Where To Stay In Cinque Terre: Best Towns And Hotels

If you are wondering where to stay in Cinque Terre, you have come to the right place!

Located on the Ligurian Coast, this is one of the top destinations in Italy and looks like it is straight out of a postcard.

There are so many options for Cinque Terre hotels, so planning can get overwhelming. But I am here to make the process easy!

I have visited Cinque Terre multiple times and have stayed in different locations so I know all the tips for deciding where to stay!

Personally, I love Manarola as a base for Cinque Terre but other towns might fit your budget or needs better.

I will cover each of the five villages as well as spots outside of Cinque Terre so you have a complete picture of the best areas to stay in Cinque Terre.

Below, I will break down my guide to the best places to stay in Cinque Terre by village, price, and feel of the town. I’ll provide the pros and cons of each area as well.

Whether you want something budget-friendly, for families, or the perfect Italy honeymoon, there are accommodations in Cinque Terre for you!

This region is one of the best places in Italy so get ready to have a fantastic visit.

Keep reading for an in-depth look at the best lodging in Cinque Terre, Italy!

Best Towns To Stay In Cinque Terre

• Monterosso al Mare is the largest Cinque Terre village featuring a large, sandy beach. There are a ton of options for accommodations. It is also the least hilly so perfect if you have mobility issues or kids.
• Vernazza is considered the prettiest and most scenic part of Cinque Terre. It has amazing views and hiking options. It is also the busiest and most crowded.
• Corniglia is quiet and the least crowded. It is the most affordable place to stay in Cinque Terre. You will find great views but it is not directly on the water. It is the least accessible with many steps to the train station.
• Manarola is beautiful with an authentic, Italian vibe. It is very popular and hotels can book up fast.
• Riomaggiore is the second largest village. It is lively with a great nightlife scene. There are great hiking trails and views.
• La Spezia is located outside of Cinque Terre but is a quick train or car ride away. If you are renting a car or are on a budget, this is a good option.

Understanding Cinque Terre At A Glance

Cinque Terre translates to “five towns.” They include Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

The historic fishing villages are found nestled on a rugged coast that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Italy!

Of course, you will want to visit all five during your time on the Ligurian Coast. Since they are so close together, it is easy to explore them all in a couple of days.

No matter where you stay, you will be close to the best things to do in Cinque Terre.

The Cinque Terre villages are connected by a train that is very simple to navigate. The towns are just minutes away from each other by train!

When looking for the best part of Cinque Terre to stay, I recommend either Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, or Riomaggiore for convenience and accessibility.

Although it is good if you are on a tight budget, Corniglia involves over 350 stairs to and from the train station or using a crowded shuttle bus.

If you are renting a car in Italy, be aware that finding parking in Cinque Terre is a bit crazy and expensive. Sometimes it isn’t possible at all, and you need to get a shuttle from the parking lot.

In that case, I recommend staying outside of Cinque Terre in La Spezia. It is within a 10-minute train ride to the villages.

Whether you spend 10 days in Italy, have a little more time like 2 weeks, or are planning an Italy road trip, it is easy to fit Cinque Terre into your itinerary.

Where To Stay In Cinque Terre: Best Towns And Hotels

Riomaggiore: The Best Cinque Terre Town For Nightlife

Riomaggiore is the second largest of the five villages. It is used as the starting point for exploring Cinque Terre.

Choose a hotel in Riomaggiore if you prefer a slightly larger city feel with lots of options for dining while still getting that quaint feel of the Italian coast.

This is the best Cinque Terre town to stay in if you are interested in experiencing Italian nightlife! There are great bars and restaurants to check out.

The pastel-hued buildings and picturesque views make this a popular choice. There is even a cliff-side bar located along the trail if you want to eat with a view.

Make sure you are in good fitness when choosing to stay in Riomaggiore because you may have to trek your luggage upstairs as this town is built into the side of a cliff.

This is the easternmost point in Cinque Terre, so Riomaggiore makes a great base for exploration. If you are interested in scuba diving, there is a large dive shop located here as well.

Upsides: One of the larger villages in Cinque Terre. First stop on the train from La Spezia. Lots of shops and restaurants and lively nightlife. Good base for exploring. 

Downsides: Nightlife may make it louder at night. Steep hills and stairs make it hard to get around for some.

Best Hotels In Riomaggiore

Affordable: Locanda Ca Da Iride

Locanda Ca Da Iride is the best budget option in Riomaggiore. It is not lacking in charm though!

This hotel is just 0.3 miles from the city center and comes equipped with sea views, wifi, breakfast, and terraces.

If you are looking for where to stay in Cinque Terre on a budget, this hotel will fit the bill! The city center location makes for a wonderful and intimate experience! 

Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Affittacamere Le Giare

Located close to shops and restaurants, Affittacamere Le Giare is a great option for your time in Riomaggiore. It is also only a short walk to the water!

The hotel includes air-conditioning, wifi, and free toiletries. You will love the cozy rooms and sweeping views of the city.

Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Crêuza de mä

The views from this luxury hotel can’t be beaten. With a hot tub overlooking the Ligurian Coast, Crêuza de mä is a dream place to stay. It is truly one of the best luxury hotels in Cinque Terre!

Rooms are modern and the hotel is set apart from Riomaggiore so you are just a quick walk away in your private oasis.

This Cinque Terre hotel comes equipped with wifi, a rooftop terrace, a garden, and more.

Check Rates: Booking.com

Manarola: Central Location And Best Views

Manarola is one of the most well-known towns in Italy. Although you may not know it by name, chances are you have seen it in a painting, postcard, or photograph somewhere in your life.

If you want to stay somewhere picture-perfect, this is the best town to stay in Cinque Terre for views. This is my favorite place to stay in Cinque Terre!

Manarola is known for its wine production. The buildings are assembled as if they are sliding down the cliff that hugs a cute inlet.

Unlike Riomaggiore, Manarola has fewer shops, bars, and nightlife. If you are looking for a quieter experience, this is where to stay in Cinque Terre for you.

This area books up fast so you should make your reservation as early as possible! Budget hotels in Manarola especially fill up quickly.

If you want the best views that don’t require lots of hiking, choose Manarola when searching for Cinque Terre hotels.

There is a wonderful, easy loop that takes you from the town along the coast so you can experience a scenic and peaceful walk.

Manarola is one of the best places to stay for photographers and nature lovers due to its proximity to postcard-worthy views. 

Upsides: Picture-perfect village. Good location in the center of Cinque Terre. Quaint and authentic Italian feel. Easy hiking and easy to walk around. 

Downsides: Fewer nightlife and bar options. Hotels book up quickly so you must book well in advance.

Best Manarola Hotels By Price

Affordable: Olimpo Affittacamere

Olimpo Affittacamere is a wonderful hotel in Manarola with sea and village views. It is close to the train station and near the top of the hill of the city.

The hotel offers modern fixtures and balcony views. There is a 24-hour desk attendant in the event you need to arrive late or leave early.

Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Affittacamere San Giorgio

Affittacamere San Giorgio has a sea and city view. It is very well located in the center of town compared to other budget options.

There are balconies that overlook the city streets as well as a rooftop terrace and air conditioning.

Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Il Sogno di Manarola by The First

Just because Il Sogno di Manarola by The First is a luxury option does not mean it will break the bank.

Depending on what time of year you visit, some of the best places to stay in Cinque Terre for tourists may be more affordable than you expect.

The First is absolute luxury with just three private apartments that overlook Manarola. You will have your own terrace and lounge chairs. Everything is brand new and beautiful!

If you are looking for where to stay in Cinque Terre for a luxury getaway, this is the perfect spot! 

Check Rates: Booking.com

Corniglia: Best Place To Stay In Cinque Terre On A Budget

If you want to stay somewhere in Cinque Terre which is off-the-beaten-path and not popular with other tourists, Corniglia is the perfect place.

It is rare for people to choose Corniglia when figuring out where to stay in Cinque Terre. If you want to escape the crowd, then this cliff-top town is the perfect choice for you.

Corniglia is the only part of Cinque Terre that is not on the water. Instead, it is high up on a cliff. It is also the smallest of the villages and more remote and rustic.

This town is not just unpopular because it is small. You must walk over 350 steps to get here from the train station. There is also a shuttle bus, but it is often crowded, especially in high season.

However, hotels in Corniglia are the most affordable in Cinque Terre. If you are on a budget, stay here!

If you are active, love hiking, and want a more authentic Italian experience, Corniglia is the best village to stay in Cinque Terre.

Upsides: Quiet and peaceful. Off-the-beaten-path. More local experience. Fantastic views of Cinque Terre. Popular for vineyards.

Downsides: Not on the water like other villages. Must walk over 350 steps (or take the bus) from the train station. Some people don’t like the quieter feel. 

Best Hotels In Corniglia 

Affordable: Hanging Garden Hotel

Hanging Garden is an affordable hotel located in the heart of Corniglia. It is steps away from the city center and perched high atop the hill in Cinque Terre National Park.

There is a rooftop terrace and rooms come complete with kitchenettes if you want to learn to cook like the locals. This is where to stay in Cinque Terre if you want true local Italian charm.

Check Rates: Booking.com

Affordable: Punto Zero

Punto Zero is a wonderful hotel in Cinque Terre that offers stunning views! Many rooms offer ocean views or a balcony.

Punto Zero also organizes tours for guests and has a 24-hour front desk. If you are looking for a local experience, this is the place to stay!

Check Rates: Booking.com 

Mid-Range: Arbanella

Arbanella is a lovely property. It is a little more higher-end than the ones listed above but still affordable.

If finding a hotel with a view is on your bucket list, Arbanella will not disappoint. The hotel overlooks vineyards and green hills plunging straight into the sea.

The guestrooms are comfortable and free wifi and housekeeping are included.

Check Rates: Booking.com

Vernazza: The Prettiest And Busiest Area To Stay In Cinque Terre

Considered the prettiest village in Cinque Terre, Vernazza is a great place to stay on your Italy vacation.

This is one of the most picturesque towns with Italian charm and beauty. Vernazza is home to the only natural port in Cinque Terre and was once a fortification in medieval times.

Stay in Vernazza if you want to do lots of hiking or want to be near a beach. There are not one but two beaches so if you want a relaxing day, you have options.

Keep in mind that since Vernazza is the nicest town in Cinque Terre, hotels are a bit more expensive here. Even a more affordable option may be pricey to some.

Vernazza is one of the more well-known villages. It becomes busy with people coming in from surrounding towns for day trips. The traffic usually alleviates around sunset, but this is one of the busier areas.

The best part about staying in Vernazza is that the majority of the hotels overlook the city and lagoon so you are usually always going to have a view.

Like in Manarola, hotels book up quickly in Vernazza. Book in advance to snag your top choice.

Another fun fact about Vernazza is that there are no cars allowed in the small town. It is foot traffic only! How neat is that?

Upsides: Breathtakingly beautiful. Quaint, little town. Flatter so easier to walk around. Near a lovely beach and wonderful hikes. Hotels with ocean views abound. No cars so safe to walk around. 

Downsides: Must park out of town if you have a car. Extremely busy and crowded with tourists. Hotels sell out quickly.

Best Hotels In Vernazza

Affordable: Rollando Affittacamere

When choosing a budget-friendly hotel in Vernazza, don’t be afraid to sacrifice the sea view for affordability and location.

While Rollando Afittacamere doesn’t have a sea view, it does have terraces that overlook the village and that is just as cute and authentically Italian.

Rooms include free wifi, fans, and refrigerators. The hotel is less than a 3-minute walk away from the beach.

This is a great option for where to stay in Cinque Terre on a budget.

Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Hotel Gianni Franzi

For a mid-range price, Hotel Gianni Franzi is one of the best hotels in Cinque Terre.

Many more affordable hotels start to take you away from the main city-center area, but Gianni Franzi is located less than 5 minutes from the main beach.

It comes with wifi, AC, and daily housekeeping as well as terrace views of Vernazza.

The best part? The hotel is pink and perched on top of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. What more can you ask for when choosing where to stay in Italy?

Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Casa Catò

Located on the main street in town, Casa Catò is a short walk to the train station, beach, and many restaurants.

The modern rooms have wifi, AC, small fridges, and free toiletries. Some also have balconies and sea views.

The terrace provides a beautiful and comfortable place to soak in the Italian sunshine and awesome views. There is also a restaurant on site.

This is one of the top places to stay in Vernazza!

Check Rates: Booking.com

Monterosso: Best Beaches And Family Friendly

Monterosso al Mare is the largest village and has the most options for hotels and things to do.

It is split into two sections, an older and a newer section, and a small tunnel connects the two.

Monterosso is the westernmost location in Cinque Terre. If you are visiting from Northern Italy, this is the first town you will come across.

As the largest village, this is a great option in Cinque Terre for families or groups traveling together since there are more choices. Monterosso offers the widest range of Cinque Terre accommodation prices.

During your time here, make sure to visit the beach. While the other towns have beaches, they are more rocky and pebbly than sandy. Monterosso is home to Cinque Terre’s only true sandy beach.

Unlike the other towns, Monterosso isn’t built on a high cliff so you can visit without needing to hike or climb lots of stairs.

Make sure to wander through the ancient ruins and check out the large statue of Neptune in the city center.

This town is a great choice for where to stay with kids in Cinque Terre!

Upsides: Flat so perfect if you have any mobility issues. Wide variety of hotel options. Largest and best beaches in Cinque Terre. Many things to see and do. Many places to eat. Real “Italian Riviera” feel. 

Downsides: Fewer nearby hiking trails. Larger city so less “quaint” vibes.

Best Hotels In Monterosso 

Affordable: Raggi Di Sole

Raggi Di Sole is a wonderful budget-friendly Cinque Terre hotel with great customer service. The check-in process is extremely smooth with maps and guides for guests to get the lay of the land.

There is a sea view and you will be less than a 10-minute walk away from the Monterosso beach.

There is also free wifi and luggage storage in case you arrive early. If you are looking for where to stay in Cinque Terre on a budget, this is a fantastic place! 

Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Locanda Il Maestrale

Locanda Il Maestrale is a charming hotel housed in an 18th-century building. You will love the bright colors, tiled floors, ceiling frescoes, and cozy atmosphere.

Amenities include a breakfast buffet, a terrace dining area with potted plants, and free wifi.

It is close to the beach and the train station. This is a great base to explore Cinque Terre!

Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Villa Tanca Hotel

Villa Tanca is a luxury villa in Monterosso al Mare that offers both sea views and views of homes spilling over the Cinque Terre cliffside.

It is perfect for families or large groups. There is on-site childcare for a fee as well as a kitchen and self-serve laundry options.

This accommodation is located a few minutes walk away from Monterosso Beach and other popular sites without being in a noisy part of town. Stay here for villa views and luxury treatment! 

Check Rates: Booking.com

La Spezia: Where to Stay Near Cinque Terre With a Car

Since parking in Cinque Terre is next to impossible, if you have rented a car for an Italy road trip, you should stay in La Spezia.

Book a hotel with parking available then hop the train to Cinque Terre. The train journey will take less than 10 minutes to the closest town. Then travel the line northwest, hitting each town in turn.

La Spezia is the second largest city in the Liguria region so it has more of a developed city feel compared to the quaint, Cinque Terre villages.

There are plenty of places to stay and most are cheaper than in Cinque Terre.

If you are on a budget or need a place to store your car, La Spezia is the best place to stay.

I have stayed in La Spezia in the past, and it is so convenient to leave your car behind and use the train.

This city has fewer tourists and a more local feel. There are plenty of things to do here as well.

Upsides: Easy to find parking. No need to drive or pay for parking in Cinque Terre. Many affordable hotels. Fewer tourists and more off-the-beaten-path.

Downsides: Farther from Cinque Terre. A proper city so not as quaint.

Best Hotels in La Spezia

Affordable: La Taverna del Metallo Rooms

La Taverna del Metallo Rooms is close to Saint George’s Castle and the train station. There is paid, private parking available.

The hotel has express check-in and check-out, wifi, AC, a restaurant, and a bar.

You will love the cozy rooms with exposed brick and wooden beams. Each has a flat-screen TV and some have a balcony.

This is the perfect budget hotel in La Spezia!

Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Alchimia di Mare

Alchimia di Mare is located just a couple minute’s walk from the train station. This is perfect for catching a train early to get to Cinque Terre before the crowds.

The hotel is found in an Art Nuoveau-style building and has modern rooms. This is a great option for where to stay near Cinque Terre.

There is private parking nearby for a daily fee.

Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Le Ville Relais

If you don’t mind staying a little outside of the city, Le Ville Relais offers an amazing luxury stay!

Surrounded by olive groves and the Mediterranean countryside, this villa provides a pool and sun terrace with amazing panoramic views.

There is a restaurant and bar on-site as well as bike rental, room service, and free parking with electric vehicle charging.

To get to Cinque Terre from here, you will have to drive about ten minutes to the La Spezia train station and park there. Then take the train.

Check Rates: Booking.com

How To Get Around Cinque Terre

Once you have figured out where to stay in Cinque Terre, you will want to figure out your transportation. Luckily, there are three very easy options.

The first option is to drive. If you fly into Milan or Rome you can simply rent a car and drive a few hours to Cinque Terre.

Having a car will allow you the freedom to commute among the villages as you want. I have driven along the Ligurian Coast, and it isn’t that bad or stressful. I always prefer having my own car.

If you don’t want to rent a car, then the train is a wonderful option. Train travel in Italy is easily accessible and well-connected. Cinque Terre is no different.

There is a train that stops in each of the towns. You can easily explore each and then hop back on the train to continue along.

Depending on where you stay, you may have quite a walk from the train station, so keep this in mind when booking a hotel!

Finally, you can get between the Cinque Terre villages by walking or hiking. This is a great way to get in some exercise and see what this beautiful part of Italy has to offer.

Trails connect all of the towns so this is a very scenic way to travel between them.

How Long To Spend In Cinque Terre

You can spend as little or as long as you want in Cinque Terre!

There are so many Cinque Terre attractions, and you should narrow down exactly what you want to do before deciding how long to visit.

It is totally possible to visit as a day trip from either the Genoa area or the Tuscany region. Just make sure to choose the best villages that are of high priority to you and then spend the most time in those places.

If you want to spend a few days, I recommend spending 2 to 3 days minimum to really experience the region.

If you visit the Ligurian Coast as part of my 10-day Italy itinerary, then I recommend at least 1 to 2 nights, depending on your priorities elsewhere in Italy.

I absolutely love the Ligurian Coast and could easily spend a week seeing all this part of Italy has to offer.

However, due to the popularity of the area and the higher cost of Cinque Terre accommodations, if you can only spend 2 nights, I highly recommend it!

There are so many cool places in Cinque Terre to stay! I know you will find a village that speaks to you!

From affordable apartments to luxury villas, these accommodations provide you with tons of options so you can plan your trip with ease.

You can also stay in one of the Airbnbs in Cinque Terre or one of the many bed and breakfasts in Cinque Terre.

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on visiting the Ligurian Coast. It is one of my favorite spots in the world!

Next, check out my guide to the best time to visit Italy!