I visited this WHS in August 2013. Since I knew that the 5 Terre were quite popular, I decided to stay longer and sleep over in Volastra for 3 days. Travelling by car is not a viable option so I decided to park my car and enjoy the several hiking trails. Great views and not too many people (probably because of the scorching sun!). Each of the 5 Terre is unique but my personal favourite was Vernazza (and the hiking trail from Corniglia through the vineyards). Manarola and Riomaggiore are the most photogenic but also the most crowded. Best time to visit is just before sunset. I travelled through the Terre by train too but would skip it next time round. Too crowded and practically you don't see anything! I did the boat trip from Monterosso to Riomaggiore at sunset and it was a very pleasant trip to see the colourful houses from another perspective. My highlight however, was staying over on Palmaria Island just opposite Portovenere! Portovenere itself is less crowded and very interesting to visit. However Palmaria island after 6pm is empty and the sunset views over Portovenere are spectacular. I did the round the island hike to see Tino and Tinetto islands to pretty much cover all the sites inscribed in this beautiful WHS.