Any suggestions on places to eat and things to do. I will be there for 3 days in May and this is my first trip to Europe. I also love local Flea Markets. If you know of any in the area we are renting a car and can travel a reasonable distance. Thanks in Advance

was just there but only for 1 day - we actually drove in to Vernazza - needed to walk the last 1K down on road but as was not high season driving was not an issue. It will be when you are there.

You do not need a car to navigate the CT - there is a train that runs between the towns and there is also frequent ferry service. You can leave your car in the lots at the northernmost town (cannot recall name) and then if you want to explore the region you can hop the train to the car and then off you go.

Suggestions for day trips - take the A12 South to Carrerra - visit the marble quarries or go a bit further south to Forte de Marmi and visit the shops - good Wed market that has reputation for well priced cashmere sweaters - did not make it this trip but need a reason to return!

You will have no problem filling 3 days however in the CT - lots of hiking and even if you stick to only the train and ferry you should really enjoy being there. Not sure what the market schedule is for the various towns of CT but you should be able to find info on line someplace.

Enjoy

Just so you know where I'm coming from...I'm 24 and was traveling with 2 other guys...just for some perspective.

Basically, you won't go wrong...it's a great place! We stayed is Vernazza and loved it. It's small, one "road," no cars except for am business deliveries, and everything is small. They have some decent food too. The hike up to the northernmost town is beautiful. If you don't do the whole hike, at least do that part (it's tough though, although we finished from Corniglia into V so that was hardest for us). Corniglia is a pain to get into by train or on the path heading north, but looked like the town itself might have the most to offer without seeming so big and touristed like the two bookends. The southernmost had a great restaurant (for fish). Head up the hill from the train and it will be the first place on the left. Watch out for the jelly fish! We never had trouble in V though.

Any questions, just ask. It's a great place!!!

No need for a car, as was mentioned above the train will be fine.

I stayed in Monterosso at Hotel Villa Steno and it was excellent and very well maintained.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...n_Riviera.html

we walked from the southernmost town to the northernmost and took the train back. a very nice walk, took an afternoon to do.

We're heading to Europe in May too and are staying two nights in Vernazza. On a previous trip to Europe, just did a day trip and were disappointed we didn't slot a few days for Cinque Terra.

For this trip, we're going to spend one day hiking between the towns and spend the other day taking it easy & checking out the shops to find some pesto and wine to bring back with us. I believe market day in Vernazza is on Tuesday.

Just a heads up that it might be difficult to find a place to eat during "non-regular hours" (ie. between lunch and dinner) as it seems a lot of places close during this time (at least in Vernazza). Plan your meals accordingly.

I read on some sites that people have driven to Cinque Terra as part of an overall driving trip. However, there really isn't a need for a car between the towns and I hear the roads are a bit narrow and windy. We're ditching our rental on the leg before Cinque Terra and training it there.

I was just there about 2 weeks ago. We stayed in a B&B outside of Monterosso al Mare.

The thing to do in CT is to hike between the towns. Its not a terribly difficult hike.......the trail between the 5 towns is about 10-15 miles. Lots of up and downs, which the difficult portions being early on if you start from Monterosso al Mare. When you get to the end (or wherever you decide to stop) you can catch the train or ferry back to your starting point.

If you like flea markets, then you'll love the 5 towns (especially Monterosso). They are loaded with arts and crafts stores and there is a lot of local artwork on display.

As for places to eat............what I learned in Italy that it is very, very difficult to find a bad meal. Food is taken way too seriously in that country for a restaurant to survive serving sub par food. One day I picked up a sandwich at a gas station along the Autostrada...........so I'm sitting in the parking lot, eating my sandwich and drinking a beer thinking.........this is one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. So look around for a restaurant that looks nice and check out the menu. If it has something you like on it, then go in and sit down. I seriously doubt you will be disappointed.

I have 2 words of caution about CT...........One, watch out for pickpockets. If you see children approaching you, grab your bag/wallet because they're probably coming for it. During our travels I spoke to two Americans that got hit there. Two.......parking in CT is a real hassle. Some of the towns are completely inaccessible by car. The ones that aren't have very limited parking. Give careful consideration on where you stay and whether or not you will even need a car.

Good advice, and I'll stress the point again AGAINST bringing a car. Between the train, the boat service between towns, and the great trails you've got all the transportation you need!

When in Vernazza, have lunch at Trattoria Gianni Franzi in the main square...it's good food.

When in Vernazza try the Gambero Rosso. Great seafood and impecable friendly family service.

Hey, just walk. I left Monterossa al Mare hotel for what I thought was coffee. Walked a bit, next thing I knew we were on the steepest part of the trail between villages. Gorgeous walk. I'm 65 and in poor shape, but had no trouble. After last village took train to largish industrial city nearby, can't remember name, but not part of Cinque Terre, had dinner, returned by train to Monterossa.

Do watch the northern Italian hours for meals. They are not open 24-7. When the shops are open, the restaurants are closed. When the restaurants are open, the shops are closed. Not at all a bad system.

Grab a slice of pesto pizza every chance you get. That stuff is great.

This was probably the most beautiful part of my trip to Italy. I strongly, strongly, strongly urge you to hike the entire trail. You might be tired by the end, but it is an absolutely amazing hike and you will have some breathtaking views. I stopped to eat in Vernazza as well, just straight off the dock, they had tables lined up outside. Very good seafood. If you don't have a hotel already, GET ONE. I didn't have one, and ended up going from door to door in towns looking for a vacancy. Didn't find one and had to train it back to La Spezia and sleep in a roach motel .