola commercial in Italy. I have to admit I downloaded it from Kazaa when I returned..to hear it brings me back...The dances are usually connected with a religious holiday or a feast. These feasts are for a variety of reasons..when I was there it was a dance connected with the Feast of the Fried dough. Good enough reason for me!!!

Allison - What was the name of the B&B you stayed in in Monterosso. Thanks

Val,
Here's a photo I took in '99!!

www.pbase.com/image/24345258

I'm still counting the steps...17 flights of stairs into...which village???

Sounds like the "middle" village -- Corniglia. I'm not looking at your picture, but I might as well be. The image of those stairs if forever etched in my mind.

Those steps are one reason to hike west to east (or is it north to south). We've done them twice and both times remembered as we got there!

Has anyone been to Cinque Terre in March. Is it too cold or windy to pleasantly hike?

Judy, actually I'd say those stairs are a good reason to do just the opposite. I'd much rather go UP those long stairs than DOWN, but to each his own. Also I like that rough last segment of going from Vernazza to Monterossa which is mainly down, rather than starting out with that climb up and up out of Monterossa.