10 Best Places To Stay In Cinque Terre, Italy

Discover the charm of Cinque Terre's five unique villages
Written By: Andrea Spallanzani
Reviewed by: Rick Orford
How & Why We Created This Article

This article has been written, reviewed, and fact-checked by Rick and I. We live in Italy and travel throughout the country to help you make the best choices for your trip. We wrote this piece to help you have the best trip possible on your next trip to Italy. Portions of this article have been written using assistive AI tools to help with tasks like research, spell-checking, grammar, and translation.

Last Updated March 4, 2024

In this article, you'll learn how:

  1. Cinque Terre in Italy consists of five picturesque fishing villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, each offering a unique experience.
  2. Riomaggiore is known for its vibrant nightlife and is a great base for trekking, making it ideal for young visitors.
  3. Manarola is one of the most beautiful and romantic towns in Cinque Terre, with stunning sea views and historic charm, making it a great choice for couples.

Planning a trip to Italy and wondering where to stay in Cinque Terre? Perhaps you’re staying in Florence, Rome, or Milan. Cinque Terre, or the land of Five Lands, stretches the Italian Riviera coastline of five beautifully picturesque fishing villages.

Though they have much in common, each town has winding pedestrian streets lined with cafes and shops. The differences between the Cinque Terre towns are significant enough to affect your stay.

In this article, we’ll look at each Cinque Terre in detail. We’ll help you pick the best town for your needs and travel preferences by assisting you in making a thorough study of Cinque Terre towns and comparing them to one another.

The location to stay in Cinque Terre is based on how much hiking you want to do, how near you want to be to the sea if you’re traveling with children, and what sort of ambiance you enjoy. The place has a lot of tiny guesthouses and apartments and fewer Hotels.

Cinque Terre Villages

Visiting Cinque Terre town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers to visit up of five stunning towns –

Planning a trip to Italy and wondering where to stay in Cinque Terre? Perhaps you’re staying in Florence, Rome, or Milan. Cinque Terre, or the land of Five Lands, stretches the Italian Riviera coastline of five beautifully picturesque fishing villages.

Though they have much in common, each town has winding pedestrian streets lined with cafes and shops. The differences between the Cinque Terre towns are significant enough to affect your stay.

In this article, we’ll look at each Cinque Terre in detail. We’ll help you pick the best town for your needs and travel preferences by assisting you in making a thorough study of Cinque Terre towns and comparing them to one another.

The location to stay in Cinque Terre is based on how much hiking you want to do, how near you want to be to the sea if you’re traveling with children, and what sort of ambiance you enjoy. The place has a lot of tiny guesthouses and apartments and fewer Hotels.

We highly suggest that you allot two or three days for your stay in Cinque Terre. This would provide time to experience the beaches and explore the culture through an activity like a cooking class, pretty much like Tuscany cooking tours.

Cinque Terre Villages

Visiting Cinque Terre town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers to visit up to five stunning towns:

  • Monterosso al Mare
  • Vernazza
  • Corniglia
  • Manarola
  • Riomaggiore

These are among the most colorful in all of Italy, with charming pastel-colored houses clinging onto sea cliffs that make up one of the country’s most evocative and distinctive landscapes. The area is also part of a Natural Park that includes a Marine Park.

The towns are linked by the local train, which stops at every station for only a few minutes, and walking routes.

RiomaggioreManarolaCornigliaVernazzaMonterosso al Mare
Best forNightlife, Budget TravelersRomance, Photography, WineQuiet Seclusion, Budget TravelersPicturesque Harbor, PopularBeach Lovers, Relaxed Pace
HighlightsVibrant nightlife, Trekking, Affordable staysScenic views, Rocky coast, Historical charmBreathtaking views, Historic churches, TranquilityDoria Castle, Vernazza port, Scenic lanesLarge beach, Blue waters, Relaxing ambiance
Notable StaysCrêuza de mä, Appartamenti e Camere EdiIl Sogno di Manarola by The First, Giovanni RoomsLuxury Penthouse Sea View, Daa MadunetaRooms Elisabetta, Il Ciasso’ Romantic Seafront EscapeLa Serra Sul Mare, La Cabana Cinque Terre Monterosso
AccessibilityTricky slopes, Consider noise at nightMountainous, Steep roads, Limited accessibilityClimbing 382 steps from station, Limited accessibilityBus connections, Busy, Make reservationsBeachfront, Easy access to beach
Recommended forYoung visitors, Night owlsCouples, Photographers, Wine enthusiastsNature enthusiasts, Quiet seekersCouples, Explorers, Reservations essentialBeach enthusiasts, Relaxed travel

Riomaggiore- for nightlife

Riomaggiore is the first town you encounter coming from La Spezia and the one with the most dynamic nightlife, making it the perfect choice for young visitors looking to explore the area. The area is 10.29 square kilometers, with a 2024 population projected at over 1,730 residents.

The town has a vibrant energy, with bars and best restaurants lining the streets and colorful houses dotting the landscape. It’s also a good base for trekking, so you can experience the best of both worlds while staying in Riomaggiore.

Whether you’re interested in partying all night or exploring during the day, this town has something for everyone to enjoy. So come to Riomaggiore and experience all this vibrant town has to offer!

In many cases, Riomaggiore is the most affordable location in which to stay in Cinque Terre. If you are concerned about late-night noises, double-check the location of your hotel. Riomaggiore’s slopes are rather tricky, so bring sensible bags with you.

Best places to stay in Riomaggiore:

Crêuza de mä

The views from this Cinque Terre luxury accommodation are unrivaled. Crêuza de mä, a luxurious lover’s haven, features a hot tub overlooking the Ligurian Coast. It’s one of the best Luxury Hotels In Cinque Terre!

The hotel is within walking distance from Riomaggiore so that you can enjoy your private oasis immediately. The rooms are modern and renovated. This Cinque Terre hotel features wifi, a rooftop patio, a garden, and more. If you’re searching for a luxury vacation, this is the place to go!

Appartamenti e Camere Edi 

Appartamenti e Camere Edi is a Cinque Terre hotel if you’re seeking fantastic mid-range accommodation. The pricing is reasonable, and the view is breathtaking. You are near the national park with a balcony overlooking the beach and a kitchenette. The views are the most appealing aspect of this stunning site!

Manarola – for a romantic stay

Manarola is one of the most beautiful and photographed of the Cinque Terre towns and it is popular among many. It is built on huge rocks and is 70 meters above sea level. Manarola has lovely bright buildings, beautiful and rocky access to the sea, and numerous little alleyways that climb up from the water to the town’s highest point, which is at the top. Manarola is comparatively smaller than Riomaggiore and has a different feel to it.

The town of Manarola is quieter at night, making it an excellent location to relax if you want more leisurely evenings.

The narrow alleyways and sea vistas make it ideal for an Italian wedding, as couples have endless romantic places to stay and photograph.

Manarola is also the Cinque Terre’s most ancient settlement: it has been inhabited for hundreds of years and is home to an intriguing wine-making history.

Manarola is also a great location for trekking, with Sentiero Azzurro and Sentiero dell’Amore being easily accessible. However, they are usually closed for safety concerns.

It is not a suitable destination for minor children or people with mobility issues, as it is mountainous and has many steep roads.

Best places to stay in Manarola

Il Sogno di Manarola by The First

Il Sogno di Manarola by The First is a premium choice, but it does not have to be prohibitively expensive. Although Il Sogno di Manarola by The First is a luxury hotel, it may still be reasonable if you visit Cinque Terre.

Il Sogno di Manarola by The First is a true luxury, with just three private apartments overlooking Manarola. You’ll have your terrace and lounge chairs, and everything will be contemporary and elegant! So if you’re searching for a magnificent place to stay in Cinque Terre for a luxury getaway, this is the place to go!

Giovanni Rooms

Giovanni Rooms is a lovely mid-range B&B in Manarola with stunning sea and village views. This Cinque Terre B&B is near the top hill where Manarola is situated, just outside the train station. Modern facilities are available. If you arrive late or need to depart early, there is a 24-hour desk available.

Corniglia

Corniglia is the only one among 5 Cinque Terre towns that aren’t on the sea. It’s located 90 meters above sea level, so it has a distinct feel from the others. 

It is one of the least visited settlements in the area, and because of this, it has a unique quiet charm and a genuine local atmosphere.

The town is on a single road from the city center to a Belvedere. It has several historic churches (San Pietro is over 1300 years old) and spectacular ocean views below.

Something essential to know about Corniglia is its accessibility. 

It is feasible to reach by train, but after you exit the station, you’ll have to climb 382 steps to get to the town! Bus connections are accessible throughout that distance. However, hikers and people without mobility issues are more likely.

If you wish to escape the chaos and enjoy quiet evenings, Corniglia is a fabulous place to stay in Cinque Terre. The town is also frequently less expensive than other locations in Cinque Terre, making it a fantastic value choice.

Some of the best stays in Corniglia:

Luxury Penthouse Sea View

Luxury Penthouse Sea View is a beautiful holiday home perfect for those who want to enjoy the beach. The property is situated in Corniglia, 200 m from Corniglia Beach and 700 m from Guvano Beach. It is located 2.7 km from Vernazza Beach and provides an ATM.

The holiday home features one bedroom, bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with sea views. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and bed linen for an extra charge.

Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is the nearest airport, 111 km from the holiday home. Luxury Penthouse Sea View is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing beach vacation.

Daa Maduneta

Daa Maduneta is in Corniglia, in the center of the UNESCO Cinque Terre National Park. Free wifi is available throughout the property; every guest room has air-conditioned TV and satellite channels.

All rooms include a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. La Spezia is a 50-minute drive from Daa Maduneta, and several shops and restaurants are nearby. This property is 8-minute walk from the beach.

Vernazza: The most famous of Cinque Terre towns

Vernazza is, without doubt, the most well-known and photographed location in Cinque Terre, probably the one that best captures the Cinque Terre experience.

Additionally, Vernazza is very rich in history; the town was established around 1000 A.D. and came under the authority of the Republic of Genoa beginning in 1276, and now offers a lovely backdrop of twisting lanes and bright homes all around the town harbor.

The Doria Castle is the main attraction, the church of Santa Margherita and, of course, the little Vernazza port, one of the most picturesque in the region and one of its most popular.

This is one of the region’s largest towns, with many restaurants and hotels. It’s also one of the busiest, so making hotel reservations ahead of time is essential.

Vernazza is a beautiful village and one of Cinque Terre’s most romantic spots for couples.

Some of the best stays in Vernazza:

Rooms Elisabetta

Are you looking for a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea? If so, you should consider staying at Rooms Elisabetta Carro during your next trip to Vernazza, Italy. This upscale hotel offers stunning ocean views and a rooftop terrace perfect for enjoying the sunset or drinking wine. And, in case you’re wondering, here’s the scoop about Italy’s drinking age!

In addition, Rooms Elisabetta is just a 0.1-mile walk from the beach, making it the perfect place to enjoy all the Cinque Terre offers.

Il Ciasso’ Romantic Seafront Escape

Situated in Vernazza, 150 m from Vernazza Beach and 1.5 km from Guvano Beach, the Il Ciasso Romantic Seafront Escape features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free wifi.

The apartment has one bedroom, a TV with cable channels, and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a fridge, a washing machine, an oven, and a toaster.

Towels and bed linen are available, and the apartment offers a terrace. Corniglia Beach is 2.3 km from Il Ciasso’ Romantic Seafront Escape. The nearest airport is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport, 73 km from the accommodation. This property is 1 minute walk from the beach.

Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso is the largest of the five settlements in Cinque Terre, with a beach and terrain different from the other four towns. The town has a modern and an older part with some pretty historical attractions, but it is mainly popular for its gorgeous beach.

The only settlement in Cinque Terre with a large beach is Monterosso al Mare, the best place if you want to enjoy the water more or more than hiking. The cliffs make for a lovely backdrop to the sparkling blue water, and there are many beach umbrellas and sun loungers for visitors to relax on. A few restaurants and cafes along the seafront make it the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch or an evening meal with a stunning view.

The best places to stay in Monterosso:

La Serra Sul Mare

La Serra Sul Mare is a property in Monterosso, offering air-conditioned rooms and accessible taxi services to the historic center. With its closeness to the beach and various tourist attractions, this is an ideal location for those looking to explore all Monterosso has to offer.

The property also offers free parking and a garden/terrace area for guests to relax after a long day of exploring the town. Finally, each room has a satellite TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, and a minibar. The hospitality is fabulous and ensures guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay.

La Cabana Cinque Terre Monterosso 

La Cabana Cinque Terre Monterosso is located in Monterosso al Mare, 400 m from Fegina Beach. It features accommodation with a bar, free private parking, a shared lounge, and a garden. The rooms at the property have air conditioning, a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a bidet.

Free wifi is accessible to all guests. Some rooms also have a terrace, and guests can enjoy a continental breakfast at the accommodation. Monterosso Old Town Beach is 600 m from La Cabana Cinque Terre Monterosso. The nearest airport is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport, 70 km from the guest house.

Which village to skip in Cinque Terre?

We often get this question, “Which village to skip in Cinque Terre?”. All these villages are stunning and offer different experiences, however, If you don’t have enough time, you can skip Corniglia. Don’t get us wrong; it’s a beautiful place. However, it is situated on top of a cliff 100 meters above sea level, so it’s not easy to get to. 

Final Words

Ultimately, the best location to stay in Cinque Terre depends on your travel itinerary and style. Riomaggiore is the ideal pick for those who want to be right in the heart of the action, while Monterosso al Mare is perfect for those who prefer a slower pace and easier access to the beach. Vernazza is an excellent option for couples or solo travelers who want to enjoy a more intimate atmosphere.

At the same time, Corniglia offers breathtaking views for those who don’t mind a bit of a hike. So, no matter what you’re looking for, Cinque Terre has something to offer everyone. Safe travels!