Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It’s a series of five villages perched high on the cliffs overlooking the sea. The villages are interconnected by a network of hiking trails and footpaths, making it the perfect place to explore by foot.
But where should you stay while you’re there? Here’s a guide to the best places to stay in Cinque Terre.
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Overview: Best Towns In Cinque Terre
Here’s a quick overview so you can figure out where you’d like to stay during your trip to Cinque Terre.
Monterosso is best for:
- Families
- Beach lovers
Vernazza is best for:
- Photography enthusiasts
- Hikers
Riomaggiore is best for:
- Foodies
- Those seeking a more authentic Italian experience
Manarola is best for:
- Romance
- Those who want to escape the crowds
Corniglia is best for:
- Nature lovers
- Those who want some peace and quiet
- To note all the stairs up
La Spezia is best for:
- People on a budget
- People traveling in the area for one night only
Monterosso
Monterosso al Mare is the largest village in Cinque Terre, and it’s where most tourists stay. Monterosso has a large sandy beach where you can relax and soak up the sun.
There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy fresh seafood and other local specialties. Monterosso is an excellent choice for families or anyone who wants to be close to the beach.
Where To Stay In Monterosso
There are many places to stay in Monterosso. Here are a few of our top picks.
- Best budget hotel: Villa Caribe Affittacamere
- Best mid-range hotel: A cà da Alba Rooms
- Best luxury hotel: La Cabana Cinque Terre
Note that there are no hostels in Monterosso.
How To Reach Monterosso
- By car: Monterosso is accessible by car. If you travel by car, make sure to book a hotel that has parking.
- By train: Monterosso is accessible by train from Genoa and La Spezia.
Vernazza
Vernazza is one of the most famous towns in Cinque Terre, thanks to its picturesque setting.
The village is built into the cliff side and has a small harbor where fishing boats dock. Vernazza is also known for its hiking trails, which offer stunning coastline views.
Vernazza is definitely the place for you if you’re a photography enthusiast. Most of the Insta-famous spots are around Vernazza.
Where To Stay In Vernazza
There are many places to stay in Vernazza. Here are a few of our top picks.
- Best budget hotel: Affittacamere PZ
- Best mid-range hotel: La Malà
- Best luxury hotel: MADA Charm Apartments Piazza
Note that there are no hostels in Vernazza.
How To Reach Vernazza
- By car: Vernazza is accessible by car from the A12 motorway. If you travel by car, make sure to book a hotel that has parking.
- By train: There is a train connection from La Spezia to Vernazza.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the southernmost village in Cinque Terre, and it’s known for its delicious food.
There are plenty of great restaurants where you can try local specialties like focaccia with anchovies or tagliatelle with pesto sauce. In fact, we had some of our best meals in Italy in Riomaggiore.
Riomaggiore is also a great place to try the region’s famous wines. This village is perfect if you want a more authentic Italian experience.
Where To Stay In Riomaggiore
There are many places to stay in Riomaggiore. Here are a few of our top picks.
- Best hostel: Mar-Mar
- Best mid-range hotel: Miramare love nest
- Best luxury hotel: The Sunset Line
How To Reach Riomaggiore
- By car: Riomaggiore is accessible by car. If you travel by car, make sure to book a hotel that has parking.
- By train: There is a train connection from La Spezia to Riomaggiore.
Manarola
Manarola is one of the most romantic towns in Cinque Terre. It’s known for its beautiful sunsets and its quaint, old-fashioned charm. Manarola is the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy some quality time with your partner.
While it’s not as busy as Monterosso Al Mare or Riomaggiore, you’ll still have more options than in Corniglia.
Where To Stay In Manarola
There are many places to stay in Manarola. Here are a few of our top picks.
- Best budget hotel: Ca de Gianchi
- Best mid-range hotel: L’emporio Rooms
- Best luxury hotel: La Torretta Lodge
Note that there are no hostels in Manarola.
How To Reach Manarola
- By car: Manarola is accessible by car. If you travel by car, make sure to book a hotel that has parking.
- By train: There is a train connection from La Spezia to Manarola.
Corniglia
Corniglia is the smallest and most remote village in Cinque Terre. It’s located high on a cliff and is known for its stunning views of the coastline.
Corniglia is an excellent choice for nature lovers or anyone who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of the other villages.
While you won’t find as many restaurants in Corniglia, you’ll be able to enjoy a quieter spot.
Note that from the train station, there are many stairs to go up. Traveling with heavy luggage from the train station could be challenging. That said, this shouldn’t be a problem if you come by car.
Where To Stay In Corniglia
There are many places to stay in Corniglia. Here are a few of our top picks.
- Best hostel: Ostello Corniglia
- Best mid-range hotel: Daa Maduneta
- Best luxury hotel: Locanda il Carugio
How To Reach Corniglia
- By car: Corniglia is accessible by car. If you travel by car, make sure to book a hotel that has parking.
- By train: There is a train connection from La Spezia to Corniglia. Note that there are a lot of stairs from the train station to the town.
La Spezia
La Spezia is a large city located just outside of Cinque Terre. It’s an excellent choice for people on a budget, as there are plenty of cheap hotels and restaurants there.
La Spezia is also a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area. If you’re only staying in Cinque Terre for one night, La Spezia is the perfect place to stay so that you can arrive and leave quickly. You’ll have plenty of options for your next destination at the train station.
Where To Stay In La Spezia
There are many places to stay in La Spezia. Here are a few of our top picks.
- Best hostel: 5 Terre Backpackers City
- Best mid-range hotel: Miramare Apartments & Suites
- Best luxury hotel: Elegant Apartments 5 Terre
How To Reach La Spezia
- By car: La Spezia is accessible by car. If you travel by car, make sure to book a hotel that has parking.
- By train: There are lots of trains from and to La Spezia.
- By bus: You’ll find buses from and to La Spezia.
Final Thoughts On The Best Places To Stay In Cinque Terre
If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Cinque Terre, pick one that suits your interests and needs.
Each village has its own unique charm and offers something different for visitors.
Manarola is the perfect choice for couples, while Vernazza is ideal for photography enthusiasts. Riomaggiore is great for food lovers, and Corniglia is perfect for nature lovers. La Spezia is a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area, while Monterosso is a good choice for beach lovers.
Whichever village you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable experience in Cinque Terre.
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