Nestled along the rugged Ligurian coastline, Cinque Terre stands as a testament to nature’s breathtaking artistry. Each of its five villages, perched precariously on cliffs overlooking the sea, whispers tales of bygone eras and timeless charm. Comprised of five enchanting villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—this UNESCO World Heritage Site captivates travelers with its rugged beauty, rich history, and timeless allure. Deciding where to stay in Cinque Terre can be impossible with five different charming villages to choose from. Lucky for you, I’ve done all the hard work and put together the best towns and accommodations in Cinque Terre. Find out where to stay in Cinque Terre!

The Five Villages of Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is not one town but rather comprised of five charming coastal villages. When you’re looking for places to stay in Cinque Terre, you need to search by village rather than “Cinque Terre”. It is a national park that is bordered by La Spezia to the south and Levanto to the north. Here are the five villages from north to south!

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

In each of these enchanting villages, time seems to stand still as visitors immerse themselves in the beauty of Cinque Terre’s coastal landscape, savor the flavors of local cuisine, and connect with the warmth and hospitality of the people who call this breathtaking region home. To read more check out the best things to do in Cinque Terre.

How to Get Around Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is actually very easy to get around! All five villages are connected by train and the train ride between each town is about 5 minutes. The Cinque Terre Express is the regional train line and it is easy to hop between towns. The center of the towns is also just minutes walk away from the train stations making train travel the best option to get around Cinque Terre,

Since it is so convenient to visit the different villages of Cinque Terre, I suggest picking one place as the home base and then exploring the rest of the Cinque Terre towns from there. 

Tip: Get the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card for unlimited train rides in Cinque Terre. These tickets can be purchased from Trenitalia authorized ticket offices, self-service ticket machines in stations in La Spezia and Cinque Terre region, the Trenitalia App, Cinque Terre National Park sales points, and online.

Best Towns to Stay in Cinque Terre

Choosing the best town to stay in Cinque Terre depends on your preferences, budget, and travel style. Each of the five villages has its unique charm and attractions, so here’s an overview to help you decide:

Monterosso al Mare: The Beachy One

This is the largest and most tourist-friendly village in Cinque Terre, making it a popular choice for visitors. It has the widest range of accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. The sandy beach and lively atmosphere make it a great option for families and those seeking a more resort-like experience. Another plus about staying in Monterosso is that you won’t have to climb steep hills to get to your accommodation as this town isn’t built on a high cliff.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • Largest village of Cinque Terre
  • Family-friendly
  • Widest range of accommodation options
  • Best and largest beaches in Cinque Terre
• Cons:
  • Less local and busier town
  • Very “toursity”

Best Hotels in Monterosso al Mare

(Luxury) Hotel Porto Rocca

Situated on a cliff overlooking the sea, Hotel Porto Roca offers stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean. The hotel features elegant rooms, a swimming pool with sea views, a restaurant serving traditional Ligurian cuisine, and a private beach area.

(Midrange) Affittacamere Lo Scoglio

Located just a 5-minute walk from Monterosso Train Station, Affittacamere Lo Scoglio is set in front of Fegina Beach. It offers air-conditioned rooms with a small fridge and TV. Rooms at Lo Scoglio overlook the garden or the sea. They are cool and comfortable with tiled floors and stylish bathrooms. Lo Scoglio Affittacamere is next to the Giant’s statue, a symbol of Monterosso al Mare.

(Midrange) B&B Il Parco

B&B Il Parco is a 10-minute walk from the nearest beach in Monterosso. It provides a sun terrace, an outdoor pool with sun loungers and sea-view accommodation. Surrounded by a lush garden with olive groves and flowers, rooms at this family-run accommodation are elegantly furnished and air-conditioned. All come with an LCD TV and a balcony offering partial or full sea views.

(Budget) Affittacamere Da Cesare: If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Affittacamere Da Cesare offers comfortable guest rooms with a welcoming atmosphere. It is family-owned and you can feel the hospitality of the hosts! It’s located near the beach and the train station, making it convenient for exploring Monterosso and the surrounding areas.

Vernazza: The Picturesque One

With its picturesque harbor, colorful houses, and scenic waterfront promenade, Vernazza is often considered one of the most beautiful villages in Cinque Terre. It has a good selection of accommodations, including hotels and guesthouses, and offers a charming atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and shops.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Easy access to trails
  • Beautiful and scenic views
• Cons:
  • One of the busiest villages
  • Slightly more expensive and limited
  • Accommodations book up quickly

Best Hotels in Vernazza

(Luxury) Casa Catò

Offering a stunning view of Vernazza, Casa Cato is located 328 feet from the sandy beach in Vernazza. The property features modern-style rooms and offers free Wi-Fi access throughout. With a stunning sea view, Casa Cato is one of the best places to stay in Cinque Terre!

(Midrange) Hotel Gianni Franzi

This charming hotel is located right by the waterfront, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the village. Gianni Franzi features comfortable rooms with sea views, a terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the scenery, and a friendly staff that provides excellent service.

(Budget) Albergo Barbara

Situated near the Vernazza harbor, Albergo Barbara is a family-run hotel that provides a warm and welcoming experience for guests. It is just steps from the sea! The hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities and a terrace with panoramic views.

Corniglia: The Quiet and Peaceful One

Situated high on a cliff, Corniglia is the smallest and quietest of the Cinque Terre villages. It offers a more relaxed and secluded atmosphere compared to the other towns. Accommodations here are limited but include a few small hotels and bed-and-breakfasts. Corniglia is a great choice for those seeking peace and tranquility away from the crowds. However, I personally would not recommend staying in Corniglia as you need to climb over 350 steps from the train station to get to town. There is a shuttle but that shuttle gets packed during peak travel season!

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • More affordable
  • Quiet and peaceful
  • Off-the-beaten path
• Cons:
  • Not directly on the water
  • Need to climb 350+ steps

Best Hotels in Corniglia

(Midrange) Affittacamere Le Terrazze

Situated near the town center, Le Terrazze offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. The highlight of this hotel is its large terrace overlooking the sea, where guests can relax and enjoy stunning sunsets.

(Midrange) Affittacamere Arbasia De Ma

Arbasia De Ma offers basic rooms overlooking the sea. The rooms of Affittacamere Arbasia De Ma, Terre Marine offer views of the Ligurian Sea and come with an equipped kitchenette and a terrace.

Manarola: The Central One

Known for its iconic views and charming streets, Manarola is a popular choice for visitors to Cinque Terre. It offers a good selection of accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. Manarola’s central location and picturesque setting make it a convenient and attractive base for exploring the region.

Pros and Cons

• Pros
  • Very picturesque town
  • Location is central
  • Easy to walk around
• Cons
  • Not a lot of shops and bars
  • Accommodations book up quickly
  • Very quiet at night

Best Hotels in Manarola

(Luxury) La Torretta Lodge

There are so many great stays in Manarola! La Toretta Lodge is one of the most luxurious stays in all of Cinque Terre. Set in a converted medieval tower, rooms at La Torretta Lodge are all uniquely decorated. Its stylish rooms offer stunning views of the Ligurian Sea and you’ll find contemporary artwork around the hotel. La Toretta Lodge also offers a hot tub on the property and breakfast is provided every morning.

(Luxury) Il Sogno di Manarola by The First

This accommodation is one of the best places to stay in Manarola! It offers a beautiful view of Manarola. Il Sogno di Manarola by The First’s prominent feature is the rooftop terrace, which offers a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding area.

(Midrange) Affittacamere San Giorgio

You’ll find stunning sea views at Affittacamere San Giorgio! The apartment is spacious and air-conditioned and offers free WiFi. Although it is a slight trek, the phenomenal views over Manarola is worth the climb.

Riomaggiore: The Lively One

The southernmost village in Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore is known for its steep cliffs, colorful houses, and vibrant atmosphere. It offers a range of accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. Riomaggiore is a great choice for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and nightlife. If you’re looking for nightlife, this is your best bet in the Cinque Terre as the other towns get quiet after dark.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Liveliest town in Cinque Terre
  • Good for nightlife
  • Beautiful views
• Cons:
  • Furthest away from the other villages

Best Hotels in Riomaggiore

(Luxury) Crêuza de Mä

Boasting a seafront location in Riomaggiore, Crêuza De Mä offers multiple terraces and a solarium, scenic gardens, a heated hot tub, and outdoor showers. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Each room offers sea views, air conditioning, a coffee machine, a free mini-bar, and a flat-screen TV. The luxurious property is immersed in greenery, a short walking distance to restaurants, cafés, and an ice-cream parlor.

(Midrange) Ai Pesci Room Rental

Ai Pesci Room Rental is a highly-rated accommodation in Riomaggiore! With sea views, all guest rooms feature air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. You can choose to stay in a room with a balcony and there is also a rooftop where you can enjoy the postcard views of Riomaggiore.

(Midrange) Scorci Di Mare

Scorci Di Mare is a 14th-century building on Riomaggiore’s rocky coast. It offers sea-view rooms with modern furnishings and tiles. Some have a balcony and a kitchenette. The town center, full of restaurants and bars, can be reached by climbing a flight of steps near the Scorci Di Mare. The Riomaggiore train station is about 1000 ft away.

Consider Staying in La Spezia…

Another option is to stay in the town of La Spezia. Although La Spezia is not part of Cinque Terre, it is the gateway to Cinque Terre. La Spezia serves as a convenient base for exploring the Cinque Terre region, offering a wider range of accommodations and amenities compared to the smaller villages. Staying in La Spezia is often more affordable than staying directly in the Cinque Terre villages, especially during peak tourist season. You can enjoy cost savings without sacrificing convenience or comfort by staying in La Spezia.

In addition to accommodation, La Spezia offers a wide range of amenities and services, including restaurants, cafes, shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, and banks. You’ll find everything you need for a comfortable and convenient stay in the larger city. If you have large luggage or a rental car, I highly recommend staying in La Spezia as it is much easier to accommodate than Cinque Terre.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Offers a wide range of accommodations
  • More affordable options
  • More amenities (restaurants, cafes, shops, etc)
• Cons:
  • Less scenic and picturesque
  • Not actually in Cinque Terre

Best Hotels in La Spezia

(Luxury) Hotel NH La Spezia

This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms and excellent amenities and 5 minutes’ walk from the harbor with links to the Cinque Terre UNESCO Site. The main train station and the shopping area are just a 20-minute stroll away or can be reached via the frequent buses that stop near the hotel. The location makes it easy to explore Cinque Terre and other nearby attractions.

(Midrange) Affittacamere Casa Dane’

If you prefer a more intimate option, consider staying at Casa Dane’. Affittacamere Casa Dane’ offers colorfully decorated rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV. The property is just 100 meters from La Spezia Train Station. Casa Dane also offers free bikes for exploring La Spezia city center. The surrounding area is full of shops, bars and restaurants.

(Budget) La Taverna del Metallo Rooms

La Taverna del Metallo offers a budget-friendly option in La Spezia. The units in the inn are complete with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and free WiFi and some rooms are fitted with a balcony.

So where to stay in Cinque Terre?

Ultimately, where to stay depends on your preferences and what you want to experience during your visit. Whether you’re seeking a lively beach resort, a tranquil hilltop retreat, or a charming seaside village, you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation in one of Cinque Terre’s enchanting towns.

Want to know the best things to do in Cinque Terre? Check out my article here!

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WHERE TO STAY IN CINQUE TERRE