Tucked between the mountains and the sea (the Ligurian Sea, not the Mediterranean), you’ll find a gorgeously situated coastline. On that gorgeously situated coastline, you’ll find five villages filled with unblocked sea perspectives and colorful buildings, jointly known as the Cinque Terre.
Within this stretch of coastline, you’ll encounter spectacular perspectives around every corner, some of Italy’s best coastal hiking trails, fresh seafood on every menu, and surprisingly good local wines.
When choosing where to lodge in Cinque Terre, our initial recommendation would be selecting one of the five villages as a base, and exploring the remaining Cinque Terre towns from there. The Cinque Terre Express – a regional rail connecting all five villages – facilitates easy travel between the communities.
But which town should you opt for?! That, friends, is the question we’re here to assist you in answering.
In this guide, we’re going to go through the optimum places to reside in Cinque Terre, covering four of the five villages (don’t reside in Corniglia because of the brutal stairs from the train station, thank us later). We’ll give you an outline of the town and what we liked about it along with a set of pros and cons of utilizing it as your home base, then we’ll give you a few specific places to reside that caught our eye.
Certainly, a lot of this is subjective and grounded in our own individual experience exploring each of the towns. You could potentially convince us that inhabiting any of the villages would make for a suitable base of operations (excepting Corniglia). However, some are decidedly preferable for specific rationales – such as proximity to hiking if that is a priority, or a location that remains vibrant after dark.
Ultimately, we hope this guide provides the information needed to decide where to stay in Cinque Terre based on your specific needs, budget, and travel style.
Sound good to you? Off we go!
PS: If you’re here, chances are you’re planning a trip to Cinque Terre. It is possible that you seek to undertake a journey to the locale known as Cinque Terre. How fortunate you are! Do not fail to reference our itinerary for Cinque Terre spanning two days and our guide concerning the best activities to engage in within the Cinque Terre so as to facilitate arranging an unforgettable trip founded upon our collected experiences.
Pro tip if you’re visiting in the summer: Be sure the place you remain has atmosphere conditioning. It can get intensely warm in July and August, and atmosphere conditioning is the divergence between a acceptable night`s dormancy and drowning in your own perspiration.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
A Crash Course in the Geography of the Cinque Terre
Prior to recommending the best place to stay within Cinque Terre, we ought to discuss the geography, as the landscape is pivotal to selecting suitable accommodations here.
Cinque Terre (approximately `cheen-kweh tear-uh`) roughly means “five towns.” Which is exactly what you`ll find in this incredibly beautiful coastal stretch in northern Italy between Genoa and Pisa.
These days, it’s generally known as a visitor destination, but it is known for its diversity of flora and fauna, which is why it was made a UNESCO World Heritage sight and a national park in the past two decades.
Essentially, the Cinque Terre consists of five towns located along the rugged, mountainous coast between La Spezia (at the south end) and Levanto (at the northern end). In an attempt to safeguard the stretch from overdevelopment, this charming slice of paradise was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, and a national park in 1999.
The five towns are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare (from south to north).
There are two gateway towns to the national park, one at the northern end ( Levanto) and one at the southern end ( La Spezia) that are connected via a local railway called the “Cinque Terre Express,” which stops at each village and takes approximately 15 minutes to travel from one end of the line to the other.
Chances are, you’ll be passing through one of those gateway cities en route to your Cinque Terre accommodations, and will likely need to hop on the regional train to connect to the town you choose to stay in.
Our first recommendation is to lodge in one of the towns of the Cinque Terre, NOT in the gateway cities. Unless your budget is constrained (Cinque Terre is not particularly affordable overall), you will have a much more enjoyable experience if able to appreciate the towns and hiking trails at their most tranquil periods.
However, if you are watching your budget, staying in La Spezia or Levanto make the journey in is completely achievable. We’d still recommend you get an early start and stay out late, if possible.
It will be less practical, as you cannot simply go on a morning hike, explore a few of the towns, and return to take a quick shower as easily if you`re staying further away.
Our second recommendation is to definitely avoid residing in Corniglia like the plague. Not because we didn’t appreciate Corniglia (okay, it actually ranked as our least favorite of the five, but that’s not the point), but because the staircases to get from Corniglia’s train station, located at sea level, up to the town, perched cliff high above the sea, are a nightmare.
There’s regular transportation provided, but it can be quite full during peak times, especially in the summer months, and you may have to decide between waiting almost an hour or climbing the stairs in the heat.
A hard pass from us. It was the first note I jotted down while prepping to write this guide.
An important consideration, less of a suggestion and more of a warning, is that the Cinque Terre region contains many hills (which is part of what makes it unique). This includes steep slopes and staircases within the towns that must be ascended to reach lodging in most cases. Significant elevation changes should be expected when navigating the area.
There are luggage transfer services in some of the towns, but you’re probably going to want to be able to carry your luggage to your accommodations (aka no big suitcases).
Now that we’ve done a quick geography overview so that you have some idea of what we’re talking about in the guide below, let’s get into talking about where to stay in Cinque Terre.
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre: A Complete Guide
In this guide, we’re going to present four options in terms of towns that can be used as a base for exploring the Cinque Terre region.
If you only have 2-3 days, remaining in a single place along the coast for your entire visit is advisable to avoid repeatedly packing, unpacking, and transporting your belongings up and down the steep inclines.
For each of the four towns below, we will give you an overview, discuss the pros and cons of using that town as a home base, highlight some of our favorite spots and attractions in the area, and recommend a few lodging options that stood out in our research.
For the sake of transparency, you should know that we haven’t actually lodged in all of these towns, but we have visited them and have an understanding of their geography (e.g. is this hotel at the top of the hill or not) and things to do and see in each place.
As we’ll mention below, we lodged in Manarola, where we greatly enjoyed our stay and would strongly recommend if you’re searching for a tranquil home base with excellent perspectives from the top of the slope.
Manarola: Central & Quiet (Where We Stayed)
We opted to stay in Manarola since I had read it was the quietest of the five towns, a prospect that appealed to me. It also turned out to be our preferred locale in terms of natural beauty, a judgment we made after experiencing all five districts.
The town of Manarola spreads upwards from the shore (which has a small swimming location – one of the only places to bathe along the entire coastline), with colorful tall and slender buildings ascending the steep inclines to the east, which are replete with the distinctive terraced vineyards that cultivate the grapes employed in wines from the Cinque Terre.
Between about 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, the streets of Manarola are packed with tourists – notably when the tour groups arrive from cruise ships or stop in La Spezia – but at other times of day, it’s downright peaceful.
We were actually surprised by how quiet it became by 5:00 pm, which is around the time the day visitors departed for the day.
One inference is that if nightlife is sought, options will be limited in Manarola given how quiet it was, with no bars seemingly open past 10:00 pm throughout the entire town.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Manarola
Pros:
- It’s very peaceful after dark. Especially once the sun goes down, when day visitors head to the train and leave for home. Around 30 minutes after sunset, the roads are almost empty. But this same point also appears in the cons below, as fewer dining and bar choices are available in town. It works better for apartments where you can cook yourself.
- It offers incredibly photogenic views. From the panoramic viewpoint at the tip of the land projecting into the sea, you’ll observe the postcard-worthy scenery that’s depicted on souvenirs sold in shops throughout Cinque Terre. The multi-colored houses are especially striking at sunset, as the golden glow of the setting sun illuminates them.
Cons:
- … It has low activity levels. There are about five restaurants in the town, and only a couple bars remain open past 7:00 pm or so. Those looking for a lively atmosphere centered around eating and drinking should stay elsewhere (or plan visits to the other towns for meals).
- It’s traversing a steep incline. This holds true for most of the towns (with the notable exception of Monterosso), but particularly Manarola. Now, there is an advantage – the perspectives from the locations at the top of the incline are absolutely breathtaking – but achieving that elevation necessitates quite a climb. My mother packed an immense suitcase, and let`s just say transporting it up the hill was not an enjoyable experience (kudos to my younger brother, Connor, for shouldering most of the load).
The Best Places to Stay in Manarola
As we mentioned earlier, we remained in Manarola for our entire time exploring the Cinque Terre. And we were quite happy there.
We lodged at these apartments, which are dispersed around town. Specifically, we lodged at the “Duplex Apartment”, which possesses an excellent terrace with a perspective of the sea from the table, where we dined multiple dinners and enjoyed local wine as the sun descended.
Here are some other places to reside in Manarola that caught our eye.
The La Torretta Lodge is located near the square facing the church uphill from the train station in this town. Although this boutique accommodation will likely not be the most affordable hotel option locally, it may provide the nicest. Guests can expect rooms with a minimalist design, some offering sea views from private terraces, plus current amenities like rainfall showers and Nespresso machines. Those on a tight budget may want to look elsewhere, but this would make an excellent place to celebrate a milestone event.
The First Manarola: Elevated on the hilltop overlooking the harbor and the Ligurian Coast beyond is this small luxury hotel. There are only a few rooms here (and they have air conditioning!), but they pack quite the punch with seaviews and luxurious bathtubs. Rooms are on the small side, but have plenty of space to serve as a nice home base for a few nights (longer trips might be a little harder). They have standard hotel-style rooms and bigger suites, some of which have private terraces overlooking the sea.
San Giorgio Visitors` Lodging: While the initial two lean towards the lavish end of the spectrum, this compact visitor accommodation is slightly more affordable and approachable. You’ll exchange lavish touches like large bathtubs and Nespresso machines for comfy beds and more simple decoration. Which, as you might imagine, comes at a more reasonable rate. One aspect we like is that they have rooms that have two queen beds, but the beds aren’t situated right next to each other, which is perfect for groups and families who require a bit more space.”
Riomaggiore: The Most Happening Town in Cinque Terre
Our view of Riomaggiore, which is actually the largest of the five Cinque Terre villages and is the southernmost town in Cinque Terre national park, is that it had the most lively atmosphere of the five.
Even after dusk fell, when Manarola (our chosen lodging) tended to empty of people, we could sense the lively aura here.
If you’re looking for nighttime activity, this is probably your best bet in the Cinque Terre (although, you should know that there’s just not a whole lot of nightlife here in general).
The reason might be the large number of bars and restaurants in Riomaggiore, most of which are located along the main route between the harbor and the end of Via Colombo. Compared to the five in Manarola, there is practically an unlimited number in Riomaggiore.
But scenic beauty isn`t the only thing Riomaggiore has going for it. It also happens to be the second most aesthetically pleasing (after Manarola) of the Cinque Terre coastal towns according to our admittedly subjective rankings.
The harbor presents a beautiful place to watch the sunset, and there are some amazing perspectives to be experienced up around the church at the top of the hill, San Giovanni Battista.
If you’re seeking a place that is lively and beautiful, with many spots to dine and drink, Riomaggiore is a superb choice.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Riomaggiore
Pros:
- It is exceptionally scenic. All of the towns are highly photogenic, but Riomaggiore is especially so. Especially around the harbor and at the top of the hill near the church.
- Lots of energy. In comparison to hamlets like Manarola and Corniglia, which are a little relaxed, Riomaggiore is lively, even after sunset. Lots of choices in terms of places to eat and drink.
- Ghemé. We really enjoyed our experience learning about the wines of the Cinque Terre here that we decided to include it in our pros and cons list. That should tell you everything you need to know. Go for the wines from small local producers, stay for the friendly staff and quick course on making wine in the Cinque Terre.
Cons:
- The location isn’t ideal compared to the other villages.It’ll take 10-15 minutes to arrive at Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. While this alone may not be a deal-breaker, it is something to consider, particularly since that is where most of the hiking opportunities are found.
The Best Places to Stay in Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore has the best variety of lodging choices when it comes to places to stay across the entire value spectrum. Most of them, though, fall in the mid-range category.
Here are a few that we liked.
Crêuza de Mä: You really couldn`t ask for a finer location right above the terrace with a magnificent perspective at sunset. They have multiple panoramic terraces overlooking the Ligurian Sea in one bearing, and the colourful buildings of Riomaggiore in the other. You’ll manage to flee the crowds at the viewpoint below and enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine in peace. Plus a hot tub with a perspective! Rooms are simple and comfortable, coming in two styles (one double bed or two twins). The property is something unique – look at the pictures to see for yourself!
Scorci Di Mare: This property is directly across the harbor from the renowned sunset spot referenced above, which positions it right in the center of all the action in Riomaggiore. Rooms are generally hotel-style with various layouts, and some have ocean views or views of the town. There are also a couple of apartments, if you’re looking for more space or a kitchen, but they book up quickly.
Cinqueterre Residence: If we evaluate honestly, we presumed this place was going to be significantly exceeding our anticipated cost range according to the visuals. But we were pleasantly amazed to locate it squarely in the mid-range category when considering prices in Cinque Terre are usually rather elevated. It’s a somewhat long journey ascending the hill along Via Colombo, yet it’s a consistent grade for most of the distance there. There is a mixture of hotel-style rooms and more expansive apartments (with small kitchens). Cooling systems in every room, and a shared hot tub for guests.
Affittacamere Le Giare: This accommodation in Riomaggiore may offer the most affordable option in the entire Cinque Terre region. While the rooms lack extra amenities, they contain everything needed for a few nights` stay and come with air conditioning, an appealing feature given the setting and time of year.”
Vernazza: The Best Place to Stay for Hiking the Sentiero Azzurro
Had we the chance to redo it AND stay somewhere other than Manarola, Vernazza would be our selection. Indeed, Vernazza itself is lovely. There are excellent dining and drinking locations in the town and the harbor is among the most picturesque spots in the Cinque Terre.
However, the primary reason we’d choose to stay in Vernazza is that, as of late 2022, it provides the best location in Cinque Terre for hiking the famous Sentiero Azzurro coastline trail.
As of 2022, only two sections of the Blue Trail are accessible. They are the track between Corniglia and Vernazza, and the track between Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare.
You’ve undoubtedly observed that Vernazza is the center city in that trio, which means you’ll be able to hop on both sections of the trail without initially having to take the train, which can be unreliable and crowded.
That, my friends, is the strongest argument for remaining in Vernazza. If hiking both sections of the Blue Trail is what you intend to do and the thought of being able to walk directly to the starting points for both sections appeals to you, Vernazza is your best option.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Vernazza
Pros:
- It’s the best location for hiking. You’ll be able to wake up, grab coffee and breakfast, and hit the trail without having to hop on the Cinque Terre Express. Which, from personal experience, can be a little bit of an annoyance thanks to crowds and canceled trains.
- It has some pleasant places to eat and drink.Unlike Manarola, which only has a (small) handful of places to eat and drink, you’ll have plenty of options in Vernazza.
Cons:
- It’s busy. Its place at the center of the Blue Trail means that there are many people here, especially in the middle of the day. They clear out come dinnertime, but it’s quite overwhelming between 10:00 am and around 4:00 pm.
- There aren’t many lodging options.Despite the fact that there are a large number of tourists around, there aren’t a whole lot of hotel or guesthouse choices in Vernazza.
The Best Places to Stay in Vernazza
Accommodation options here are rather limited, surprising us. A few Vernazza lodgings that caught our attention are below.
La Ripa Camere: A good guesthouse that`s positioned higher up on the path towards Corniglia. They offer both single bedroom apartments with full kitchens as well as smaller double rooms, some providing vistas of the ocean from private balconies. Panoramic perspectives throughout the property. Air conditioning is provided too.
Pippo a Vernazza: We wanted to visit the restaurant on the ground floor here (it was closed for the season, but you totally should), and imagine my delight when I realized they had a small guesthouse above the restaurant! Comfortable rooms without a whole lot of lavish touches, but a great value five minutes up the hill from the main drag in Vernazza.
Monterosso al Mare: Where to Stay for Beach Lovers
Cinque Terre isn’t known for its coastlines, but if spending time at the coast is high on your list of activities to engage in Cinque Terre, then Monterosso al Mare is the locale for you. We found the coastlines here (there are two) to be the best we encountered throughout Cinque Terre.
Monterosso seems like the largest, most popular town of the Cinque Terre (though Riomaggiore technically has more permanent residents), and it’s split into the old town and newer side of town, where the train station and beach will be found.
The old town in particular is a fun place to wander around, and there are a couple of highlights below that you really shouldn’t miss, even if you don’t choose to stay here.
One drawback we noticed about Monterosso during our visits was that it seemed to constantly be overflowing with tourists. They were on the beach, in the narrow alleyways, and filling the restaurants. Everywhere we looked, it appeared the most crowded of the five towns, and we would say that degree of crowdedness counts as a disadvantage.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Monterosso al Mare
Pros:
- It possesses some pleasant beaches. Wide sandy coastlines and distinctly Italian shorelines with blue umbrellas and beach chairs make this an excellent location for lovers of the seaside. If the climate`s hot and you`re craving a dip in the refreshing ocean, this is likely the best place to do it.
- There are some unique stores, bars, and eateries. Two of our top five favorite discoveries of the entire trip were in Monterosso (which we’ll cover below), and the narrow streets of old town are full with shops to browse for souvenirs and gifts to take back home.
- It’s essentially flat. If transporting a large heavy suitcase up a narrow, steep set of stairs is something you wish to avoid, Monterosso is your preferred choice. True, there are hills, but nowhere near as many as in other towns.
Cons:
- It feels the most “touristy.” That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it was crowded at all hours of the day. One of the things we enjoyed about the Cinque Terre is that while it’s a highly visited tourist destination located prominently on the beaten path, it somehow maintains a somewhat “undiscovered” quality when walking around before 9:00 am or after 7:00 pm, when the streets are relatively quiet. Monterosso doesn’t really have that sense of discovery.
- It is on the expensive side.We found things were around 10-20% pricier in Monterosso, from glasses and bottles of wine to meals and souvenirs. Accommodations as well.
The Best Places to Stay in Monterosso al Mare
While Monterosso al Mare is the most frequented location of the five towns to remain, that does not necessarily mean it contains the nicest places to stay.
It certainly covers a wide range, but we’re not overly enthusiastic about most of them. They tend to be at capacity year-round, which means sometimes they require significant TLC (tender loving care).
Still, if you want to be able to stroll to the beach from your front door, this is the place to be. Here are some places that caught our eye.
Affittacamere Da Flo: Presumably the finest place in connection with being in close proximity to the coast – it’s quite literally across the road from the entryway. Simple lodging-style rooms, some of which have perspectives of the sea (some don’t, so on the off chance that it’s critical to you, ensure you pick a room that has one!). Rooms are a decent estimate, also, with a little additional room to spread out.
Affittacamere Lo Scoglio: Another nice guesthouse situated across the street from the beach, this one was recently renovated and has neat, fashionable rooms. It’s likely to be loud due to the location, but that’s the trade off you’re making for staying opposite the beach I suppose. A pleasant communal terrace where you can observe the sunset with a beverage, and some rooms offer ocean views and/or balconies.
La Casa di Zuecca: This one is located on the other side of Monterosso al Mare in the old neighborhood, which is where you’ll find the better selection of bars and restaurants. It’s still within walking distance of multiple beaches, it’s just not literally across the street. Meaning it’ll be quieter, if you’re searching for a good night’s sleep, and also cheaper. It provides a simple accommodation – moderately sized rooms (with air conditioning), simple decor, and a good location. Overall, excellent value for the money.
