Cinque Terre, which means “Five Lands,” is a beautiful coastal area in Liguria, northwest Italy, famous for it’s five picturesque villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Known for its rugged coastline and terraced hillsides, these villages are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The steep cliffs, dramatic coastline, vineyards and hiking trails offer amazing views of the Ligurian Sea and the Mediterranean. With five towns to choose from, figuring out where to stay in Cinque Terre can be a bit tricky.
If you’ve never been before, you might think it doesn’t matter which town you stay in since they’re all so close. But each town has its own vibe, level of accessibility and amenities, so it’s worth thinking about what you want from your visit to decide where to stay in Cinque Terre. In this blog, we’ll help you figure out the best spot for where to stay in Cinque Terre.
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre: 6 Best Towns
1. Monterosso al Mare – Best for Families & Beach Lovers
Where to stay in Cinque Terre for: Families, beach lovers and those looking for easier access and more amenities.
Monterosso al Mare is the most accessible village in Cinque Terre, making it a great choice for families and anyone who wants a bit more convenience. It’s the only village with a substantial sandy beach, perfect for kids and if you love spending time by the sea, or if you fancy heading out on a sunset boat tour or kayaking trip. There are plenty of things to do in Monterosso and it also has the most amenities, including a wide range of restaurants and shops, making it easy to find everything you need.
If you’re looking for a resort-like experience, Monterosso offers larger hotels with facilities like pools and private beaches. Overall, if a beach town vibe is what you’re after, Monterosso al Mare is the place to be in Cinque Terre.
Accommodation Options
You’ll find the widest selection of accommodation options in Monterosso, including larger hotels with more amenities like private beaches and pools. There are also plenty of apartments and B&Bs to suit different budgets and preferences.
Top-rated Places to Stay in Monterosso Al Mare
Hotel Villa Adriana – ££
Hotel Porto Roca – £££
Hotel Margherita – ££
Bellambra – ££
Santuario NS Soviore Cinque Terre – £
2. Vernazza – Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for Romance
Where to stay in Cinque Terre for: Romantic stays and picturesque settings.
Vernazza is often considered the most beautiful of the five Cinque Terre villages, thanks to its charming harbour, dramatic sea views, and colourful houses stacked along the cliffs. This village has a small, intimate feel that’s perfect for couples or anyone looking for a romantic atmosphere. Dining by the waterfront or watching the sunset from the castle ruins are highlights that really set the mood for a romantic getaway.
There are no vehicles in Vernazza, it’s pedestrian only. The main street and harbour area are relatively flat, but if you want to explore the narrow streets beyond that, be prepared for a bit of a workout as you’ll be climbing a lot of steep steps.
We spent 3 nights in Vernazza and loved it. As evening rolls in, the majority of tourists leave and it becomes the perfect place for a romantic dinner by the harbour.
You Might Love: The Complete Cinque Terre Itinerary – 3 Days
Accommodation Options
Vernazza has a range of smaller, boutique-style hotels and B&Bs, many of which offer amazing views of the harbour.
Top-rated Places to Stay in Vernazza
La Mala – £££
Albergo Barbara – £
MADA Charm Apartments Jacuzzi – ££
Casa Cato – ££
Gianni Franzi – £
3. Corniglia – Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for an Authentic Experience
Where to stay in Cinque Terre for: Those seeking a quieter, more authentic experience.
Situated on top of a cliff and slightly more removed from the sea, Corniglia offers a quieter, less touristy environment compared to its sister villages. In fact, it’s the only one of the Cinque Terre villages that isn’t accessible by water!
To reach the village from the train station, you’ll need to climb around 365 steep steps or take a bus. This bit of isolation helps Corniglia maintain a more authentic Italian village vibe, with fewer crowds and a more laid-back pace. It’s a great little village to immerse yourself in local life and enjoy interactions with the residents.
Corniglia is also surrounded by vineyards, so if you’re interested in local wine tasting, Corniglia might just be your number one choice for where to stay in Cinque Terre.
Accommodation Options
Corniglia is more limited when it comes to accommodation options because it’s not as touristy and much quieter. You’ll mostly find small B&Bs and guesthouses here. Some good choices include Rossi Tramonti 2, Terre Marine and Affittacamere Arbasia De Ma, known for their beautiful views.
Top-rated Places to Stay in Corniglia
Affittacamere Arbasia De Ma – £
Il Magan – Cinque Terre – ££
Affittacamere Le Terrazze – £
Locanda Il Carugio – ££
Rossi Tramonti 2, Terre Marine – ££
4. Manarola – Best for Couples and Scenic Photography
Where to stay in Cinque Terre for: Couples and photographers looking for stunning views.
Manarola is arguably the most picturesque village in Cinque Terre, known for its colourful houses that seem to tumble down the steep hillside into the clear blue waters below. The village is famous for its long harbour path, which wraps around the cliff and has some of the best views in Cinque Terre looking back at the town and sea. There’s also some amazing restaurants here and the sunsets are to die for. Manarola is a favourite choice for where to stay in Cinque Terre for couples and photographers, thanks to these romantic restaurants and breathtaking sunsets.
The vibe in Manarola is laid-back and very charming. The main street has some great little shops, local eateries and wine bars where you can try local wines. You can do an authentic Italian cooking class, and if you like seafood, there are plenty of places to get fresh catches here, especially the local anchovies, which are a speciality in the area.
If you like being active and outdoors, Manarola is a good base to visit other Cinque Terre villages on foot. There’s the Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane), a scenic walking path to Riomaggiore, though it’s worth checking if it’s open during your visit. The small harbour is a great spot for a swim and if you’re up for it, cliff-jumping is super popular here too.
Accommodation Options
Manarola has mostly small hotels and apartments. If you’re looking for something fancy, La Torretta is a good pick. For a more laid-back stay, check out Ca’ D’Andrean.
Top-rated Places to Stay in Manarola
La Torretta Lodge – £££
Il Sogno di Manarola by The First – ££
Ca’ D’Andrean – ££
La Linea d’Acqua – ££
Arpaiu – Odeyo Sas – £
5. Riomaggiore – Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for a Lively Atmosphere
Where to stay in Cinque Terre for: Nightlife and a lively atmosphere.
Riomaggiore is the largest village in Cinque Terre and has a more energetic vibe with lots of bars and evening activities. It’s similar to Monterosso in terms of size (they’re the two largest villages) and liveliness. The main street is always buzzing, lined with steep buildings, bars and restaurants, making it a great choice for where to stay in Cinque Terre if you’re looking to enjoy some nightlife along with the beautiful scenery. Cooking classes like this one are also popular in Riomaggiore where you can learn to make pasta and tiramisù.
One of the perks of staying in Riomaggiore is how close the train station is to the town, which makes getting around super easy. Plus, if you’re into hiking, Riomaggiore is a starting or ending point for many of the local trails.
Accommodation Options
Riomaggiore offers a good mix of hotels and rental apartments. For great sea views, check out L’Ancora della Tortuga, while Locanda del Sole has a more cosy feel.
Top-rated Places to Stay in Riomaggiore
Cinque Terre Residences – £££
Affittacamere Anna Michielini – £
Locanda Ca da Iride – ££
Hotel Villa Argentina – ££
Banchi – £
6. La Spezia – Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for Affordability
Where to stay in Cinque Terre for: City amenities, transport links to Cinque Terre and wider Italy and affordability.
La Spezia, while not one of the Cinque Terre villages, is a convenient and affordable base for visiting Cinque Terre. It’s not far away from all five villages and has excellent train connections to them all, so day trips are super easy and full day boat trips are also really popular. It’s a budget-friendly option since hotels here are generally cheaper than in Cinque Terre.
The city has everything you need, like supermarkets, shops, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. You can also enjoy a lively market scene and several museums, like the Museo Tecnico Navale and Museo Civico Amedeo Lia, for a bit of culture.
La Spezia is a good choice for where to stay in Cinque Terre if you want the convenience and urban vibe of a larger city while still being close enough to enjoy the rustic charm of Cinque Terre. Plus, it’s a handy spot if you want to explore beyond Cinque Terre, with good train links to places like Florence, Pisa, and Genoa.
Top-rated Places to Stay in La Spezia
Albergo delle Spezie – £
Affittacamere La Collina Degli Ulivi – £££
NH La Spezia – ££
The Poet Hotel – ££
Affittacamere Lunamar – £
Pros of staying in La Spezia:
- Accommodations in La Spezia are generally cheaper than those in the Cinque Terre, which can be quite expensive, especially during peak tourist season.
- La Spezia has excellent train connections to all five villages of the Cinque Terre, often taking between 8 to 15 minutes to reach the first village, Riomaggiore. The frequency of trains makes it easy to hop between towns.
- Being a larger city, La Spezia offers more in terms of shops, restaurants, and services, including supermarkets, convenient for longer stays or if you need specific amenities.
- If you prefer a less tourist-centric experience while still being close to major attractions, La Spezia has a more local and authentic Italian urban environment – Cinque Terre can get incredibly busy.
Cons of staying in La Spezia:
- Staying in La Spezia means you’ll need to commute to the Cinque Terre villages. While train service is frequent and fast, it does add travel time and can be less convenient than staying within the villages themselves.
- La Spezia doesn’t have the quaint, picturesque charm of the Cinque Terre villages. The experience of staying overnight in one of the smaller villages, waking up to sea views, or easily walking back to your accommodation after an evening meal is something you miss out on.
- If your primary goal is to immerse yourself fully in the Cinque Terre atmosphere, staying in La Spezia might feel a bit disconnected from the unique and intimate feel of the villages.
Staying in Cinque Terre – General Cinque Terre Tips
- Accommodations in Cinque Terre fill up fast, especially from spring to early autumn, so book where to stay well in advance.
- There is a lot of walking so be prepared for walking up and down steep streets and steps. Pack light and wear comfortable shoes.
- The villages are mostly car-free and involve a lot of stairs and steep paths so travel light. Travelling with manageable luggage makes moving around easier.
- Get a Cinque Terre Card as they offer unlimited train travel between the Cinque Terre villages and access to hiking paths and buses.
- Make dinner reservations in advance or plan your meals at less busy times as during peak season, restaurants in these small villages can get crowded.
- Before planning your hike, check the status of the walking trails. Some trails, especially the popular Via dell’Amore, may be closed for maintenance after bad weather. The Cinque Terre National Park website provides up-to-date information on trail closures.
How to Get Around Cinque Terre
By Train
The easiest and fastest way to travel between the Cinque Terre villages is by train. The local Trenitalia service connects all five villages with frequent and quick trains, and the journey from one end to the other only takes a few minutes. It’s super convenient, especially because the villages are so close to each other, and the scenic ride offers great views of the coast and vineyards.
By Boat
Ferry services run between the villages (except Corniglia, which doesn’t have sea access). Boat tours are also a super popular way of exploring Cinque Terre as they give you a completely different view of the dramatic coastline and are a great alternative to trains or walking, especially when the weather is nice! We especially recommend a sunset boat tour.
By Foot
Hiking is a popular way to explore Cinque Terre. The trails offer stunning coastal views and connect all five villages. The most famous path is the Via dell’Amore, which links all the villages, but some sections may require a fee to access and others might be closed for maintenance, so it’s best to check beforehand.
How Long to Stay in Cinque Terre
2, 3 or 4 days is the perfect amount of time to stay in Cinque Terre. It all depends on how slowly you like to move around and if you want to do more than just tick the towns off your list. To make your decision a bit easier, we’ve created the perfect 3-day Cinque Terre itinerary that allows you to tick off all the towns, the best things to do and restaurant recommendations.
FAQs about Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
Is visiting Cinque Terre worth it?
Yes! Cinque Terre is one of the prettiest places in Italy. These tiny villages retain all of that quintessential Italian charm and are just as picturesque as you see in photos. Honestly, we’ve never seen anywhere like this, before or since, and we’d definitely go back again. So, hopefully, you now know where to stay in Cinque Terre, and you’ve got a rough idea of your itinerary – so go ahead and get your trip booked – we know you’ll love it!
How many days do you need in Cinque Terre?
Three days is a good amount of time to explore all five villages at a relaxed pace, enjoy some hiking, and relax without feeling rushed. You can definitely see the highlights in two days if you’re short on time.
🎒 You might love our 3 day Cinque Terre itinerary to help you plan your trip.
Can you stay overnight in Cinque Terre?
Yes, you can stay overnight in all the villages of Cinque Terre. There are a variety of accommodation options ranging from hotels and B&Bs to vacation rentals.
Where is the best base to visit Cinque Terre?
Monterosso al Mare and Riomaggiore are popular bases due to their accessibility and range of amenities. La Spezia, although not part of the five villages, is also a practical option with more affordable accommodations and good train connections.
What is the best Cinque Terre village to stay in?
It depends on what you’re looking for! Monterosso al Mare is best for families and those wanting a beach town vibe with more amenities. Vernazza is perfect for romance and stunning views. Riomaggiore offers a lively atmosphere with nightlife, and Manarola is great for photographers and couples. For a quieter, more authentic experience, try Corniglia.
Which of the Cinque Terre is the prettiest?
Vernazza often gets the title of the prettiest village in Cinque Terre, thanks to its picturesque harbour, colorful houses and stunning sea views. Manarola is also highly photogenic, especially at sunset.
Can you see all 5 Cinque Terre villages in one day?
Yes, it’s possible to visit all five villages in one day if you’re short on time. The train connections make it easy to hop between them quickly. However, this won’t give you much time to fully explore or relax in each village. Alternatively, you could take one of the popular boat tours as they allow you to see the coastline in one day and time for swimming and snorkelling.
What town to skip in Cinque Terre?
If you’re really pressed for time, you might consider skipping Corniglia since it’s less accessible and requires a bit more effort to reach. However, it does offer a more authentic experience, so it’s worth visiting if you can.
What is the least popular Cinque Terre?
Corniglia is often the least crowded because it’s the only village not directly accessible from the sea, requiring either a steep climb or a bus ride from the train station. This makes it quieter and less touristy.
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When you choose to purchase through our links, you support us at no extra cost and help us keep creating content. Thank you for your support. ♥️
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