Dreaming of summer vacation on the sun-kissed coast of Europe? You will definitely fall in love with the Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre beaches.
If you’re planning your Italian holiday and wondering where to stay in Cinque Terre, I have listed the best places to stay in Cinque Terre by village. Being the picturesque destination it is, when you’re in Cinque Terre, Italy, places to stay are in no short supply.
Whether you’re staying a week or just a couple of days, you’ll find Cinque Terre accommodation to fit anyone’s budget.
Best Town to Stay in Cinque Terre
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The five cliff-top villages of the Cinque Terre will take your breath away. From the quaint, colorful villages to the beautiful beaches of Cinque Terre. It is highly recommended to see every town, but I would recommend picking one as your home base and making day trips to the other villages.
Cinque Terre has become one of the most popular destinations to visit in Italy with its incredible panoramic views of these dreamy villages. The beautiful villages are located in the Liguria region of Italy and are known for their colorful houses, panoramic hikes and being the birthplace of pesto.
There are five main towns of Cinque Terre and each has its own personality and charm. It’s hard to pick the best village to stay in Cinque Terre, it’s a treasure trove of options!
The entire Cinque Terre area has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a protected marine area. With the Cinque Terre Trekking Pass, visitors can hike the trail connecting all five towns – a trek that takes about five hours.
Best Places to Stay in Cinque Terre
Filled with five idyllic and colorful fishing villages, the stunning Cinque Terre is a tapestry of gorgeous scenery and amazing trails. With so many contenders for the best town to stay in, Cinque Terre is a winning holiday destination.
While you could potentially visit all five towns in a single day, I’ve put together a list of stellar Cinque Terre accommodation choices!
Top Cinque Terre Airbnb Choices
There are numerous options for top-notch accommodation in Cinque Terre, from high-end boutique hotels to rustic hotels with a local flair. However, for a more homey feel, there are some fantastic choices from Airb n b.
Seaview Corniglia Apartment
Enjoy a stay at this sparkling clean and colorful apartment just minutes away from the Corniglia seaside. With incredible facilities and a fantastic location on the Via Serra, you can’t go wrong with this highly-rated apartment!
Take a look at their prices here!
Vernazza Seaside Apartment
Enjoy amazing views from the balcony at this wonderful apartment just minutes away from the main square! This wonderfully furnished spot makes for an idyllic stay in Cinque Terre.
Find out when they’re free here!
Quaint Studio Apartment
Up rustic stone steps in Corniglia, this quaint and colorful apartment is a fantastic choice. With high-quality facilities and a wonderful host, you’ll feel right at home in this charming spot.
Book your stay with them here!
Where to Stay in Monterosso
Monterosso is the northernmost village in the Cinque Terre and is home to the best beaches, restaurants and shopping. If you are looking for a luxury hotel stay, this town has a great selection of luxury hotels to choose from for your stay in Cinque Terre.
Monterosso would make a great place to stay and then do day trips to the other areas. It is also within the must-visit Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre.
Visitors are drawn to the gorgeous blue waters of Monterosso al Mare beaches, making it one of the top places to stay in Cinque Terre. Monterosso is the best place to stay if you love beaches, architecture, and history.
Affordable Accommodation, Cinque Terre – Monterosso: La Rosa Dei Venti
Just a 5-minute stroll from Monterosso’s sandy beach, this quiet and cozy hotel is a perfect choice!
Enjoy views of the city’s gorgeous beaches from your balcony, then set out to enjoy one of the nearby hiking trails.
Take a look at their room choices here!
Mid-Range Hotel, Cinque Terre – Monterosso: Albergo Degli Amici
Recline in the gorgeous garden of this 3-star hotel, before setting out on a fantastic hike!
With everything from tasty and authentic cuisine to its perfectly central location, the Albergo Degli Amici is one of the best hotels in Cinque Terre.
Book your room at one of the top hotels in Cinque Terre!
Luxury Cinque Terre Accommodation, Monterosso – Hotel Porto Roca
Book a stay at this gorgeous cliff-top villa just a five-minute walk from central Monterosso. With a fantastic restaurant and a luxurious pool, you can’t go wrong!
Book one of their amazing rooms here!
Best Places to Stay in Vernazza
Vernazza, perched on a rugged coastline, is one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and a top contender for the best Cinque Terre town. It is the top pick for where to stay in Cinque Terre if it is your first time.
Vernazza is the fourth town heading north and is the most picturesque village in Cinque Terre, with gorgeous coastal views and colorful houses. It is known as one of the truest fishing villages on the Italian Riviera. You will not find any car traffic in Vernazza.
For any beach lovers, Vernazza has two small, sandy beaches. It is also home to a gothic Liguarian style and that stands on the cliff overlooking Vernazza.
Affordable Vernazza Hotel, Cinque Terre – Silvia’s Guest House
Enjoy a comfortable stay at this fantastic guest house where warm staff and stunning views are the order of the day. Close to the sights of Vernazza and the local train station, this central spot is a fantastic choice.
If you’re visiting Vernazza on a budget and wondering where to stay, Cinque Terre has provided this gem!
Take a look at their rooms here!
Mid-Range Hotel, Cinque Terre, Vernazza – Cadè Ventu
The fantastic Cadè Ventu is one of the top Cinque Terre hotels, where everyone, from pets and hiking aficionados to laid-back tourists, is welcome.
Perched on the hillside, you’re guaranteed amazing views and lovely decor at this incredible hotel.
Take a look at their prices here!
Luxury Cinque Terre Hotel, Vernazza – Albergo Barbara
With a prime spot on the wharf overlooking Vernazza’s gorgeous bay, you’ll enjoy every moment at one of the best Cinque Terre luxury hotels!
From their on-site coffee house to the chance to enjoy activities like canoeing and walking tours, the Albergo Barbara is a top choice for where to stay at Cinque Terre Italie.
Where to Stay in Corniglia
Corniglia is the only village not accessible by sea. It is the smallest village and a hidden gem in the Cinque Terre. This is the best village to stay in Cinque Terre for avoiding the crowds.
Corniglia is within walking distance to Vernazza, making it a great village for the active traveler. Definitely worth the hike is the memorable Scalinata Lardarina. Only 377 steps will take you to the top for some panoramic views, or if you prefer, there is also a bus that will take you to the top.
Within walking distance of Vernazza, Corniglia is a great place to stay if you want to explore the Cinque Terre to the fullest and be as active as can be.
If you want to test your strength and stamina, brace yourself and climb the 370 steps of Lardarina. They are pretty darn steep but the views are well worth it.
Affordable Airbnb, Cinque Terre, Corniglia – Studio Apartment
When I’m not staying at a hotel, I love Airbnb. An Airb n b can provide a great local experience as well as a larger space with a kitchen. Click here to get $40 off your first stay.
Enjoy a comfortable stay at this fantastic studio apartment, which is perfectly central with views overlooking the charming streets of Corniglia.
Your amazing host is more than happy to give sightseeing suggestions too!
Take a look at their available rooms here!
Mid-Range Cinque Terre Hotel, Corniglia – Hanging Garden
With views as idyllic as its name, the Hanging Garden is a quaint spot in the heart of Corniglia. With incredible facilities and a cozy atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home!
Book your stay with them here!
Luxury Hotel, Cinque Terre, Corniglia – Daa Maduneta
With an amazing location overlooking the bay, enjoy reclining on the dreamy balcony or head out to enjoy the nearby countryside!
Their incredible attention to detail makes this hotel a true contender for the best place to stay in Cinque Terre.
Accommodation in Manarola
Manarola is the second smallest town of the Cinque Terre and often overlooked. Don’t skip this beautiful little town, which is one of the top places to stay in Cinque Terre, Italy. Although it doesn’t have a sandy beach, it is a beautiful town.
Manarola is one of the quieter villages, and a great starting point for hikers as some of the most impressive hiking routes start from here.
Cinque Terre Hotel, Manarola – 5 Terre Pelagos
Enjoy stellar facilities like a handy tour desk, luggage storage space and an on-site mini market at the fantastic 5 Terre Pelagos.
With fantastic views from the terrace and hiking routes just a stone’s throw away, you can’t go wrong!
Take your pick from their rooms here!
Mid-Range Hotel, Cinque Terre, Manarola – Posidonia Cinque Terre
Enjoy a stay in this charming hotel with a bubbling river nearby and a lovely dining terrace to relax on. It’s also close to a collection of fantastic eateries!
Luxury Cinque Terre Hotel, Manarola – Ca’ D’Andrean
As one of the best places to stay in Cinque Terre, Italy, Ca’ D’Adrean is a lovely boutique hotel with a charming history.
Nestled on the hill, this amazing hotel is complete with fantastic views of the coastline and elegant rooms.
Best Places to Stay in Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the southernmost village in Cinque Terre with gorgeous beaches and rugged cliffs. It is the largest village with a beautiful harbor. Riomaggiore is also the closest town to La Spezia.
This village is home to Castello di Riomaggiore, with incredible views of the Italian Riviera.
You can walk from Manarola to Riomaggiore through Via dell’Amore, ‘The Way of Love’. It’s a kilometer-long coastal pathway and is popular for taking in the gorgeous sunset at night.
Cinque Terre Airbnb, Riomaggiore – Camera Giorgia
While visiting Cinque Terre, choosing where to stay won’t be a problem with this fantastic Airb n b studio apartment. It has a well-equipped kitchen and is only a 3-minute walk away from Riomaggiore’s main street!
Take a look at their rooms here!
Mid-Range Hotel, Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore – Rosa Dei Venti
With views over the picturesque city, and set just minutes away from Riomaggiore’s marina, Rosa De Venti is a top hotel choice!
Cinque Terre Luxury Hotel, Riomaggiore – Scorci Di Mare
Looking for the best place to stay? Cinque Terre has you covered with the Scorci Di Mare, a 14th-century building set in the colorful hills of Riomaggiore.
Enjoy a memorable stay with nearby hiking trails and the sound of waves floating through your window.
Take a look at their rooms here!
How to Get to Cinque Terre
For traveling to Cinque Terre, there are a few options, depending on where you are coming from. The closest airports to Cinque Terre are Pisa, Florence and Genoa airport. Most people travel to Cinque Terre from Rome by train.
Driving to Cinque Terre
I am usually a huge advocate for driving but to be honest, there is minimal parking available, and the streets are extremely narrow. Many of the towns encourage parking on their outskirts, but Monterosso is easiest to reach by car and has the cheapest parking. If you don’t mind the windy, narrow roads and like the freedom of having your own car, then driving to Cinque Terre may be for you.
Traveling to Cinque Terre: Train Routes
The easiest and fastest way to travel to Cinque Terre is by train. The train departs approximately twice an hour from La Spezia and makes stops in each town. Most people will travel to Cinque Terre by train to avoid the windy roads. Since parking is an issue, the train is likely the best travel option, especially if you get car sick easily due to the windy coastal roads.
Reaching Cinque Terre by Boat
The ferry along Cinque Terre’s coastline is less frequent than the train, but the views are 100% worth it. Public ferry boats are very popular, which also means they are more crowded, so a boat tour or private boat ride are also fantastic options.
The ferry stops in every village except for Corniglia and usually runs between early April and late October (weather depending).
Best Time to Visit Cinque Terre
The ultimate time to visit this incredible destination is between September and early October when the summertime tourists have left and the trails are much less crowded.
March to June is another top choice, and although accommodation rates rise, the gorgeous springtime scenery is worth it.
Staying Connect in Cinque Terre
Want to stay connected while abroad? I recommend renting a pocket-sized personal WiFi hotspot from Tep! Click here to see the latest prices.
Conclusion
The riot of color that is Cinque Terre makes for one of the best Italian holiday destinations and a fantastic addition to your travel wish list. From the quaint streets of its seaside towns to the hiking trails that have claimed the world’s attention, Cinque Terre is a stunning place to visit.
You can’t go wrong with somewhere this amazing, but choosing the perfect accommodation can make your trip even better! From quaint budget options to the more extravagant, knowing where to stay in Cinque Terre is the perfect addition to an already perfect trip.
Let me know which is your favorite town to stay in Cinque Terre!
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