This quiet bed-and-breakfast in Vernazza books quickly during peak summer months thanks to its stunning views of the sea from its perch on the coast, its friendly owner, and its contemporary decor and amenities -- far more than other small hotels in Cinque Terre. The four white-washed rooms are airy and loaded with creature comforts like minibars, flat-screen TVs, and rainfall showerheads. But reaching rooms requires negotiating several steps, which could be a problem for anyone with mobility issues. Visitors looking for a slightly less expensive option can opt for Camere Elisabetta, a two-pearl hostel with views of town and the sea.

Perched over the Mediterranean, the three-room Camere Elisabetta is a charming, family-run guesthouse with gorgeous views of the Ligurian Sea. This homey two-pearl property has two standard rooms and one bi-level apartment with a kitchen that also overlooks the sea. The look is simultaneously homey, rustic, and modern -- and the surf crashing right underneath the windows is a delight -- but perks such as TVs or air-conditioning are absent. Vernazza train station and the town square all take less than five minutes to reach on foot, but don't expect meal service or much in the way of features. La Mala, also in Vernazza, has more impeccably stylish rooms, though rates will reflect that fact.