Where To Stay in Cinque Terre: Best Hotels and Villages

Looking for where to stay in Cinque Terre? Figuring out which cities to visit in Italy is the hardest part of planning an Italian vacation. Next is choosing the best hotel. I wound up in Cinque Terre during a whirlwind first trip to Italy. I failed to plan, but I definitely learned my lesson. Learn from my experience; Cinque Terre is a holiday that requires a bit of preplanning, as accommodation is limited.

Which Town Should You Stay in Cinque Terre? Quick Answer

Cinque Terre literally means “Five Lands,” and it’s made up of five picturesque villages. These towns are Monterosso al Mare, Vernanzza, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Corniglia . The most popular village is Monterosso al Mare, and it’s also the biggest of the five. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each city is known for.

Corniglia: Great food! I recommend the focaccia at A Caneva! Also includes a beautiful hike to Vernazza. Most secluded village.

Manarola: Very picturesque

Monterosso al Mare – Action-filled village with great sandy beaches and many restaurants. It’s definitely the most popular town in Cinque Terre.

Vernazza

Riomaggiore– Unique photo opportunities of Cinque Terre and more of a party vibe.

This may shock you, but Cinque Terre is a car-free destination. Tourists may park their rental car at the train station for a fee, but I think it’s best to arrive by train.

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Monterosso al Mare: Best Cinque Terre Village for Beaches

Promenade Along the Sea Coast of the Italian Town Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare has the most iconic beaches in Cinque Terre. It’s also the busiest town, with many day trippers and overnight guests. This island is great for those who like a little adventure. When you aren’t sunbathing at the beach, you can take a boat tour with snorkeling or visit the Church of San Francesco- Capuchin Friars Monastery. There are many restaurants to choose from in Monteroos al Mare.

Before you leave, you have to check out Il Bocconcino. Trust me, my restaurant reviews are honest and direct. This is a place that you will tell your friends about. I’ve never had seafood that fresh and delicious. I can still taste it! For dinner, I recommend eating at Tosca Bistroit, a quaint restaurant with good service and tasty food.

Hotel Recommendations for Monterosso al Mare

If you have large suitcases or limited mobility, it’s important to choose a hotel close to the train station that doesn’t require many stairs. These hotels sometimes sell out a year in advance.

Beachfront: Hotel Porto Roca is only a 6-minute walk from Regina Beach, and many rooms offer ocean views. Unlike other hotels in Cinque Terre, their rooms are more modern in style, and the service is impeccable. There’s also a pool!

3-Star Hotel: Affittacamere Monterosso is highly sought after due to its location near the train station, restaurants, and shops. The breakfast here is great, and the owners are super sweet.

Locanda A Cà Du Gigante: Great breakfast, good location, and the rooms have a very charming feel about them.

Corniglia: Best Cinque Terre Village to Beat the Crowds

Colorful buildings on a cliff in Corniglia, Cinque Terre — Photo by superphoto.be

Corniglia is the perfect town for those who prefer to be around fewer tourists. Located at the very top of a hill, It’s the hardest town to get to. You’ll have to walk up 380 stairs to reach this quiet village, but it’s all worth it. You can also take a shuttle into the village from the train station.

The views of the sea from the hilltop are unmatched. Another positive? Due to its location, most day-trippers skip it, leaving it less crowded than the other islands.

The only possible drawback is that there’s no direct beach access. But there is a swimming hole located here. I must warn you that the hike down is very rocky and steep. If you prefer a beach, you can always visit another village for a beach day.

Hotel Recommendations for Corngilia

Hotels in Corngilia, especially the ones with air conditioners, sell out fast, so book early.

AMARE IL MARE Affittacamere: This hotel has one of the best views on the island, AC, and some rooms with balconies.

Madüneta 5 Terre: This hotel has great views, Netflix, and welcoming owners. It’s located right next to the trail, for quick outdoor access.

Villa Lardarina—If you need space for a large family, you may want to rent out an entire villa. Villa Lardarina has beautiful views and the quintessential Italian family table for shared food and memories.

Vernazza: The Most Beautiful Village in Cinque Terre

Vernazza is known for being the most beautiful village in Cinque Terre. Of course, we all have different opinions but most can agree that its a stunning village. The best view is from the sea, looking towards the beachside homes.

I took the train from Monterosso to Vernazza because it was the best place for water activities. You can get here by the Sentiero Azzurro trail, train, or ferry. Be sure to visit the Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia, to see Ligurian architecture up close and personal.

Photo of Cinque Terre in Italy — Photo by Batın Özen

Best Hotels in Vernazza

Da Marcella : Very easy to get to and the views are impeccable.

La Malà – Camere di Charme – You do have to climb some stairs to get here but the view of the sea is worth it.

Manarola: Best Place in Cinque Terre for Beautiful Sunsets

Manarola is known for its charming harbor, which is perfect for swimming. The village doesn’t have a sandy beach, but lots of people sunbathe on the boat ramp before taking a dip in the sea. During the evening, you can enjoy one of the best sunsets in Cinque Terre.

While there, visit the Church of San Lorenzo, an exquisite example of Gothic Ligurian architecture.

If you visit around Christmas, you’ll be delighted to see that the hillside in Manarola is transformed into a large nativity scene made of recycled items. The initiative began with Mario Andreoli, a brilliant artist and former railway worker.

Manarola is where to stay in Cinque Terre if you want to relax and soak up the sun.

Houses on a Cliff in Manarola, Italy — Photo by esrageziyor

Best Hotels in Manarola

L’Emporio Rooms: This Bed and Breakfast is very close to shops and the sea. Rooms are comfortable and come with AC, wifi, and bidets. This place is perfect if you don’t want to deal with lots of stairs and walking.

Rio Groppo Guesthouse : The staff at Rio Groppo Guesthouse are very friendly and helful. The rooms are comfortable and have air conditioning, espresso machines and mini fridges.

Da Baranin B&B and Apartment : Great breakfast and good views. The rooms are modern and comfortable. Not accesible for those with limited walking mobility.

Riomaggiore: Cinque Terre’s Village of Love

Colorful Houses on a Cliff in Riomaggiore Cinque Terre — Photo by esrageziyor

Riomaggiore is located in the south of Cinque Terre. It’s well known for its pastel-colored houses and gorgeous views of the Ligurian Sea.

One of the most popular attractions in Riomaggiore is the Via dell’Amore or the Way of Love. This trail path is adorned with nets hanging from the rocks, where lovers inscribe their names on padlocks, attach them to the nets, and then toss the keys into the sea as a symbol of everlasting love. If that’s not your thing, there’s also Castello di Riomaggiore, a castle straight out of a fairytale.

Afterward, couples can enjoy a candlelit dinner at Osteria La Torpedine while listening to the waves hit the beach. Riomaggiore’s natural beauty, charm, and ambiance make it an ideal destination for a romantic escape.

Best Hotels in Riomaggiore

Seaside Apartment: il Mare di Ada is the perfect place to take those iconic photos of Cinque Terre from your hotel window. The views are great and

FAQs about Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

When Is the Best Time to Visit Cinque Terre?

The best time to visit Cinque Terre really depends on your travel style. If you hate crowds, then you should skip visiting in the summer and try late October – March instead. If you’re okay with some crowd, consider visiting September through October.

How is the Tap Water?

The water quality in Cinque Terre is very good. Just bring your reusable bottle and refill when needed.

Where Village Should I Stay in Cinque Terre?

Choosing the village to stay at in Cinque Terre depends on what’s important to you. Do you value quick access to sandy beaches or do you value having fewer tourists around you? Unfortuntely its hard to have both in certain villages during peak travel periods. I say make a list of your non-negiotables and filter out the ones that don’t work. When in doubt, Monterosso is always a popular option. While Vernazza is close second. Corngilia is often avoided due to its location and lack of sea access.

Is Cinque Terre Expensive

Hotel and food prices can vary depending on the season and village. A budget travel can expect to spend at least 150 dollars a day during shoulder season. Mid-range hotels average at about 150 dollars a night while luxury hotels range from $350- $500 a day.

There are restaurants of different price ranges in Cinque Terre. A casual restaruant may cost around $20 for lunch, while a more traitional restaurant may cost aroun $30-50 dollars a person. Prices usually increase during heavy tourism months.