Summary of Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
With five stunning towns to choose from, determining where to stay in Cinque Terre can be a bit daunting. The tiny, cliffside villages adorned with colorful homes resemble something straight out of a postcard, making it tempting to want to stay in each one. Cinque Terre boasts a “wow” factor that competes with the Amalfi Coast, primarily known for its incredible “five villages hike,” which draws visitors from around the globe.
Italy is rather famous for its beautiful cities and various stunning destinations; however, Cinque Terre possesses a unique allure that captivates every visitor. In this guide, we have outlined where to stay in Cinque Terre, Italy, highlighting the best accommodations available in each area, including luxury hotels, mid-range options, budget stays, and apartment rentals.
Best Places to Stay in Cinque Terre – The Breakdown
- Monterosso al Mare is ideal for first-time visitors. As the largest village in Cinque Terre, it offers numerous hospitality venues, a medieval old town, and the sandy Monterosso al Mare Beach.
- Vernazza is considered the most picturesque of the Cinque Terre villages. This quaint fishing village boasts rich history, including a medieval castle and historic buildings. Surrounded by olive groves, expect to savor delightful olives and olive oil.
- Corniglia stands apart as the only village positioned away from the ocean. With its agricultural ambiance and vineyards surrounding it, Corniglia offers a tranquil stay for those who prefer peace over beach proximity.
- Manarola is another popular choice in Cinque Terre. Although there isn’t a beach, residents and visitors enjoy swimming in the harbor. The village includes a tiny piazza and maintains an authentic Italian charm.
- Riomaggiore represents a classic Cinque Terre village. Nestled along a rocky beachfront, it highlights colorful homes with traditional slate roofs. Smaller than Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore provides a quieter atmosphere while still being renowned for its excellent hiking trails.
- La Spezia is a budget-friendly option for travelers seeking accommodation near Cinque Terre. Positioned just outside the villages, it remains a viable choice for those exploring the region.
Introducing the Cinque Terre Villages
The five villages reside within the Cinque Terre National Park, which encompasses a segment of the enchanting Ligurian coast. Picking the best place to stay is crucial for maximizing your experience.
When searching for accommodation in Cinque Terre, note that the name “Cinque Terre” translates to “five lands” in Italian. Each village shines with distinct characteristics. Some offer serene views accompanied solely by olive groves and the ocean, while others boast lively nightlife that may surprise you given their size.
1. Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare stands as the largest destination in the Cinque Terre National Park, making it the most visited and bustling village, complete with the most hospitality venues.
However, Monterosso’s popularity does come with some downsides. During the summer months, anticipate heavily crowded streets, fully booked hotels, and packed restaurants. Yet, the vibrant nightlife and friendly atmosphere that unfolds during busy times create a lively experience. If you don’t mind a busier setting during your stay in Cinque Terre, Monterosso is an excellent option.
Where to Stay in Monterosso al Mare
Luxury: La Casa del Gigante Luxury Collection
La Casa del Gigante is our top recommendation for luxury accommodation in Monterosso al Mare. Guests receive a two-bedroom apartment with a private terrace providing breathtaking sea views.
Located just a minute’s walk from Fegina Beach, the property features complimentary Wi-Fi and a free airport shuttle, establishing a luxurious atmosphere from the arrival.
Mid-range: Locanda A Ca Du Gigante
For a sleek Cinque Terre hotel, Locanda A Ca Du Gigante features a mix of single rooms, double rooms, and suites. Many rooms also include an Italian-style breakfast served in the garden or breakfast room.
Only a short walk from II Gigante Beach, guests can collect complimentary beach towels from the reception. Private parking is available for a small fee, and with just 400 meters from the Monterosso train station, catching a train is simple and cost-effective.
Budget: La Rosa Dei Venti
Affordable accommodation doesn’t get much better than this traditional hotel situated in the heart of Monterosso. La Rosa Dei Venti remains budget-friendly while providing all the essentials.
Just five minutes from Monterosso Beach and ten minutes from the train station, La Rosa Dei Venti provides excellent value. Each room features air conditioning, coffee-making facilities, a TV, and a safety deposit box. Double rooms and balconies can be requested for added comfort.
VRBO: Apartment Overlooking The Beach
This two-bedroom apartment is the pinnacle of beachfront living. Enjoy a relaxing cooked breakfast and coffee on your private balcony, which overlooks Monterosso Beach below.
Featuring additional patio space and ample living areas, it serves as an excellent vacation rental alternative to traditional Cinque Terre hotels.
Things to Do in Monterosso
Monterosso al Mare’s primary appeal lies in its sandy beach, which sets it apart as the only town with a sizable sand beach. Therefore, if having access to a sandy beach is important to your experience in Cinque Terre, Monterosso should be your pick.
This town also offers the best nightlife along the Ligurian coast, presenting a bustling social atmosphere with many bars to explore in the evenings.
2. Corniglia
If bustling summer crowds aren’t your preference, Corniglia is perfect for you. Known as the quietest of the five villages, Corniglia provides a much more laid-back experience.
Perched high on cliffs and away from the ocean, Corniglia attracts fewer tourists. However, if you are willing to take a day trip for a beach outing, this village offers a chance for peaceful exploration of the breathtaking Cinque Terre.
A word of caution: Corniglia does involve a significant number of steps – 350, to be specific. Reaching the village from the train station requires climbing all of them, so be prepared for some effort before enjoying your reward. Nevertheless, the train line conveniently connects Corniglia to the other villages.
If you are not driving during your journey or are uncomfortable with driving in Italy, Corniglia makes for an exceptional choice, provided you are ready to carry your luggage up the stairs!
Where to Stay in Corniglia
Luxury: Residenza Solferino
Some of the finest luxury options come in the form of apartments. Residenza Solferino delivers just that, featuring recently renovated units with modern designs.
This property is ideal for those craving a home-like atmosphere after exploring the beauty of Cinque Terre, offering free Wi-Fi, ample living space, and air conditioning.
Mid-range: Amare Il Mare Affittacamere
Amare Il Mare Affittacamere showcases a blend of luxury and mid-range pricing. The property features a suite apartment with a beautiful covered terrace boasting picturesque sea views.
Deluxe double rooms come equipped with balconies for the perfect outdoor relaxation spot. Each apartment is stylishly renovated with air conditioning, coffee-making facilities, and a television.
Budget: Ostello Corniglia
Finding budget accommodation in Corniglia isn’t easy, making Ostello Corniglia a lucky find. The property features both private and dormitory-style room options, including female-only dorms.
With a shared lounge and garden, this hostel provides a cozy atmosphere and is perfect for meeting new people, particularly for solo travelers.
VRBO: Elegant Apartment With Sea View
Why not stay in a colorful Ligurian house? This vacation rental resides on the second floor of a traditional building, surrounded by citrus and olive trees in a serene location.
Both the master bedroom and living room include sea views along with a balcony perfect for enjoying outdoor tranquility.
Things to Do in Corniglia
With vineyards surrounding the village, wine tasting is an option, reflecting its agricultural atmosphere. Corniglia represents one of the best choices for soaking up the ‘dolce far niente’ – the sweet art of doing nothing. Spend your time enjoying life’s little pleasures, like sipping local wine and soaking in the historical surroundings.
3. Riomaggiore
While Riomaggiore may not have the bustling crowds of Monterosso al Mare, it certainly possesses its unique character. Attracting moderate crowds, it strikes a balance between being lively yet tranquil.
Riomaggiore displays a classic Cinque Terre aesthetic, featuring quaint pastel-colored homes and a charming stone marina filled with traditional fishing boats. Its leisurely pace makes it an appealing place to stay for a soothing coastal getaway.
Where to Stay in Riomaggiore
Luxury: Agave Room Rental
Agave Room Rental proves to be a stunning accommodation choice in Cinque Terre. Located within walking distance of Riomaggiore’s center, the guesthouse features luxurious amenities, including a jacuzzi for guest relaxation.
Various room options include shared access to an inviting garden and roof terrace, and all rooms boast sea views, ensuring splendid vistas at any time.
Mid-range: 5 Terre Discovering
Another guesthouse to contemplate is 5 Terre Discovering. This property combines luxury with mid-range pricing.
Expect modern rooms furnished with thoughtful details such as hypoallergenic materials. Guests enjoy daily housekeeping, a 24-hour reception, and the opportunity to purchase airport shuttle services.
Budget: Controvento al Mare
Riomaggiore doesn’t boast a variety of budget-friendly accommodations, but Controvento al Mare stands out as a great choice.
Offering an affordable one-bedroom apartment with excellent value for money, guests receive complimentary Wi-Fi and generous living space, alongside a 24-hour reception desk for assistance.
VRBO: Ocean View Apartment
This vacation rental is perfectly situated just a ten-minute walk from the train station and serves as a great starting point to explore Riomaggiore.
The apartment features traditional decor with tiled floors that keep it cool in summer, plus a terrace offering breathtaking sea and mountain views.
Things to Do in Riomaggiore
The pebbled beach at Riomaggiore provides opportunities for sunbathing and swimming. However, exercise caution in the water, as conditions can be rough, and the beach is unsupervised. When the ocean allows, the lovely beach is spacious and offers relaxation opportunities on the shore.
This town also serves as an excellent base for exploring all five villages, as you can purchase a Cinque Terre Card for access to hiking trails and unlimited train travel.
4. Manarola
Manarola offers a picturesque Cinque Terre experience, defined by its piazza filled with outdoor dining options, charming stone harbor, and vibrant houses.
As with the other villages, Manarola has a train station connecting it to the surrounding areas, making it relatively easy to reach even with luggage.
Where to Stay in Manarola
Luxury: La Torretta Lodge
La Torretta Lodge represents one of the most luxurious accommodations available in Cinque Terre. The guesthouse prioritizes luxury with features such as outdoor hot tub access and complimentary aperitifs each evening.
Constructed in a converted medieval tower, the lodge offers magnificent sea views and rooms decorated with contemporary artwork, complimentary soft drinks, and Nespresso machines.
Mid-range: Ca’D’Andrean
For those seeking a daily Italian breakfast, Ca’D’Andrean offers a delightful mid-range accommodation choice. This family-run hotel is well-positioned with comfortable rooms and delicious meals.
It provides a serene atmosphere to enjoy the beauty of Manarola, and guests can enjoy relaxing in the private garden during their stay.
Budget: Su Per I Coppi
The Su Per I Coppi hotel features bright, unpretentious rooms with balconies, equipped with fans to combat the summer heat, as well as free Wi-Fi and toiletries. Conveniently located just 400 meters from Manarola Beach, it’s budget-friendly yet well-situated.
VRBO: Manarola ‘Mansion’ Apartment
This spacious vacation rental accommodates up to five guests, with a prime location in one of the colorful buildings above the harbor, recognized from many famous images of Manarola.
Things to Do in Manarola
Surrounded by hiking trails leading to incredible viewpoints and historical sites, Manarola is known for its breathtaking scenic viewpoints, particularly the Manarola Scenic Viewpoint, cherished by photographers.
This town has less nightlife than Monterosso al Mare and Riomaggiore. For those wishing to unwind to the sounds of crashing waves rather than upbeat music, Manarola is an ideal location for a peaceful retreat.
While the town lacks a traditional beach, swimming is popular at a designated spot near the harbor. Maintain swimming safety by being strong swimmers and always swimming with a companion since conditions can be deep and challenging.
5. Vernazza
If you’re on the lookout for a Cinque Terre town with beach access, look no further than Vernazza, which offers two beaches to enjoy. Its small sandy beach sits next to the harbor, while Vernazza Beach features decent-sized pebbled shorelines ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
Ranking among the most beautiful spots in Cinque Terre, Vernazza showcases a wealth of attractions minus the overwhelming tourist crowds. With pedestrian-only paths and vibrant streets, it provides ample opportunities for strolling, shopping, and outdoor dining.
Where to Stay in Vernazza
Luxury: El Nin ApartmentIn Vernazza
If you’re seeking the finest luxury accommodation in Cinque Terre, El Nin Apartment fulfills all criteria. Minutes away from Vernazza Beach, it offers outstanding sea views from its terrace with essential amenities.
Mid-range: Candidina 2
For a location-based luxury experience, Candidina 2 ranks as the runner-up. Nestled in Vernazza’s Old Town, this one-bedroom apartment boasts remarkable sea views.
A mid-range apartment here serves guests who appreciate practical amenities, making Candidina 2 an ideal retreat amidst exploration.
Budget: Affittacamere PZ
Sea view rooms with private balconies are often a dream for budget travelers, but Affittacamere PZ makes it a reality, featuring spacious en-suite rooms and a lovely garden for relaxation.
While offering stunning accommodations just outside of Vernazza, the hotel is positioned thirty minutes from Old Town and conveniently situated along a bus route.
VRBO: Residential Vernazza Flat
This gorgeous one-bedroom flat, just fifty meters from the shoreline, embodies traditional stone features and a central locale, making it a fantastic choice for couples or solo travelers.
Things to Do in Vernazza
Vernazza is rich in history, showcasing the 15th-century ruins of Vernazza Castle right at its core. Exploration of this charming village can occupy several days, providing ample time to venture to nearby destinations.
As an active fishing village, Vernazza possesses an agricultural essence with fresh seafood options and a lively harbor atmosphere, bolstered by olive groves producing quality olive oil and delightful olives.
6. La Spezia
Another tactic for exploring Cinque Terre includes establishing a base in a nearby city and traveling in by train. La Spezia is the ideal city for this approach.
La Spezia serves as the capital of the La Spezia Province, located south of Cinque Terre and easily accessible via the Cinque Terre railway. Often referred to as the ‘gateway to Cinque Terre,’ it’s easy to understand why.
However, do not rush out of La Spezia upon arrival. The city offers a plethora of attractions beyond being a jumping-off point for Cinque Terre. The coastline features sandy beaches, so be sure to enjoy some time in La Spezia before venturing to Cinque Terre’s rockier shores.
Where to Stay in La Spezia
Luxury: Elegant Apartments 5 Terre La Spezia
Who needs a Cinque Terre hotel when you can enjoy a superb location in La Spezia? Elegant Apartments is conveniently situated between Saint George’s Castle and the Amedeo Lia Museum, making it perfect for history enthusiasts.
Offering various modern luxury apartments that sleep up to six guests, each apartment is fully furnished and provides all the comforts of home.
Mid-range: Alchimia di Mare
If you require a mid-range option to explore Cinque Terre, Alchimia di Mare fits the bill. Just a three-minute walk from La Spezia Centrale Train Station, it offers easy access to the nearby villages.
Most rooms come with daily breakfasts at a nearby restaurant, along with mini-fridges and coffee-making health perks. The trendy decor featured throughout the building enhances the ambiance.
Budget: La Casa dei Treni Affittacamere
This budget property serves as an excellent alternative and lies just minutes from La Spezia Centrale Train Station, allowing for seamless travel to Cinque Terre.
Rooms include coffee machines, air conditioning, and TV, with the option of patios or city views for extra indulgence. La Casa provides incredible value for budget-savvy travelers, thanks to its stylish and recently renovated interior.
VRBO: The Sea in Piazza Apartment
This rental property in La Spezia ranks among the top choices. Well-positioned just a short walk from the sea, port, train station, bus station, and Porto Mirabello, it excels in location.
With sleek and classy interiors adorned in a captivating black and white color theme, it’s a highly recommended option for those prioritizing location and quality.
Things to Do in La Spezia
Staying in a larger city has distinct benefits as numerous attractions await your exploration. La Spezia is rich in history, evidenced by the Castello San Giorgio, a 14th-century castle renowned for stunning views and historical artifacts.
The city also hosts an impressive modern art gallery, naval museum, and a picturesque swimming area named after the famed romantic poet, Lord Byron.
As you plan your last-minute trip to Cinque Terre, remember that La Spezia tends to offer more accommodation availability. Encompassing a larger city, it features numerous hotels and hostels, providing an array of options if you’re working within a budget.
How to Get to Cinque Terre
The closest airports serving Cinque Terre are located in Pisa and Genoa. Pisa, being the larger city, typically provides the best international flight options.
For those entering through Pisa, the simplest way to reach Cinque Terre is via train. A train to Monterosso al Mare with a quick stop at La Spezia Centrale will take you there in under two hours.
Travelers arriving in Genoa can also utilize the train service to Monterosso al Mare with a brief stop at La Spezia Centrale. This journey runs slightly shorter, taking about an hour and a half.
Driving to Cinque Terre is another option, though navigating the region can be quite unpredictable, with challenges in finding parking. Alternatively, taxi services are available but will come at a premium, often exceeding $200 for one-way transfers from Pisa.
Getting Around Cinque Terre
Navigating Cinque Terre is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to a regular train service connecting all the towns, as well as ferry options and independent boat trips. Thus, the choice of transportation is yours.
Those opting for the train should consider purchasing the Cinque Terre Card, which offers one and two-day unlimited travel options. This may prove cheaper than buying individual tickets, depending on your travel plans.
Note that while trains connect the towns, some stations are not located in the town centers. For example, in Corniglia, visitors must climb 350 steps from the train station, which may deter some travelers. Always evaluate your fitness levels as you determine which towns to visit.
For those inclined toward outdoor activities, hiking trails interlink the towns, presenting outdoor enthusiasts with engaging challenges. Cards are available for purchasing to ensure access to both hiking trails and train travel.
Cars are not the best means for navigating Cinque Terre. During rainy months, road conditions can shift, making them narrow and prone to landslides. Additionally, towns like Vernazza prohibit cars, limiting your access to specific locations when driving. Parking also poses challenges, as spaces tend to be far from town centers and can be expensive.
Unless your accommodation features complimentary parking, we suggest sourcing multi-day parking on the outskirts of Cinque Terre and relying on trains to reach your desired locations.
How Long to Spend in Cinque Terre
The dilemma of how long to enjoy your stay in Cinque Terre varies based on individual trip priorities.
If you’d prefer to dedicate your time to just one village, we recommend a minimum of two days and three nights, irrespective of where you choose to stay. Three to four days generally present a wonderful balance between relaxation and exploration of Cinque Terre’s offerings, alongside opportunities for day trips to nearby attractions.
Conversely, many travelers opt to journey across the Ligurian coast, stopping in each of the five villages. In this scenario, we suggest planning for a minimum of ten days to genuinely savor each place. You might find characters to enjoy this experience over an extended fortnight without hurry.
Cinque Terre remains among the most beautiful places in Italy, if not the globe. If you have the luxury of time, why rush through your exploration?
Final Thoughts on Cinque Terre
Embarking on a journey through Cinque Terre promises an unforgettable experience, as the Ligurian coast showcases stunning towns and breathtaking landscapes unlike any other. We encourage a balanced approach between embracing the art of ‘dolce far niente’ and sightseeing each captivating locale.
Upon your arrival in Cinque Terre, you may discover a beloved town, returning with a yearning to visit time and again. With various places to explore, the true charm of this destination lies in its diversity. The most rewarding experience awaits you as you witness each of them unfold.
