Are you currently in the midst of planning your first-ever trip to Cinque Terre in the Italian Riviera? Then you’re in luck! This area of Italy is filled with some of the most breathtaking views that the country has to offer. Plus, the food, culture, and attractions are to die for as well!
There are many different places to stay within Cinque Terre, either in one of the five villages or on the outskirts. Since there are lots of options, it can be a bit hard to nail down the perfect place to stay on your trip, especially if you’re only planning to spend one day in Cinque Terre.
That’s why I collected all the best places to stay in Cinque Terre in this post, with useful information, pros-cons, and hotel recommendations for each town, so you can easily decide which one is the perfect choice for you.
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Overview of the Best Towns to Stay in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is truly one of the most beautiful places in Italy and it’s really popular among visitors, for a good reason!
The Italian phrase of ‘Cinque Terre’ translates to ‘Five Lands’ in English and as the name suggests, Cinque Terre comprises five small villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. There are also quite a few towns nearby that can serve as a home base for your trip to Cinque Terre.
While the most picturesque place to stay is Manarola, arguably the most popular place among visitors is Monterosso al Mare. This is one of the more highly populated areas in Cinque Terre, so there’s always a lot to do there. You’ll also have a higher chance of running into locals by staying in Monterosso al Mare.
Below you can find an overview of the best towns to stay in Cinque Terre. You’ll find a hotel recommendation for each, as well as what each place is best for. I recommend that you take the time to choose a place that most aligns with what you want to explore when you visit Cinque Terre.
| Area | Recommended Hotel |
|---|---|
| Riomaggiore (nightlife, sightseeing) | Sergeant First Class Riomaggiore |
| Vernazza (delicious restaurants, bars) | La Polena Camere Vernazza |
| Manarola (great views, central location, romantic holiday) | Il Sogno di Manarola by The First |
| Monterosso al Mare (beaches, sightseeing, family friendly) | La Terrazza di Monterosso |
| Corniglia (quiet getaway) | Rossi Tramonti 1 |
| La Spezia (sightseeing, budget friendly) | Sea & Culture - 5 Terre La Spezia |
| Levanto (beaches, quiet getaway, mountain views) | Park Hotel Argento |
Best Places to Stay in Cinque Terre
Wondering where to stay in Cinque Terre? Don’t worry, I got you covered! In this article, you will find all the best places to stay in Cinque Terre together with a bunch of useful information about each town, pros and cons, and some hotel recommendations.
If you’re a visual type, you can use the below map for getting familiar with each town mentioned in this article. Let’s dive right in!
1. Riomaggiore – The best town to stay in Cinque Terre for nightlife
If you want to stay in an area that offers lots of things to do, amazing restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, look no further than Riomaggiore. It’s the second biggest village in Cinque Terre and since it’s the closest one to La Spezia, it’s often the first town people visit when taking a holiday to Cinque Terre.
You can find beautiful pastel-colored buildings all over town lining up along the shore. Thanks to the incredible views and the lively atmosphere, Riomaggiore is definitely one of the best places to stay in Cinque Terre, especially if you’d rather not stay in a smaller town.
Pros and cons of staying in Riomaggiore
PROS
- Vibrant nightlife
- Great sightseeing opportunities
- Close to La Spezia
CONS
- It can be overcrowded during the peak season
- Can be noisy in the evenings due to nightlife
Best places to stay in Riomaggiore
LUXURY – La Vista di Marina by The First
Situated 100 m from Riomaggiore Beach, La Vista di Marina by The First in Riomaggiore features air-conditioned accommodation with views of the sea and free WiFi. Each unit features a balcony offering garden views and guests at the apartment can enjoy a continental breakfast.
MID-RANGE – Sergeant First Class Riomaggiore
Guests at Sergeant First Class Riomaggiore can take advantage of the fully equipped and air-conditioned one-bedroom apartment. The apartment has a terrace with stunning sea views and boasts amenities such as free WiFi and a flat-screen TV.
BUDGET – Affittacamere Le Giare
With free WiFi in all public areas, Le Giare Affittacamere is a 5-minute walk from Riomaggiore beach. Each air-conditioned room has tiled floors and a flat-screen TV. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer, towels, and free toiletries.
2. Vernazza – Best place for local Italian cuisine that can’t be beat
Vernazza is home to the best accommodations in Cinque Terre if you want to be able to try all the local foods. There are tons of great restaurants here, many of which are top-rated across all the Cinque Terre villages. Plus, a lot of it is incredibly affordable as well, especially down by the port.
This town is just as picturesque as Riomaggiore, if not more. Be sure to spend some time down at the port for an unforgettable view! There is also a gorgeous church right on the water. Most accommodations in Vernazza offer great views of the water, and within minutes you’ll be able to walk to a delicious Italian restaurant or gelato shop.
Vernazza is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Cinque Terre and it tends to be a popular spot to stay among tourists, so try to book early if you want to stay here. This is true of Airbnbs in Vernazza also! Save yourself the headache and plan everything out well in advance.
Pros and cons of staying in Vernazza
PROS
- Close to the best restaurants and bars
- Breathtaking waterfront views
CONS
- Hotels are more expensive than in the other towns
- Accommodations sell out quickly
- Can be very busy during peak season
Best places to stay in Vernazza
LUXURY – La Casa dell’Eroico Vino
Located 100 m from Vernazza Beach, La Casa dell’Eroico Vino features a one-bedroom apartment with a terrace, a bedroom, a living room, and a well-equipped kitchen. The property also provides free WiFi plus concierge service.
MID-RANGE – La Polena Camere Vernazza – Suite Vista Mare
Featuring free WiFi, each room at this guest house is air-conditioned and fitted with a flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy a shared terrace and there is a 24-hour front desk at the property. Private parking at a surcharge is also available.
BUDGET – Affittacamere Elisabetta
Affittacamere Elisabetta is located in the heart of Vernazza and it features 2 furnished terraces with incredible 360° panoramic views across the town and the Ligurian Sea. All rooms at the Elisabetta Affittacamere feature a sea-view balcony, a kettle with tea and coffee, and an en suite bathroom with free toiletries.
3. Manarola – The best place to stay in Cinque Terre for great views and a romantic holiday
Manarola is arguably the best Cinque Terre town to stay in if you’re looking for the most picturesque views. This is the town that you most often see on postcards or souvenirs featuring Cinque Terre because of how gorgeous the buildings are set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
Within Manarola, there are many things to do, including stopping for a great Italian dinner or checking out the local wine. Keep in mind that there is less to do here than in Riomaggiore, which may be a pro or a con for you depending on what type of holiday you’re looking for.
Manarola is also a great place to stay in Cinque Terre if you know you don’t want to do as much hiking. This is one of the villages where you don’t have to hike up super high to get rewarded for a breathtaking view.
Depending on where you choose to stay in Manarola, you might only have to look out your window for your breath to be taken away!
Pros and cons of staying in Manarola
PROS
- Breathtaking views
- Central location compared to the other villages
- Quieter than other towns
CONS
- Little to no nightlife
- A popular place to stay, so hotels sell out quickly
Best places to stay in Manarola
LUXURY – Arpaiu
Featuring free WiFi and a sun terrace, Arpaiu – Odeyo Sas offers both rooms and apartments in Manarola. Every room includes a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries. Studio apartments, located a few meters away, are complete with sea views and a dining table.
MID-RANGE – Il Sogno di Manarola by The First
Featuring a terrace and views of the garden, Il Sogno di Manarola by The First provides guests with air-conditioned rooms. Certain units include a balcony and the guest house also offers a hot tub.
BUDGET – ARIA DI MARE, Manarola
ARIA DI MARE, Manarola offers accommodation with a terrace and private parking. The air-conditioned rooms provide a garden view and come with a desk and free WiFi.
4. Monterosso al Mare – The best place to stay in Cinque Terre for a beach-filled holiday
Monterosso al Mare is one of the best places to stay in Cinque Terre if you want to have a beach getaway. This is the only village with a sandy beach, so you can actually lounge out and swim comfortably here without pebbles, like in the other towns.
This village is also the largest of all five, so there is no shortage of things to do, making it a great place to stay if you’re traveling with family. With so much to do, you won’t have to visit another village to grab a bite to eat.
However, keep in mind that prices for food might be a bit higher because this village is more overrun by tourists than the other towns are.
There also are not as many high cliff walks here as there are in other villages. So if you know you won’t be able to handle the steep hikes that you may have to endure to get to accommodation in another village, I suggest you consider staying in Monterosso al Mare.
Pros and cons of staying in Monterosso al Mare
PROS
- Right near the beach
- Perfect for families
- Lots of fun things to do
- Flat layout, no climbs are required
CONS
- Highly populated
- The busiest town with lots of tourists
- Less luxury accommodation options
Best places to stay in Monterosso al Mare
LUXURY – La Terrazza di Monterosso
Located 500 m from Fegina Beach, La Terrazza di Monterosso offers accommodation with sea and city views. The apartment is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with garden views. A terrace is available for guests at the apartment to use.
MID-RANGE – Affittacamere Lo Scoglio
Located just a 5-minute walk from Monterosso Train Station, Affittacamere Lo Scoglio is set in front of Fegina Beach. Comfortable rooms at the property come with tiled floors and stylish bathrooms and they overlook the garden or the sea.
BUDGET – Zia Letizia Bed And Wine
Featuring a shared lounge and views of the sea, Zia Letizia Bed And Wine is located 200 m from Monterosso Old Town Beach and 400 m from Fegina Beach. The guest house will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a terrace and private bathrooms.
5. Corniglia – The best town to stay in Cinque Terre for a quiet vacation
Corniglia is the most underrated of the five towns, which makes it one of the best places to stay in Cinque Terre if you’re looking for a quiet and romantic getaway.
While you do have to hike up almost 300 stairs to get to it, it’s in an absolutely gorgeous location. Most people choose not to stay here because it’s the only village not directly on the water, but it’s a lot more tranquil than any nearby town.
Corniglia is also known for its fantastic wine and vineyards. If you want to try some local Italian wine, look no further than Corniglia! Don’t let this off-the-beaten-path town go off your radar.
Because Corniglia is less frequented by tourists, you’ll find that accommodations are a lot more affordable here. The town is also a lot smaller than the others, so you have a higher chance of running into locals and will see what it’s like living in Cinque Terre compared to staying in another place.
Pros and cons of staying in Corniglia
PROS
- Tranquil compared to other villages
- Chance of mingling with the locals
- Breathtaking views
CONS
- Not directly on the water
- Long walk to get up to Corniglia by taking 300+ steps
Best places to stay in Corniglia
LUXURY – AMARE IL MARE Affittacamere
AMARE IL MARE Affittacamere features accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The property is located 600 m from Corniglia Beach and 2.3 km from Guvano Beach.
MID-RANGE – Rossi Tramonti 1
Rossi Tramonti sul Mare 1 offers a one-bedroom apartment with a stunning sea view. All apartments are fitted with tiled floors and wooden furnishings, and colorful sofas and curtains. The property is just a 15-minute walk from Corniglia Train station.
BUDGET – Arbanella
Located 300 m from Corniglia Beach, Arbanella features rooms with garden views and free WiFi. This property also provides guests with a terrace where they can enjoy the incredible sea views.
6. La Spezia – Best place to stay for budget travelers
Believe it or not, one of the best places to stay in Cinque Terre isn’t even one of the five villages! La Spezia is often seen as the “gateway” to Cinque Terre and can be a great place to stay if you’d rather not live the village life.
La Spezia is one of the more budget-friendly places to stay in the area and is filled with tons of its own attractions to see. If you stay here, make sure you take the time to explore the town in addition to visiting the five villages of Cinque Terre.
One thing that some visitors don’t like about La Spezia is that it’s a popular cruise ship port, so it can get overrun by tourists during the warmer months of the year. It’s just something to consider if you’d like to stay here.
However, staying in La Spezia can make it really easy to travel to Cinque Terre because you’ll be right near the train station!
Pros and cons of staying in La Spezia
PROS
- Easy to get to Cinque Terre (close proximity to the train station)
- Budget-friendly
- Lots of its own attractions
CONS
- Popular cruise ship port, so it can get overcrowded
Best places to stay in La Spezia
LUXURY – Casa Palmira
Set in La Spezia and only 600 m from Saint George’s Castle, Casa Palmira offers accommodation with sea views, free WiFi, and free private parking. The property was built in 2014 and features air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace.
MID-RANGE – Sea & Culture – 5 Terre La Spezia
Offering city views, a restaurant, and free WiFi, Sea & Culture – 5 Terre La Spezia offers accommodation well situated in La Spezia. All units come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom.
BUDGET – La Casa dei Treni Affittacamere
Situated in La Spezia right by the train station, La Casa dei Treni Affittacamere is in a perfect location to explore Cinque Terre. The guest house will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet.
7. Levanto – Best place to stay for a beach vacation near Cinque Terre
Levanto is another excellent place to stay near Cinque Terre. With a short train ride, you can easily reach any of the villages and explore them all. It’s also right on the beach, so if you know you want to be near the water, this is a great place to stay.
This place is also a bit more populated than the Cinque Terre villages, so there is a lot to do here. Along the beach, for instance, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants and beaches. From Levanto, you can even take a fast train to Pisa if you want another day trip!
Many people don’t know that you can even hike to Monterosso al Mare from Levanto if you want to. While it may take a bit of time, the views will be spectacular, and you truly won’t regret it. If you’re traveling with a family and don’t want to stay in Monterosso al Mare, Levanto is a great option.
Pros and cons of staying in Levanto
PROS
- Beautiful suburb to Cinque Terre
- Located directly on the water
- Lots of interesting things to do
- A quick train ride to Cinque Terre
CONS
- Can get busy during peak times
- Prices can be a bit higher
Best places to stay in Levanto
LUXURY – Park Hotel Argento
Offering a free wellness center, and a panoramic terrace with a large, outdoor hydromassage pool, Park Hotel Argento is 800 m from Levanto Train Station so the Cinque Terre villages are a short train ride away. Rooms are bright and minimalist, and equipped with cool tiled floors and simple furnishings.
MID-RANGE – Appartamento Guido
Located 200 m from Levanto Beach, Appartamento Guido offers a garden and air conditioning. The apartment features 2 bedrooms, an equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom. The property also provides free private parking, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi.
BUDGET – Affittacamere Sapore di Mare
Offering accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, and flat-screen TV, Affittacamere Sapore di Mare is set a few steps from Levanto Beach. An Italian breakfast is available every morning at the bed and breakfast.
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