We're arriving in the Cinque Terre region March 7......and still do not have reservations. Our main objective is to find a spot with a great view, where we can sit and sip wine. I know a few places are not even open this early in the season. We actually are going to be in Rome for about four days prior to this. Are alittle worried about it being bad weather, and were considering leaving our options open to head south if the weather is going to be really rainy, but have always wanted to see the Cinque Terre, so will probably end up there, even if the weather is "iffy". So, would love any advice about being in the region this early.

Thanks.

Try Villa Santa Margarita in Levanto. I corresponded with the owner via email and called him to let him know when our train arrived when we were in Italy. He picked us up and dropped us off at the train station. Levanto is an easy short train ride away to 5 Terre, and a really nice quiet town. The train station and town center are all within 10-15 minutes walk. Nice to walk around town and see how ordinary Italians live (vs. in a touristy place).

It's my understanding that much of the Cinque Terre shuts down from November through March, so it may be tough to find something if you leave it to chance. We were there in October, and stayed at Hotel Villa Steno in Monterosso. GREAT views from our room of the town and sea below us. I think they may be open year-round. Make sure you ask for a room with a view.

Consider Bed&Breakfast. I stayed at LaTorretta in Manarola and recommend it highly. You can find many advertised on just about any website that promotes the Cinque Terre. The Rick Steves guidebook says you can just wander into town and ask around for a room because many people rent rooms that are not advertised. However, I've never tried that -- not that brave.

We have a saying in italian "Marzo pazzerello, esce il sole, apri l'ombrello!" (literally "crazy March, the sun comes out, you open the umbrella") just to say that weather in March is unpredictable. Last time I was in Cinqueterre was March 2003 and it was warm as if it were May.



If your wish as always been to go to Cinqueterre, go there no matter what. If the weather is really cold and gloomy, take the train to Genova and spend your time there. There are plenty of things to do and visit: the acquarium is amazing (one of my 4 top favorites together with the Sydney, Monaco and Baltimore ones), the historical center has a lot to offer with its cathedral, nice squares, Pazzo Ducale, etc, the ancient port area, and there are several interesting museums as well as an active trade fair center. For more info go to www.genova-2004.it/default.asp



Ciao!

I'm not a brave traveller. I always plan. But for cinque terre, i have just showed up, twice, and found places. Last time i went, in late May, it wasn't easy and wasn't as cheap as it was five years ago, but there are plenty of rooms for rent, as well as little apartments. Basically, everyone in cinque terre has a room for rent. It is really true that you can just wander in to the town of choice and ask around for somewhere to stay. And you can probably even do this in english, though you might pay more than if you speak fluent italian. They are very used to tourists. In fact, i didn't see anyone italian there.



Weather wise, things have been pretty iffy this year. It snowed again down south yesterday, so maybe you're better off in cinque terre. Be prepared for wind and wet cold, but at least you'll have the place to yourself. I think it might be quite nice.