Hristina Lozanovska 
You’ve probably seen pictures of the colorful buildings perched among the cliffs in Italy. Well, that’s Cinque Terre, an area in Northwest Italy that stretches along the Ligurian Coast. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous, and I’m sure you’ll want to visit, so you’re probably wondering where to stay in Cinque Terre.
I’ll start off with a short explanation. The name Cinque Terre literally means ‘Five Lands’, so you might have guessed that there are five Cinque Terre villages – and yes, I talk about all of them in this post. However, I also recommend another area – the town of La Spezia, or the ultimate starting point for exploring the Cinque Terre villages.
I’ve compared all Cinque Terre villages, and I can tell you that the best place to stay, especially if you’re visiting Cinque Terre for the first time, is the village of Riomaggiore. It is the closest village to La Spezia and it boasts immense natural beauty and some impressive attractions. Plus, it’s ideally located for exploring the other villages.
To make the choice even easier for you, I went through nearly all Cinque Terre accommodations and handpicked the best options for each of the villages and for every price category. I just want to remind you that you need to book Cinque Terre hotels in advance because accommodation prices only grow higher as the dates come nearer.
Come on, let’s explore Cinque Terre together!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Check out the best hotel options in Cinque Terre Riomaggiore:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Riomaggiore – where to stay in Cinque Terre for first-timers
- 2. Manarola – where to stay in Cinque Terre for the best views
- 3. Corniglia – where to stay in Cinque Terre for tranquility
- 4. Vernazza – where to stay in Cinque Terre for architecture
- 5. Monterosso Al Mare – for the best beaches in Cinque Terre
- 6. La Spezia – where to stay near the Cinque Terre towns
- FAQs about where to stay in Cinque Terre
- Final thoughts on where to stay in Cinque Terre
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a map of Cinque Terre and surrounds that showcases all the areas recommended in this post:
1. Riomaggiore – where to stay in Cinque Terre for first-timers
Riomaggiore is the Southernmost Cinque Terre village or the first village you’ll come across if you’re traveling North of La Spezia – it’s just a 7 min train ride from the town! The village has a very authentic feel to it and is super lively, the streets always teeming with tourists eager to explore.
Castello di Riomaggiore (map) is perched on the steep hills above the village and offers spectacular views of the colorful buildings and the harbor. Even though the hike up to the castle is a bit challenging, I can assure you that it will all be worth it once you reach the top!
If you need to cool off after your hike to the castle, make your way to Riomaggiore Beach (map) and go for a swim.
FUN FACT: the five villages of Cinque Terre, which are part of the Cinque Terre National Park, have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
Before you move on to the other villages, you have to spend at least an afternoon in the Riomaggiore Old Town. Stroll along Via Colombo, the main street in the village, and stop at one of the many bars or cafes to have a drink and people-watch.
Stop by the Church of San Giovanni Battista of Riomaggiore (map) to admire its Gothic architecture and snap pictures of any building that catches your eye along the way. As for nightlife, Riomaggiore has a lot to offer, too! I’d recommend Old School Cocktails & Food (map) for delicious drinks and light snacks and La Cantina del Macellaio (map) for traditional Italian cuisine.
Other accommodation options in Riomaggiore
Things to do in Riomaggiore
- Hike up to Castello di Riomaggiore and enjoy the views
- Go for a swim at Riomaggiore Beach
- Explore the Old Town and Via Colombo
- Embark on a wine cellar tour and try some local wines
- Admire the architecture of the Church of San Giovanni Battista of Riomaggiore
- Grab a cocktail at Old School Cocktails & Food (map)
- Sample the Italian dishes at La Cantina del Macellaio (map)
- Hike the Sentiero Azzurro trail (see trail map) from Riomaggiore to Manarola
2. Manarola – where to stay in Cinque Terre for the best views
Situated on a cliff overlooking the sea, Manarola is a very small and charming village that provides the most stunning ocean views. Just 7 km (4 miles) North of Riomaggiore and a 20-min train ride away from La Spezia, Manarola is a great spot to just relax and soak up the natural beauty of the Cinque Terre region.
As I already mentioned, this is a small village – in fact, it is the second smallest out of the 5 Cinque Terre villages, so don’t expect to find too many attractions or a lively nightlife scene. What you can expect, however, are unbeatable views and a very romantic atmosphere – it’s the ultimate destination for couples planning a romantic getaway.
While here, go up to Presepe di Manarola (map) to enjoy uninterrupted views of the marina, and if you happen to visit during Christmas time, this is where you’ll find a very impressive nativity scene.
FUN FACT: Cinque Terre is the birthplace of pesto, as this part of the Riviera has a climate especially suited for growing basil. Don’t leave before trying some of the delicious, authentic paste.
Nessun Dorma (map) is one of the most popular restaurants in the region, so I suggest you spend at least one evening there, enjoying the breeze on the seaside terrace while sampling a variety of small plates and drinking delicious Italian wine.
Finally, don’t forget to take some time to stroll around the village and the marina and snap some photos of this picture-perfect village!
Other accommodation options in Manarola
Things to do in Manarola
- Enjoy the stunning views from Presepe di Manarola
- Pay a visit to the Catholic church Chiesa di San Lorenzo (map)
- Have a romantic dinner at Nessun Dorma
- Walk along the Manarola Marina
- Sample some local wines and fresh seafood at Cappun Magru (map)
- Treat yourself to a dinner with a view at Trattoria dal Billy (map)
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3. Corniglia – where to stay in Cinque Terre for tranquility
The oldest village, Corniglia, is sometimes overlooked by people exploring Cinque Terre. This is a good thing for travelers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a relaxing and serene atmosphere.
Located 17 km/10 miles North of Riomaggiore and a 30-min train ride from La Spezia, Corniglia is a hidden gem that deserves your attention.
If you’re a hiking enthusiast, then Corniglia is the best match for you. This Cinque Terre village is surrounded by hiking trails, green hills, vineyards, and olive groves, and it’s the absolute perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature.
You can start by climbing the 400 stairs up to Scalinata Lardarina (map) and admire the views from the panoramic terrace that waits at the top of the staircase. And one little piece of advice – start in the early morning to avoid the scorching sun later in the day.
In case you’re up for something more challenging, you can hop on the Sentiero Azzurro cliffside hiking trail, also known as the Blue Path (see trail map), and walk from Corniglia to the neighboring Cinque Terre village of Vernazza. Another important thing you need to know about hiking the Blue Path is that you’ll need a Cinque Terre card. This card is required for hiking certain portions of the Blue Path, but it’s always a good idea to have one if you plan on hiking. The card is available for purchase online and at the Welcome Centers of Cinque Terre National Park.
Other accommodation options in Corniglia
Things to do in Corniglia
- Climb the stairs at Scalinata Lardarina
- Hike the Blue Path from Corniglia to Vernazza
- Have a meal at A Cantina da Mananan (map)
- Walk the narrow roads of Corniglia and stop at Chiesa Di San Pietro (map) church
4. Vernazza – where to stay in Cinque Terre for architecture
Vernazza is the most famous of all the Cinque Terre villages and the one you’re probably seeing in all the pictures! The village has a very lively and vibrant atmosphere and hosts some of the best examples of the trademark Cinque Terre architecture. Vernazza is situated 17 km/10 miles North of Riomaggiore and a 20-min train ride from La Spezia.
The main point of interest in the village of Vernazza is the Castello Doria, i.e., the Ruins of Doria Tower (map). This castle dates back a thousand years, and it can only be reached by steep stairs, but I can assure you that the view from there is worth the trouble.
Another important landmark in the village is the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch (map), a small church with a tower overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
But even the buildings that aren’t designated as landmarks in Vernazza are true monuments of architecture. Just stroll along the streets and admire the elegant houses and luxury villas, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a different time.
However, Vernazza is much more than just its gorgeous, colorful buildings. It’s actually home to one of the one of the most important ports in this region.
Additionally, it also boasts a beach. Vernazza Beach (map) is not your typical sandy beach – there are quite a few rocks on the beach and in the water, but it’s still a very popular place to go for a swim.
NOTE: Vernazza, just like all the other Cinque Terre villages, is a car-free zone, and parking within the village is reserved for residents. However, if you’re traveling with a car, there’s a car park about 1 km (0.6 miles) outside the village (map) where you can park your vehicle and then move along on foot to explore the village.
Other accommodation options in Vernazza
Things to do in Vernazza
- Enjoy the panoramic views from Doria Castle
- Visit the famous 13th-century church Santa Margherita d’Antiochia
- Go swimming at Vernazza Beach
- Go for dinner with a view at Ristorante La Torre (map)
- Stroll the streets and admire the architecture
- Grab a quick bite to eat from Pippo a Vernazza (map)
5. Monterosso Al Mare – for the best beaches in Cinque Terre
Monterosso Al Mare is the largest of the five Cinque Terre villages, situated 28 km (17 miles) North of Riomaggiore and a 25-min ride on the Cinque Terre Express from La Spezia. The village of Monterosso Al Mare is renowned for its sandy beaches and has a very lively atmosphere, thanks to locals and tourists alike.
While you’re here, you can spend your time at either of the 2 beaches: Monterosso Beach (map), a gorgeous sandy beach with crystal-clear waters and a great choice if you’re visiting with family, and Fegina Beach (map), famous for the unique Statua del Gigante, a statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.
Although I’m sure you’ll want to spend all of your time in Monterosso on the beach, I suggest you set a little of your time aside to explore the Old Town, with its narrow alleyways and the famous Gothic church of San Giovanni Battista (map). You don’t want to miss it!
Here are the best hotels in Monterosso Al Mare:
Other accommodation options in Monterosso Al Mare
Things to do in Monterosso Al Mare
- Spend a day soaking up the sun at Monterosso Beach
- Admire the Statua del Gigante at Fegina Beach
- Have some pasta at La Taverna di Monterosso (map)
- Explore the narrow streets of the village’s historic center
- Visit the Convent of the Capuchin Friars (map)
- Treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Miky (map)
6. La Spezia – where to stay near the Cinque Terre towns
If you can’t decide on one of the five villages, then I have a very good solution for you – La Spezia. Situated on the Italian Riviera between Liguria and Tuscany, this city is an excellent starting point for exploring all five towns in the Cinque Terre region. Just 16 km (10 miles) away from Riomaggiore, you’ll find the hub of activity in Liguria.
La Spezia is the ideal spot for exploring the other towns in the region, seeing as all five towns are just a short train ride away from the city. The Cinque Terre Express runs from La Spezia to Levanto – every 20 minutes – and it’s the quickest way to get around the Cinque Terre towns.
TIP: buy the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card at the La Spezia train station. This will give you unlimited travel between the villages on the Cinque Terre Express.
Since La Spezia has great connections to all other towns, it’s a great place to stay if you want to explore Cinque Terre but are traveling without a car. Plus, it’s a good option if you’re traveling on a budget, as accommodation prices during high season can be significantly lower than those you’ll find in any of the five towns.
Even if you don’t feel like traveling around Cinque Terre, you can spend the day in La Spezia and explore the nearby attractions. Pay a visit to the Technical Naval Museum of Spezia, walk around the historic center of the city, and go out to Castello San Giorgio (map).
Now, let’s take a look at the best hotels in La Spezia!
Other accommodation options in La Spezia
Things to do in La Spezia
- Hop on a short train ride and explore the other Cinque Terre villages
- Visit the Technical Naval Museum of Spezia
- Explore La Spezia’s Centro Storico
- Enjoy a meal at Osteria Da Bartali (map)
- Explore the Castello San Giorgio and its surroundings
- Spend a relaxing afternoon at Parco XXV Aprile (map)
| 👑 Luxury price: | €200 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | €150 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €90 |
| 📍 Best area: | Riomaggiore |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Alla Marina Affittacamere |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Casa D’amore |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Zia Rita |
FAQs about where to stay in Cinque Terre
⛵ What’s the best town to stay in Cinque Terre?
The best town to stay in Cinque Terre is Riomaggiore, with attractions like Castello di Riomaggiore and Riomaggiore Beach, cute cafes, and lively nightlife. The best hotels in Cinque Terre are the Alla Marina Affittacamere and Casa D’amore.
📍 Where is Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre is a collection of 5 fishing villages located on the Ligurian Coast in Northwest Italy.
🥾 Where to stay when hiking Cinque Terre?
The best Cinque Terre village for hiking is Corniglia. This is because it is surrounded by hiking trails and hills, plus it offers easy access to the Blue Path from Corniglia to Vernazza.
🏖️ Which Cinque Terre town has the best beach?
The best beaches in Cinque Terre are in Monterosso Al Mare. Here, you can explore 2 beautiful beaches: Monterosso Beach and Fegina Beach.
🏨 How far ahead do I need to book Cinque Terre hotels?
If you want to get the best deals on Cinque Terre accommodation, you should book a hotel at least 3 to 4 months in advance.
🚗 How to get around Cinque Terre?
If you want to get around the Cinque Terre villages, you can do so by car or by train. However, the best way to explore the villages is on foot; don’t worry, all the main sights are within walking distance.
👍 Is it worth staying in La Spezia for Cinque Terre?
Yes, it’s definitely worth staying in La Spezia if you want to explore all five villages – they’re all a short train ride away – and there are some great hotel options like NH La Spezia and Hotel Corallo.
📅 How many days in Cinque Terre is enough?
To visit all Cinque Terre villages and see the most important attractions, you need at least 3 to 4 days, but even if you plan a week-long trip, you’ll still have plenty to do!
Final thoughts on where to stay in Cinque Terre
We’re at the end of our guide on where to stay in Cinque Terre! I hope you’ve already chosen an area and picked a hotel for your stay in Cinque Terre.
In case you’re still undecided, here are my 2 favorite Cinque Terre hotels, both situated in Riomaggiore:
- Alla Marina Affittacamere – an upscale hotel within walking distance of the beach offering stunning sea views and great breakfast
- Casa D’amore – a comfortable hotel with air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi
Wherever you decide to stay in Cinque Terre, be sure to book in advance because the best hotels sell out super quickly!
If you have any questions about your upcoming stay in Cinque Terre, drop me a comment below, and I’ll be happy to get back to you.
Have a great trip,
Hristina
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