Where to Stay in Cinque Terre: Everything You need to know

Looking for somewhere that blends the charm of old fishing towns with the natural beauty of coastal cliffs and the delicious cuisine that Italy is so famous for? You'll love Cinque Terre, located on the Ligurian coast.

Actually, a collection of five Cinque Terre villages (the phrase Cinque Terre translates as Five Lands in Italian), this UNESCO World Heritage Site is undoubtedly one of the most unique places you can visit.

Wondering where to stay in Cinque Terre or which are the best hotels in Cinque Terre?

Wonder no more! I've put together a list of the best villages and cool places to stay in Cinque Terre, as well as hotels to suit a range of budgets (including some 5-star hotels in Cinque Terre!).

The Best Areas to Stay in Cinque Terre

Whether you're looking for a beach holiday or a hiking trip, you'll find a neighborhood to suit your needs in Cinque Terre. Here are the main villages and some of the surrounding areas.

Riomaggiore – One of Cinque Terre's most instantly recognizable destinations, Riomaggiore is the southernmost village of the five. Known for its large hill, sea views, and colorful houses, Riomaggiore boasts a gorgeous harbor that plays host to multiple friendly eateries and bars.

Vernazza – Probably the most iconic of the five villages, Vernazza is known for its stunning harbor and small beach, which backs onto a piazza filled with an eternally buzzing atmosphere and plenty of places to eat and drink.

Monterosso Al Mare – This Cinque Terre village is the best destination for a traditional beachfront holiday, with a beautiful beach that boasts sparkling blue water, golden sand, and plenty of beachfront bars and restaurants.

Manarola – This smaller Cinque Terre village is certainly charming, with more grapevines than any other of the villages and a uniquely rugged coastline.

Corniglia – With visitors needing to walk hundreds of steps to arrive in the village (or wait for a shuttle bus to do the steep climb), Corniglia is not for the faint-hearted! Nevertheless, you'll be charmed by this village's less commercialized and touristic feel, making it perfect for those wanting to get off the beaten path.

La Spezia – Often unfairly overlooked in favor of the five villages, La Spezia is arguably the best base for Cinque Terre, as you get to explore the villages while staying in a pleasant city with more amenities available to you.

Levanto – This beautiful seaside resort is the perfect destination for travelers seeking sun, sea, and sand, as well as proximity to Cinque Terre.

1. Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for the First Time & Sightseeing: Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is one of the biggest towns in this protected area and the best area to stay in Cinque Terre for tourists. It's known for its pretty harbor, great views, and gorgeous pastel-colored homes.

There's also a main street with bars and restaurants, but it is pretty hilly, so it can be difficult to walk up in hot weather.

If you're wondering where should I stay in Cinque Terre for the first time, Riomaggiore is your answer.

Plus, if your budget isn't limited, you can even look at the luxury hotels in Cinque Terre Riomaggiore that overlook the village's famous harbor.

Things to see & do

• Explore the historic center of town

• Visit Castello di Riomaggiore

• Eat delicious vegan food at BRITTA

• Go for drinks at the harbor

• Rent a boat for a day

Best area for:

• First-time visitors

• Tourists

• Hikers

Best hotels to stay in Riomaggiore

($$$) Sergeant First Class Riomaggiore

Situated in a place that couldn't be closer to the action, this gorgeous air-conditioned accommodations in Cinque Terre promises contemporary furniture, a gorgeous balcony, and daily housekeeping.

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($$) Alla Marina Affittacamere

With a prime location on Riomaggiore's famous harbor, this modern hotel offers well-equipped, stylish rooms, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and rooms with a sea view.

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($) Scorci Di Mare

Set in a 14th-century building, this bed and breakfast in Cinque Terre is equipped with eco-friendly materials and stunning wood-beamed ceilings, with some rooms even having a balcony.

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2. Where to Stay for the Most Iconic Cinque Terre Holiday: Vernazza

With a small beach with a stunning view out to sea, plenty of delicious local focaccerias, and a harbor with a gorgeous piazza that's always full of life, this small Cinque Terre village has it all.

There are plenty of Cinque Terre accommodation options here, as well as plenty of places to eat and drink delicious local fare.

When you picture Cinque Terre, Vernazza is probably the village that comes to mind, making it the best place to stay for a quintessential Cinque Terre vacation.

Things to see & do

• Visit the church of Santa Margarita

• Put down a towel at the small beach

• Hang out at the harbor and enjoy a drink

• Hike the Blue Trail

Best area for:

• First-time visitors

• Exploring Cinque Terre for just one day

Best hotels in Vernazza

($$$) Hotel Gianni Franzi

Located in the heart of Vernazza, this hotel offers a range of rooms offering simple, traditional decor and terracotta floors, as well as an on-site restaurant specializing in local cuisine.

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($$) Albergo Barbara

This stylish hotel is the best place in Cinque Terre to stay if you want to be footsteps away from the beach, with rooms either offering a view of the sea or the mountains.

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($) Affittacamere Elisabetta

One of the best, if not the best boutique hotel in Cinque Terre, this beautiful accommodation promises guests a sea view balcony, en-suite stylish bathroom, and free toiletries.

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3. Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for Beaches and With Family: Monterosso Al Mare

Out of all the beautiful towns in Cinque Terre, Monterosso Al Mare offers the most traditional seaside vacation, with the biggest beach out of all five villages.

A short 10-minute stroll from the beach will take you to Monterosso Al Mare's town center, where its narrow streets are lined with restaurants, bars, and boutique shops, many of the latter selling local specialties such as pesto or limoncino (the word Ligurian's use for limoncello in the North around the Portofino/Cinque Terre region).

Unsure where to stay in Cinque Terre with family? I'd recommend Monterosso. The beach promises good fun for youngsters, while the old town provides a pleasant stroll for adults.

Things to see & do

• Spend a day at the beach

• Go on a kayaking tour

• Stroll the shops in the town center

• Try a glass of limoncino

• Take a sunset boat tour

Best area for:

• Beach lovers

• Groups of friends

• Families

Best hotels in Monterosso Al Mare

($$$) Locanda Il Maestrale

Located less than 1km from Monterosso's main train station, this well-equipped hotel provides air-conditioned rooms with traditional tiled floors and charming decor, as well as a breakfast buffet, served on a stunning outdoor terrace.

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($$) Hotel Souvenir

Just a 5-minute walk from Monterosso's popular beach lies this clean, well-equipped, welcoming hotel, with breakfast included in the price of your stay.

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($) Hotel Il Colle di Monterosso

Situated far enough from the center to avoid hustle and bustle but close enough to walk to amenities, this hotel is stylish and clean with friendly staff members.

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4. Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for Couples: Manarola

While all of the villages have their own unique charm, Manarola is certainly the most romantic village Cinque Terre has to offer.

The best place to stay in Cinque Terre for couples, Manarola offers some of the best viewpoints in Cinque Terre, where you can take a stroll, enjoy an Aperol Spritz, or simply stare lovingly into your significant other's eyes; cheesy I know!

Things to see & do

• Try a pesto-making class

• Enjoy the sunset at the viewpoints

• Swim in the harbor

Best area for:

• Couples

• Travelers wanting to stay in a smaller village

Best hotels to stay in Manarola

($$$) Il Sogno di Manarola

If your budget's flexible, consider soaking up the luxury offered by this hotel, which provides gorgeous rooms, sea views, and proximity to all of Manarola's main sights.

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($$) Affittacamere Ambrosia

This cute guest house is located on one of Manarola's main streets and comes equipped with everything you'd need for a pleasant and relaxing stay.

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($) affittacamere nuova Vandiris

A guest house with clean, well-equipped rooms, this accommodation is the ideal destination for visitors to Manarola on a budget.

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5. Where to Stay in Cinque Terre Away From the Crowds: Corniglia

I'm going to go out on a limb and say it – Corniglia is underrated!

Often skipped by visitors due to its small size and the hundreds of steps required to get to the center, Corniglia is actually one of the most unique places to stay in Cinque Terre and is perfect for escaping the crowds that flock to villages like Vernazza and Riomaggiore.

Things to see & do

• Explore the village on foot

• Go for a hike

• Visit a local vineyard

Best area for:

• Travelers looking to escape the crowds

• Solo travelers

Best hotels to stay in Corniglia

($$$) Affittacamere Il Timone

Overlooking the mountain and situated close to Corniglia's attractive center, this beautiful guest house comes equipped with everything you need for a pleasant stay in Cinque Terre's most underrated town.

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($$) Corte del Gallo

With free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, and proximity to Corniglia's station, Corte del Gallo provides visitors with the perfect place to escape the crowds and make the most of what this coastal town has to offer.

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($) Arbanella

This sustainable accommodation features a mix of sea and garden views, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned, and even a coffee machine in every room, so you can enjoy your morning espresso in style.

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6. Where to Stay Nearby Cinque Terre: La Spezia

Not strictly one of the five villages but rather a nearby city, La Spezia is home to a vibrant atmosphere, an attractive port, and plenty of restaurants and bars to keep you fed and watered.

Thanks to its rich history as a port town, there's plenty to see and do. If you decide to stay in La Spezia, enjoy the city in its own right and avoid using it simply as a jumping-off point to see the five famous towns.

Things to see & do

• Visit the Technical Naval Museum of Spezia

• See Castello San Giorgio, a historical landmark overlooking the harbor

• Take a day trip to Pisa or Genoa

Best area for:

• Those looking for cheaper accommodation while still being close to Cinque Terre

• Groups of friends

• Nightlife lovers

Best hotels to stay in La Spezia

($$$) Alchimia di Mare

Offering seriously stylish contemporary rooms, this stunning hotel is located just a 3-minute walk from La Spezia Centrale train station.

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($$) Affittacamere Bellavista

This guest house boasts well-equipped rooms as well as a location within walking distance of all of La Spezia's main sights, restaurants, and bars.

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($) La Casa dei Treni Affittacamere city rooms for travel lovers

This sustainable accommodation offers gorgeous rooms at affordable prices, with each unit coming equipped with air conditioning and a toaster.

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7. Where to Stay on the Beach Nearby Cinque Terre: Levanto

If you're keen to explore the five villages without actually staying in one of them, Levanto is a good option.

Located along the train line from Cinque Terre's five famous towns, Levanto is a popular Italian beachside resort. It's pretty, easy to get around, and very family-friendly, and it can have a more authentic and local feel than some other similar Italy resorts.

Things to do & see

• Enjoy a day at the beach

• Try regional fare at a local restaurant

• Take a stroll around the center

• Go on a bike ride to Bonassola

Best area for:

• Beach lovers

• Families

• Easy access to Cinque Terre

Best hotels to stay in Levanto

($$$) Hotel Al Terra Di Mare

This beautiful hotel is set in a picturesque villa, and each private room has its own bathroom, with some even having a balcony, and all either boasting a sea or valley view.

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($$) Oasi Hotel

Located less than 500 yards from the beach, this stylish hotel offers rooms with bright and stylish decor as well as a 24-hour front desk.

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($) Affittacamere Il Borgo

Budget-friendly and just a 10-minute walk from Levanto station, this stylish guest house offers private parking, luggage storage, and free toiletries in each room.

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Where to Stay in Cinque Terre – Frequently Asked Questions

📍 What is the main town of Cinque Terre?

There's no one main town in Cinque Terre, but some are more famous and iconic than others. Vernazza and Riomaggiore tend to attract more tourists, while Monterosso Al Mare has one of the biggest town centers. That said, it's still worth visiting the two smaller towns, Manarola and Corniglia.

📅 How many days should I stay in Cinque Terre?

You can see plenty of Cinque Terre in just a weekend, but if you really want to get to know the area, aim for 5 days. That way, you can spend a whole day in each of the villages or even stay in a range of Cinque Terre hotels.

⭐ What's the most beautiful area in Cinque Terre?

The most beautiful area in Cinque Terre depends on the type of landscape you prefer. If the beach is more your thing, you'll like Monterosso Al Mare or even Vernazza, which has a small beach at the end of the harbor. Those who prefer rugged cliffs and mountainous views will be drawn to Corniglia or Manarola, while Riomaggiore is known for its pretty harbor and houses.

🚗 Do you need a car in Cinque Terre?

One of the beauties of staying in Cinque Terre is you don't need a car. There's a train that runs between all the villages, and you can walk around the villages while you're there. If you're wondering where should I stay in Cinque Terre without a car, the good news is, any of the villages! Just be warned, there are plenty of uphill walks, so it's not the best place to visit for those with mobility issues or poor levels of fitness.

Want to know how to get to Cinque Terre? You can arrive in the five villages by train, from nearby cities like Genoa or Pisa.

❓ Should I stay in Cinque Terre or visit on a day trip?

I'd recommend staying in Cinque Terre for at least a few days for the full experience, but you can do it as a guided day trip or even self-organized, thanks to the train that runs between all five villages, with a train station in each. You can visit Cinque Terre from nearby vacation destinations such as Pisa, Genoa, or Portofino.

✔️ Is Amalfi or Cinque Terre better?

The Amalfi Coast is an upmarket part of Italy that's frequently visited by celebrities and is home to plenty of luxury resorts as well as a stunning coastline. Amalfi is one of the most famous towns in this part of the country. While Amalfi is likely better for a more upmarket trip with 5-star restaurants, hotels, and plenty of sights to see, Cinque Terre is arguably a more unique landscape and view. The hiking trails are better in Cinque Terre and you can even go camping in Cinque Terre. That said if you're doing a trip around Italy, both of these popular spots are worth visiting.

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre – Final Words

Whichever one of the Cinque Terre towns you choose to stay in for your vacation, you're sure to have a great time in Cinque Terre National Park.

From hiking to trying some of the local delicacies (including focaccia and pesto), there's no shortage of things to do. And thanks to the handy train that runs between each Cinque Terre town, you can see all the villages even if you only have accommodation in one location!