Nestled along the Italian Riviera coastline, the villages of Cinque Terre will instantly captivate you with their charm. As you plan your trip to this landscape of steep cliffs and crystalline waters within the Cinque Terre National Park, you’ll want to carefully consider both where you want to stay and how to make the most of your time.
Oup pick of the best hotels in Cinque Terre 🔝
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: La Torretta Lodge
- 🔮 Boutique Hotel: La Vista di Marina by The First
- 🏖 Beach Hotel: La Cabana Cinque Terre Monterosso
- 💸 Budget-friendly: La Casetta Rossa
- 🌇 Best Views of the City: Guesthouse Rollando
The good news is there’s no lack of delightful options here. Quaint family-run hotels, traditional Italian pensioni, even a 12th century castle you can book by the room — you’ll find places to suit varying budgets and interests. The toughest part can be deciding where to stay between the five towns of Cinque Terre. Vernazza with its lively harbor scene? Peaceful Manarola for sunset views without the crowds? Or Corniglia for a quieter stay surrounded by vineyards?
Spend at least a few days in the colorful buildings, at boat rides and local wine tastings that this stretch of Italian coastline is so famous for. I’m willing to bet that like so many before you, you’ll leave a piece of your heart behind in the captivating villages.
Quick Guide to Best Towns in Cinque Terre 📋
- 🔥 For the First Time: Monterosso al Mare
- 🍸 For Nightlife: Rimaggiore
- 🕊 For Quiet Stay: Corniglia
- 💑 For Couples: Vernazza
- 🍲 For Foodies: Manarola
1. Monterosso al Mare – Best Place to Stay in Cinque Terre for the First Time 🔥
Monterosso al Mare is a perfect base to explore Cinque Terre if you want to come here for the first time. This place steals your heart with its colorful houses, crystal clear waters, and lively seaside promenade.
🏖️ Seaside paradise: Explore Il Gigante beach, with the towering statue overlooking the sea. With lounge chairs and umbrellas available to rent, you can easily idle away the whole day under the warm Mediterranean sun. If you feel like having fun, rent a paddleboard and explore the blue waters. By the way, there is a tourist information office located right next to the train station, it provides maps and recommendations. In general, the village is quite walkable and safe, even during night hours.
🥘 Local flavors: Monterosso in Cinque Terre is among the best places where you can have focaccia bread- take a piece of it together with Sciacchetrà wine while looking at the sea. It would be wise to try and book restaurants earlier in day because usually they get filled up quickly during dinner.
🚌 Trails connecting villages: Cinque Terre is known for its breath-taking hiking trails that connect all five villages. After long walks along scenic routes visit cafes or trattorias to enjoy bruschetta with skewers or any other type of focaccia on offer. The trails range from relaxing 1-hour strolls to very challenging multi-hour hikes. Be sure to have comfortable shoes.
👍 First-timer heaven: From the Giant Statue to the swimming, hiking and dining opportunities, Monterosso provides a delightful taste of Cinque Terre’s natural beauty, cuisine and charm. It’s an absolutely perfect place to stay for a first-time travel in Italy, leaving you wanting more!
All hotels in Monterosso al Mare →
Best Hotels to Stay in Monterosso al Mare 🏨
Luxury Hotels (€500 and up)
- Endro's Rooms – family-run guesthouse perched on a cliff in Riomaggiore with cozy, charmingly decorated rooms and apartment rentals featuring sea views.
- Villa degli Argentieri – elegant villa in central Riomaggiore offering warmly decorated rooms and apartment suites with modern amenities and a tasty breakfast.
Medium Price Segment (€200-€500)
- I Coralli rooms & apartments – bright, modern rooms and apartments in the heart of Vernazza, located just steps from the beach, harbor, shops and dining.
- La Cabana Cinque Terre Monterosso – beachfront property in Monterosso al Mare with contemporary, nautical-inspired rooms featuring balconies overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
- Albergo Degli Amici – historic building in Vernazza’s pedestrian center offering rooms with modern decor, air conditioning and scenic views of the village.
Budget Hotels (up to €200)
- I Lecci Di Soviore – peaceful eco-retreat nestled in the hills above Riomaggiore amidst olive groves, offering panoramic views along with cozy, charming rooms.
- Villa Caribe affittacamere – bright, spacious rooms and apartments in the historic center of Monterosso al Mare, just a short walk from beaches and trailheads.
- La Rosa Dei Venti – charming cliffside accommodations in Cinque Terre with warmly decorated rooms featuring gorgeous views of the sea and surrounding landscapes.
2. Vernazza – Best Town to Stay for a Romantic Trip to Cinque Terre 💑
🎨 Local artistry: Vernazza’s galleries filled with seascapes in oil and watercolor make for a romantic activity for couples to browse hand-in-hand. Its lanes are also filled with artisan workshops crafting ceramics, jewelry, paintings and more to explore together.
🏩 Historic stays: Among Vernazza’s accommodation options exploring Cinque Terre are converted medieval watchtowers, a 13th century convent and former pirate house turned inn. Step into history by staying in one of these buildings packed with old world charm and stories from centuries past.
🍽️ Harborfront dining: Intimate restaurants along the harbor offer outdoor patio with views of the sunset over the village. Couples can share a bottle of regional wine while tasting through delicate pastas and risottos. Reservations are recommended at restaurants like Gianni Franzi known for its harbor views.
🚶♂️ Panoramic lookouts: Follow the staircases up from the main square to effortlessly reach jaw-dropping panoramic lookouts like Belforte and the Doria Castle Tower ruins. Gaze out over terracotta rooftops to the sea while admiring the vineyards and olive groves. The uphill walk takes about 10-15 minutes.
Where to Stay in Vernazza? 🏨
Medium Price Segment (€130 and up)
- Cadè Ventu – contemporary guest house in central Manarola with sleek, modern rooms featuring village and sea views from the terraces.
- Vernazza 2010 Rooms – cozy, stylish rooms in the heart of Vernazza, located just steps from the beach, shops and restaurants with harbor views.
- Guesthouse Rollando – family-run B&B in Riomaggiore’s historic center offering warm hospitality and charming rooms with scenic views of the sea and vineyards.
Budget Hotels (up to €130)
- Tonino Basso Camere – simple, affordable accommodations in central Riomaggiore, just a 2-minute walk to the train station and 5 minutes to the sea.
- Camere Toni – family-run guest rooms located a short stroll from Corniglia’s train station, town center and scenic walking trails amidst vines and olive groves.
- Agriturismo Costa Di Campo – cozy farm stay tucked in the hilltops above Vernazza on an olive grove estate with rustic-chic rooms and apartments boasting panoramic sea views.
3. Corniglia – Best Village to Stay in Cinque Terre for a Quiet Trip 🕊
☮️ Charm of a hilltop haven: Perched high on a cliff surrounded by vines, olives and panoramic views, Corniglia felt like my own little peaceful paradise away from the bustling towns. I’d sit at a cafe early in the morning with a cappuccino watching the village slowly wake up and fishermen head out to sea down below. The quiet beauty up here is so rejuvenating.
🥾 Trailblazer central: Corniglia is great place to stay for hiking Cinque Terre’s most scenic trails with legendary views! To start on the coast, I would opt for early ferries and then walk through woods and vineyards for hours linking Corniglia to charming Manarola and Vernazza. Having fewer people around, the whole epic scenery was mine alone, pure bliss!
🌅 Sunset solitude: In the evenings, I’d grab a slice of focaccia, a glass of regional white wine and watch the golden hour colors spread across the sea from the Santa Maria panoramic terrace. Down below I could see ferries crossing the waves as the towns began flickering with lights.
🧳 Basecamp comforts: More low key than some of the bustling Cinque Terre harbortowns, I loved staying the night up in peaceful Corniglia. After long days hiking trails, I could relax at a vineyard restaurant then retire to my hotel room, letting the day’s adventures wash over me.
Best Hotels to Stay in Corniglia 🏨
Medium Price Segment (€450 and up)
- Amare Il Mare Affittacamere – charming guesthouse perched on the cliffs in Monterosso al Mare, offering bright, modern rooms with balconies overlooking the sea.
- Residenza Solferino – cozy, value-priced accommodations in the quiet hills of Riomaggiore, a 5-minute walk from the town center, beach and train station.
Budget Hotels (up to €450)
- Affittacamere Il Timone – simple, affordable guest rooms and apartments in the historic center of Vernazza, just steps from the harbor, beach, shops and restaurants.
- La Casetta Rossa – family-run bed and breakfast tucked away on a quiet street in Corniglia yet central to the train station, town square, walking trails and panoramic lookouts.
4. Manarola – Best Town to Stay in Cinque Terre for Foodies 🍲
🍷 Wine tasting: Manarola is one of the best towns for wine tasting! At 5 Terre Academy you’ll I learn all about cultivating the famous Sciacchetrà dessert wine right on site. Their vineyard tours and tastings overlooking the sea are absolutely sublime.
🥘 Mastering regional flavors: Have fun taking a cooking class at Dal Billy in Manarola. Classes run daily but do sell out during peak season. You can learn how to make Cinque Terre specialties like trofie pasta with pesto and sweet Piscialandrea anchovies.
👫 Family friendly beach: The Marina di Manarola is a sandy beach with gentle waves, shallow areas, and nice facilities with restaurants, play areas, umbrellas, and lounge chair rentals – making it popular for families. Manarola’s scenery is simply breathtaking, the hills behind it being covered with vineyards and olive trees while the bay itself is turquoise.
📸 Postcard views: Exploring Manarola’s charming harbor, then weaving up the alleys revealing even more dramatic perspectives of the village’s houses on rocky cliffs – I was constantly blown away by the beauty around each turn. The sights while hiking the Via Dell’Amore path to Riomaggiore and from Punta Bonfiglio park were absolutely breathtaking.
🚝 Getting around: Along with the train line and trails, a fun way to visit other Cinque Terre towns is booking a bay cruise on a traditional-style wooden boat from Manarola’s harbor. While on the boat, take in beautiful views of the coast and at the same time learn about the history of this region from a captain.
Where to Stay in Manarola? 🏨
Luxury Hotels (€600+)
- La Torretta Lodge – one of the best hotels hidden away amidst olive groves above Vernazza offering lavish suites with sublime sea views and amenities like a pool, spa and fine dining.
Mid-Range Hotel (€200-€600)
- Ca' D'Andrean – elegant Cinque Terre accommodations in a restored 16th century building in the heart of Riomaggiore, featuring stylish rooms and suites with modern comforts and harbor views.
- Arpaiu – rustic-chic agriturismo tucked in the vineyards between Corniglia and Volastra, with charmingly decorated rooms boasting panoramic vistas of the scenic surroundings and trails.
Budget Hotels (up to €200)
- Olimpo Affittacamere – delightful guesthouse situated in a peaceful area of Monterosso al Mare, offering cozy rooms and apartments with a hearty breakfast and friendly hospitality.
- Cà du Nilo – quaint, value-priced rooms in Vernazza located just 2 minutes from shops, the beach and harbor as well as the hiking trails linking Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages.
5. Riomaggiore – Best Cinque Terre Town for Nightlife 🍸
🏖️ Rocky beach fun: Riomaggiore doesn’t have sand, but the rocky beach area still provides the perfect spot for a lively atmosphere, enjoying Aperol Spritz’s at the Beach Bar by day, and dancing into the night at the clubs built into the cliffs! I loved meeting backpackers from all around the world here.
🍕 Late-night snacks: After partying at the beach clubs until the early morning, we’d stumble into tiny places like Pizzeria Kepris tucked away in old stone alleyways for huge slices of sausage pizza – just what you need after a night out! The main street also has many grab-and-go focaccia shops that stayed open late.
🚶♀️ Adventurous hikes: Work off that pizza on the scenic trails surrounding town! You will love hiking high up into the hills following pilgrimage paths to see ruins of castles hidden in olive groves. If you’re looking for the best views, Riomaggiore is your destination in Italy.
🛳️ Boat beach hopping: When you’re ready for more adventure but not too much effort, take the ferries between Riomaggiore and the other villages of Cinque Terre. The short rides on the water were as beautiful as they were affordable, and perfect for flexible travelers.
Best Cinque Terre Hotels to Stay in Riomaggiore? 🏨
Medium Price Segment (€200-€500)
- The Sunset Line – stylish apartment rentals in a prime Riomaggiore location overlooking the sea and coastline, with chic modern interiors and sunset-facing terraces.
- Ai Pesci Room Rental – bright, comfortable rooms for rent in a historic building in the heart of Vernazza, just steps from the charming piazza, harbor, shops, dining and trails.
- La Vista di Marina by The First – sleek boutique accommodations in Monterosso al Mare set on a hillside overlooking the sea, offering contemporary design and gorgeous views from the rooms and patio.
Budget Hotels (up to €200)
- AWroom – cozy, value-priced guest rooms in the historic center of Manarola, conveniently located near the train station, harbor, shops, restaurants and famous Via dell’Amore trail.
- Casa D’Amore – charming bed and breakfast tucked away on a side street in quiet Corniglia, with rustic-chic rooms featuring vine and sea views just steps from the trails.
- Rio Rest Apartments – spacious, smartly furnished apartments for rent in the heart of Riomaggiore, close to the train station and just a 3-minute walk to the beach and harbor.
Best Areas & Hotels in Cinque Terre on a Map 🗺
FAQs about Visiting Cinque Terre ❔
What are the best areas to stay in Cinque Terre?
Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare are considered the best villages to stay in Cinque Terre thanks to their scenic harbors, variety of accommodations, charming ambience and plentiful dining options.
Where to stay near Cinque Terre?
For those wanting accommodations outside the five main fishing villages in Cinque Terre, the nearby towns of Levanto and La Spezia offer great options for lodging. Both easily accessible by train, Levanto provides beachside hotels and rental apartments with quick access to Monterosso al Mare, La Spezia has a range of affordable hotels, hostels and inns.
How long to spend in Cinque Terre?
Most recommend at least 2-4 days to adequately see all five Cinque Terre villages and nearby towns, relax at the beaches, and enjoy hiking between the villages at an unhurried pace.
How to get around Cinque Terre?
There are no roads connecting the five cliffside villages of Cinque Terre, so getting around requires walking, riding the trains, or taking boat tours. Visitors can purchase a Cinque Terre Trek Card allowing unlimited use of the scenic local rail service as well as public trails and buses to easily hop between the colorful towns and experience the area’s natural beauty.
Is 2 days enough in Cinque Terre?
While 2 days allows you to see the highlights, an extra day or two lets you fully experience the trails, swimming holes, villages and food at a more leisurely pace.
Which village to skip in Cinque Terre?
Corniglia is the village most visitors choose to skip if crunched for time as it has fewer attractions, harder harbor access and more challenging terrain than the other villages.
