I've just returned from the Cinque Terre. We stayed in a lovely small (10 Rooms) hotel Luna di Marzo, in the ancient town of Volastra, just above Manarola. What a view, from our room we could see Manarola, Corniglia and in the distance Monterosso al Mare. The hospitality shown us was wonderful! We fell asleep and awoke to the sound of waves, birds chirping and the coolness of the fruit orchards that surround this heavenly spot. We travelled to and from Manarola on the local mini-bus, 5minute ride, walked the very easy "Via del Amore" to Riomaggiore,then took the train and lunched in Vernazza, then onto Monterosso al Mare for a two hour pause on the beach and a dip in the cristal blue waters. We returned to Manarola by boat (25 minutes)to experience the 5 Terre from every point of view. It's spectacular from every angle. Surprisingly for the end of July we didn't find suffocating crowds. The organization for tourism is very good, and with great respect for the environment. We will return! By the way the fish, wine and pesto dishes are divine!