Vernazza vs. Manarola
Which town would be better for a home base for 4 days. Any pension recommendations. Joe / Coronado
Joe
Coronado, California usa 11/7/09
Send Private Message
My favorite was Vernazza, better access to the water than Manarola, nice dining right by the harbor. Great places to stay, check Rick's Italy book for some great recommendations for rooms (affitta camere), there are only two pensions there, lots of rooms for rent.
Hi Joe - Vernazza is my favorite after many years spent walking the trails in Le Cinque Terre!! A nice place to stay directly on The Harbor is - http://www.nerinarooms.it/
Enjoy your stay in a Fabulous Place, Greg
Joe, we stayed in Manarola last september, after visiting every towns, it would still be my favorite. It also depends when you are going, low or high season. Middle of September Vernazza was packed with tourists, you could hardly walk on the main street. Vernazza has a lot more to offer, but it is too busy for my taste. Manarola has some good restaurants, a few shops, a grocery store, but it is pretty quiet. We stayed at www.carugiu.com, very good b and b, but no view. Have fun!
I agree 100% with Martine.
My vote is for Vernazza. It was my favorite harbor and very romantic at night. During the day you can go to the other towns. We rented a room from Monica Lercari. It was tiny but a steal at 80 euros/night.
When it comes to a place in the CT, I always choose one with a Terrazza. Sitting on a terrace (or balcony) in the sun overlooking the Ligurian Sea is incredible. There are a few in Vernazza, more in Manarola, and many in Riomaggiore.
Joe, you can't go wrong. We stayed in Vernaza but visit all 5 villages. Relax and enjoy. It is a different pace....specially if you are coming from a big city such as Rome. Dave
I vote for Manarola - less crowded than Vernazza - but we were there mid september, and I'm not sure when you are going. They are both great anyway. You will love whichever you stay at, and it is easy to travel between them. We stayed at "Franco's Rooms" (Ca de Capun was the name of the group of B&Bs): bathroom, lounge, dining table, bedroom and small balcony for 65 euro per night - it was excellent and so was Franco (no sea view from the balcony though, and no cooking facilities)
Visited the C.T. for the 3rd time this past July and stayed in Vernazza again. All the villages are lovely but we do enjoy Vernazza. Nighttime here is beautiful! Stayed at Francamaria's with a view of the harbor square.
Manarola. Much more quiet and laid back. When I was there I rarely heard english or saw tourists, yet when we hiked to Vernazza it was full of tourists.
It all depends on taste.
cheers!