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Just for the record - This photo is not mine….but it is of Manarola one of the most picturesque villages of Cinque Terre, Italy. It will be hard to choose your favorite

We actually did not stay in Cinque Terre but took the ferry to each of the tiny villages and the train to one.  It is really a place to hike. Mom and I stayed at Byron Hotel in Forte Dei Marmi - and we loved it!  www.hotelbyron.net 

 From here you can navigate at your leisure.  It was a good option for us at the time as Cinque Terre takes a bit of maneuvering - lots of stars and steep slopes.  Also, hotels are a bit more on the charming side.  Some good places to check out would be Hotel Margherita - www.hotelmonterosso.it and Ca’d Anfrean - www.cadandrean.it. Both of these hotels were recommended by NY Times a few years back.  I checked with some Italian friends who thought they were still excellent choices for the area.  

Take the ferry to Porto Venere and once there locate the boat for the Restaurant Locanda Lorena. This restaurant is located on the small island of Palmaria.  We had one of our most enjoyable lunches,  pasta with scampi, fresh anchovies with lemon, crisp local white wine….we were very happy that day!   No matter where you eat, as long as you like fish, you will not make a mistake.  It is good to note that traditional regional Ligurian cusine includes a lot of fried food.  Just be sure you understand the menu when ordering.  

www.goitaly.about.com/od/portovenere

www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2012/01/08/…/20120108_porto.html

There was one place I wanted to go but never made it…a clothing optional beach located in Corniglia called Guvano. Please let me know if you find it!  Apparently it is a locals only beach and they like to keep it a secret.  It comes up ever now and then when you research the area but we could not find it when we were there.  

Enjoy your holiday.  Please keep notes and follow up with me on where you went and what you loved!