For those fans of Entourage, Johnny Drama’s biggest line was ‘not in any of my five towns’. Cinque Terre translation to English as ‘five towns’. The quote played over and over in my mind on repeat- while I dreamily wishes these were all my very own five towns. Dream on. 
So we stayed in Monterosso. This was an excellent (lucky) choice. Actually my hand was forced as I was looking to stay in Riomaggiore but everything was either booked out or ridiculously expensive!
Monterrosso is a quaint town not as pretty as the others, but there is a beach and it definitely had the best options for eating out. Will get to that in a sec.
We stayed in Affitacamere Irene. Good spot and easy nothing outrageously fancy and no sea views but we were barely in our room.
If you come here know that it is very touristy! Even at the end of April when we got there. I was expecting a degree if craziness but not to the extent that I witnessed.
It is easy to train in from Milan. If you want to do the walk which you must- prepare mentally to walk at tortoise pace. This is actually a blessing in disguise because you do appreciate the views properly and gelato cravings peak as you watch the sweaty people in front of you crawling along.
You must buy national park tickets for the walk. Have cash or pre-buy them. The initial incline from Monterosso to Vernazza is steep. The views are beautiful and you will just about be ready to dive in the water once you arrive after following the tempting azzure coastline! Vernazza was the prettiest town in my opinion. We also walked from there to Corniglia. Stoppping for lunch on the cliffs edge- phenomenal. It’s called Bar La Torre and don’t expect to get your food quickly but do expect the view below!
We caught the train to Riomaggiore as well, very pretty but oh too small and crammed with tourists for my liking.
If you eat in Monterosso go to L’osteria Di Gallena – had the most delectable garlic oysters and creamy walnut ricotta ravioli. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Even the house red was to die for. The house red! This place is a dream.
There is no doubt Cinque Terre is a gorgeous spot but don’t think you’re going to have it to yourself. Sharing your photo spots is a competitive sport. You’ll probably get through it ok. But don’t expect me to share my gelato.
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