If you’re wondering where to stay in Cinque Terre, we’ve got you covered. This quaint area is a string of five villages in Italy, and they’re perfectly placed along the coastline to bring the world stunning views, adventures, and hiking trails within walking distance, historic buildings, and plenty of boutique hotel locations.
If you want to enjoy your stay, Cinque Terre has plenty to offer to the tourist crowds. Since there are five towns, choosing where to stay among the towns can be a little overwhelming. The good news is that you really can’t go wrong no matter where you choose.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, a private beach, a romantic stay, or a local family-run hotel, you will find a wide variety of choices.
We’ve put together a guide to the best hotels and locations to help you find the best places to stay in Cinque Terre, Italy.
Keep reading to find out the best places to stay in Cinque Terre!
Which Cinque Terre Villages Fit for You?
There are five distinct Cinque Terre villages that make up this sweet little spot.
The five Cinque Terre villages are:
- Riomaggiore
- Manarola
- Corniglia
- Vernazza
- Monterosso al Mare
And even if you don’t get to stay in one of these five villages, there are other Cinque Terre-like towns nearby (like La Spezia) that make up the surrounding locations. Other towns may not fall exactly into the Cinque Terre space, but they are just as stunning in most cases.
Cinque Terre has been named one of the most scenic and unique locations in Italy. Other small towns and regions in Italy simply cannot compare to Cinque Terre’s sea views, colorful houses, national parks, olive groves, and rocky beaches.
There are a host of things to see and experience while you’re here.
One of the most well-known details about the Cinque Terre is the colorful buildings. And most of the towns and accommodations are within easy walking distance of each other. They have many luxury apartments and modern amenities to accommodate your stay in Cinque Terre and make it a great one.
The Best Places to Stay in Cinque Terre Towns
You will have no shortage of choices when choosing where to stay in Cinque Terre. The best place to stay in Cinque Terre will heavily depend on your preferences. Nature lovers, budget-friendly travelers, and those who need a great family stay can all find great places to stay in Cinque Terre.
Romantic getaway? Maybe you need to consider a stunning location with a private balcony and beach to show off gorgeous views on your adventure.
Find a good location for your travel needs. There are plenty of Cinque Terre town choices to choose from!
Let’s take a closer look at each of the best towns of Cinque Terre.
1. Riomaggiore
Conveniently located near the central area of Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore is for travelers that want a lively and exciting stay. This is the best Cinque Terre town to stay in if you’re looking for fun and excitement with more people.
It’s a short walk to local wine tasting, a nearby restaurant, or other fun activities. You will get to experience gorgeous views, thanks to that ever-present sea view.
This is a popular choice for family and friend trips as it’s larger than the nearby towns but not any less lovely. Find a modern hotel with modern rooms and watch the sunset from incredible sea views you never dreamed of.
The town center becomes a gathering place in the evening for everyone to join up outside of their Cinque Terre hotel and watch the sunset. Many people grab a beer, wine, pizza, and takeout from local seafood bars just to watch the sun go down over the water.
There are plenty of choices to stay at, with options for double rooms and private spaces. Some locations are recently renovated as well.
Check out these Cinque Terre accommodation options in Riomaggiore.
Hotel Villa Argentina
Hotel Villa Argentina is a great choice of budget hotels. Their prices are budget-friendly, and their accommodations are very nice. You get large rooms, outdoor terraces, and spectacular sea views as well.
Stellio Affittacamere
If you’re looking for those amazing views paired with slightly more privacy, this little guest house gives you just that. Enjoy a rustic guest house close to the train station and the town. They serve a delicious breakfast.
La Vista di Marina by the First
Check out one of the most luxurious Cinque Terre hotels. It’s not far from the train station, and you can visit Cinque Terre in style.
This is one of the most highly recommended Cinque Terre accommodations of all the Cinque Terre towns. A sea view of the Ligurian Coast paired with spacious rooms and rustic vibes will make your stay great. The private terrace will speak for itself.
2. Manarola – Cinque Terre National Park
Where to stay in Cinque Terre but the most romantic of Cinque Terre village choices? This is the quietest village and yet also one of the more colorful villages too.
You’re just a short distance from the train station and the Cinque Terre National Park, so you really can’t go wrong. Visiting Cinque Terre will be a relaxing and romantic experience. You also get the opportunity to enjoy exploring Cinque Terre from a whole different perspective when you stay in Manarola.
Explore Cinque Terre from the heights, look down over the Ligurian Coast, walk through the well-known park, and dine at the fine restaurants. It’s absolutely picture-perfect, with spectacular views all around and tons of color throughout the space.
They have some of the best Cinque Terre hotels for romance and relaxation. This is the only town that was perfectly designed for romance as you walk along the Italian Riviera and dine together as the sun goes down. Find a terrace overlooking the waters or enjoy the small sandy beach.
Create your own adventure at the best town to stay in Cinque Terre for couples and romantic getaways.
Take a look at these Cinque Terre accommodation choices here.
La Torretta Lodge
A lovely hotel in this old town, you have access to your own private beach with the other guests. Experience an Italian-style breakfast in the morning and then head out to enjoy your day.
The sea views are unforgettable, and you get your own terrace to simply soak up the sun as well.
Arpaiu
Stay in Cinque Terre at this rustic but modern location. They are a unique hotspot that will feel homey and cozy when you stop to rest at your home away from home.
It’s just a short jaunt from the train station nearby, and the owners are welcoming and friendly.
Aria Di Mare
If you want to stay in this romantic choice of the five towns of Cinque Terre, the old town offers budget-friendly choices like this one.
View the Ligurian Sea and relax in affordable accommodations. It’s another bed and breakfast, and it’s a great stay!
3. Corniglia
Corniglia is one of the best towns if you want to stay off the beaten path. You can find many villages, but this one is secluded. It will be a little farther away from the train station, but it’s still easy to get to.
They are known for their views and the quaint hospitality of the more remote location.
Find yourself taking in the best of a Unesco world heritage site and seeing the true beauty that Cinque Terre has to offer. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, Cinque Terre depends on this location to offer it!
Send yourself a Cinque Terre card to remember the quiet and relaxation you felt here.
They have plenty of accommodations, with hotels that even offer double rooms for family adventures. Some hotels do have a swimming pool, but because of the location, you won’t be able to swim in the sea as easily from here.
That being said, you can see the waters and enjoy the magical sunset too. It’s simply from a different perspective than some of the hotels in neighboring towns. This is certainly the best area to stay in Cinque Terre for a peaceful and distant getaway.
We mentioned you’re a bit of a jog from the train station. To be exact, you will climb 380 steps to reach Corniglia. Come prepared and pack light, but know the travel to the village hotels is worth every step!
Here are some recommended places to stay!
Corniglia Dreams
This is the top place of choice, and it’s a luxury option. The guest house sports terraces, phenomenal views, and coastal breezes. This is your fancy stop and a magical location with awesome customer service.
Ostello Corniglia
Known for their affordable accommodations, you can stay and enjoy without breaking the bank. Their rooms are dorm-style rooms with plenty of space to kick back, relax, and rest. The view spans out over the hills of Cinque Terre.
Cecio 5 Terre Rooms
This little bed and breakfast is actually on the edge of Corniglia, but it’s very nice. Your view looks out at the houses on the side of the hill and the water below too. You get the best of the area, with breakfast served hot and fresh each morning. They have plenty of room choices too.
4. Vernazza
If you want the best place to stay in Cinque Terre with close access to beautiful beaches, boat tours, and seafood, this is your stop! It’s right off the train station, so you have easy access. Everything is breathtaking at this village, and you might even get valet car parking at some hotels.
In Cinque Terre Vernazza, you are right there at the water and with the harbor. This spot can get pretty busy during the summer months because it is so close to the water. People that enjoy boat tours or private charters often set out from here.
And did we mention the views? They have some of the best hotels, and a few have air conditioning to keep the customers happy and give them a cool place to relax after a day in the sun. Does it really get much better than that?
Since you’re down low here, you get a unique view. Of course, you can glimpse the water up close, but the surrounding hills and colorful locations are stunning from this focal point too. Enjoy things like hiking, swimming, photography, boats, and so much more from here.
This is absolutely a stunning stop and should be on your bucket list to at least visit while you’re in the area.
Here are some Cinque Terre places to stay in Vernazza.
MaDa Charm Apartment Terrace & Carugio
The best of the best is right here at this location. They have private bathrooms, air conditioning, a harbor stop, and close access to everything in Vernazza
Everything is modernized here, and many rooms have a nice terrace to give you that extra special view. These are small apartments for tourists or extended stays.
Their studios don’t have a terrace, so keep that in mind when you book.
Casa da Muccia Vernazza
This location is hard to book, and you will need to plan ahead to get a spot. It’s a sweet little house that is rustic and charming, but it’s available to rent and stay at.
People know about this cottage and book it up almost as quickly as it becomes available. It has amazing sites, and you can see it all from the bed!
Affittacamere Elisabetta
This choice is your budget stop in Vernazza. It’s more affordable but also still very lovely. Not all the rooms have AC, so that is a detail to keep in mind.
Of course, they have shade, windows, and nice breezes, so you should still be comfortable relaxing here. Their balconies provide 360-degree views that vary depending on where you are in the building.
5. Monterosso Al Mare
Monterosso al Mare is sometimes just referred to as Monterosso. But don’t be confused because the official name is Monterosso al Mare.
If your radar has you looking for the best beachy area of Cinque Terre, Monterosso al Mare is your stop! While this is a coastal area, Cinque Terre isn’t really known for its beaches, although there are lots of water activities and swimming spots.
Monterosso al Mare brings you the beaches, and they have quite a few of them too. Their beaches are absolutely beautiful, with white sand and stunning rocky areas. It’s like the perfect mixture.
How Monterosso al Mare scored this collection is beyond us, but it’s amazing.
This village is home to the largest beaches in the area, and you can get to any of the beaches within walking distance of most of the hotels, so it’s easy to access. The waters are crystal clear, the sun shines steadily, and it’s a wonderful place to visit.
Here you can find the best beaches in Cinque Terre.
The train station is nearby as well.
Find where to stay in Cinque Terre with a stunning locale, welcoming atmosphere, and quaint but homey vibes all over. Walk along the streets of Monterosso and enjoy some shopping or local delights.
There are a lot of places to stay in Monterosso, so check out these options.
La Casa del Gigante Luxury Collection
Choose where to stay in Cinque Terre at the best of the best luxury spots. This is the place to stay to treat yourself and perhaps run into a celebrity or two.
The location is a rock castle, and the rooms vary. Their luxurious two-bedroom apartment is cozy and spectacular in every single way.
Hotel Porto Roca
Porto Roca is one of the most well-known hotels to stay in Cinque Terre. It’s a popular spot, and it’s amazing. Rated four stars, everything about the spot is stunning, right down to their pool for guests.
They provide you with transfer to any destinations in Monterosso and give you exceptional service during your stay. Most rooms have a view and can sleep up to 4 people.
Hotel Palme
This is one of the largest hotels in Monterosso. With a Mediterranean style and impressive features, you can’t go wrong. They keep the rooms cool and modern for all of the guests, with options for up to 4 people.
The hotel has palm trees in the garden and fantastic options for everyone who stays here.
Because of the beach location and the large space, this village in Cinque Terre has many other hotels to choose from as well. There are many choices here.
Choosing Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
With all of these options among the five locations, how can you possibly choose where to stay? You can always rotate between the different spots, but here are a few tips to help you narrow down your options more.
Location
Do you have a location preference? Perhaps you want to be right on the beach or very close to a beach anyways. Or maybe you want to be more secluded and climb those steps to the remote locations of Cinque Terre instead.
Every traveler will have a location preference that they can divert to. Choose which town to stay in based on your location preferences. For some travelers, it simply won’t be feasible to hike up 380 stairs to reach your destination.
And others want a spot that is romantic and quiet. It’s totally up to you!
Views
What kind of views are you looking for? While all of these places in Cinque Terre have absolutely phenomenal views, they also all have different views.
In some, you have direct views of the water. In others, you might have views of the hills with the water down below.
And then, you have the locations with a close-up of the water, coast, and beach.
Budget
Your travel and accommodation budget might affect where to stay in Cinque Terre. The good news is that most of the locations have accommodations for every budget.
If you need somewhere cheap, look for those options. And if you can treat yourself to luxury in Cinque Terre, it is quite likely worth every penny.
The good news is that even in the cheapest places, there are still really great accommodations. Simply find what works for you.
Explore the Beauty of Cinque Terre in Many Ways
Cinque Terre is not a huge location, but the five different spots bring you unique options. Every village is unique, but they are all pretty amazing when you compare them.
As you choose where to stay in Cinque Terre, be sure to look at all of your options and find the spot that feels just right for your travel needs. No matter where you choose, you will have a stellar experience.
Which village is calling your name?
Learn more about what the region of Liguria offers.
Read more: Cinque Terre travel guide.
FAQ
Where Should I Stay in Cinque Terre for the First Time?
There is no wrong answer! In fact, the right answer really depends on your travel preferences. Take a look at each of the villages and get to know what they offer. Choose the village that appeals to your senses and your needs.
Is it Better to Stay in La Spezia or Cinque Terre?
La Spezia is close to Cinque Terre and is a very nice location as well. However, we recommend staying in Cinque Terre if you have the opportunity. If you’re traveling the coast, you could always try both locations.
How Many Days Should You Stay in Cinque Terre?
Stay at least 2-3 days to really experience the culture and the surroundings. You can stay much longer if you like!
Where is the Best Base to Stay for Cinque Terre?
We recommend Coniglia as the best base. However, if this is too far off the beaten path, try Vernazza or Manarola instead.
Is La Spezia as Good as Cinque Terre?
La Spezia is very lovely, but it’s not Cinque Terre. It’s slightly more off the beaten path, so it makes a good alternative if you want something more secluded for your stay.