Which is the best town to stay in Cinque Terre?
By Laura Pattara. Jan 27, 2023
Perched precariously atop the rugged cliffs of the Italian Riviera, sit the five UNESCO-listed villages collectively known as the Cinque Terre: Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso and Riomaggiore.
To experience them all at their best, there is nothing better than to leisurely village-hop through them all, one by one. From Monterosso’s beige rocky shoreline to the terraced hills of Vernazza, the sweet scent of basil and pine trees in Corniglia, the harbour boat rides in Manarola, and the night-time spectacles in Riomaggiore, spending time to explore one village before moving onto the next gives you a chance to really immerse yourself in the region’s culture and lifestyle.
Budget-conscious visitors prefer to base themselves in Levanto or La Spezia, the closes major cities to the Cinque Terre. An all-inclusive Cinque Terre Train Pass gives you unlimited train rides and access to the walking trails that join the villages. Staying just outside the boundaries of the Cinque Terre means having a wider array of accommodation options available, to suit all budgets. Unless you’re planning a multi-day hike through all the village - in which case you will want to stay local - popping on a train for several day trips to different villages is a phenomenal way to soak up their magic.If you are interested in where to stay in Cinque Terre, you may also be interested in where to stay in Tuscany, where to stay in Florence or where to stay in Amalfi Coast.
Best towns to stay in Cinque Terre
Levanto
Budget / Family-Friendly / With Car
Known as the most convenient gateway to the Cinque Terre, Levanto is a laid-back Ligurian coastal town, home to one of the region’s most revered beaches. The perfect Cinque Terre base if travelling on a budget, with a car, or with family in tow, Levanto is small enough to be a relaxing destination yet big enough to offer an array of attractions. This is especially true if you’d love some evening entertainment.
A quick 10-min train ride will see you reach Monterosso al Mare (the northernmost village of the fabled five) and the start of the famous hiking trail. In-between village visits, you’ll find a host of things to see and do in Levanto. The town boasts a picturesque harbour, bustling pedestrian streets, and traditional cobblestone alleyways. Along the seaside, you’ll find a flotilla of colourful fishing boats, preserved medieval towers and a host of excellent seafood restaurants.
Recommended hotels in Levanto:
Hotel Abetaia: Nestled in the tranquil countryside just outside of Levanto, Hotel Abetaia offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. The hotel features comfortable rooms with rustic charm, a swimming pool, a garden, and a restaurant serving traditional Ligurian cuisine. It’s a great option for those seeking a quiet and relaxing stay.
Park Hotel Argento: Located a short distance from Levanto’s town centre, Park Hotel Argento offers modern accommodations with a touch of elegance. The hotel features stylish rooms, a swimming pool, a wellness centre with a sauna and Turkish bath, a restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes, and a panoramic terrace with beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
Oasi Hotel: Situated in the heart of Levanto, Oasi Hotel provides a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the town and the nearby Cinque Terre. The hotel offers cozy rooms, a bar, a garden terrace, and a restaurant serving local specialties. It’s within walking distance of Levanto’s beach, train station, and charming town centre.
Monterosso al Mare
Beach / Family / Luxury
When travelling south from Levanto, Monterosso is the first of the Cinque Terre villages you come across. It offers a fantastic introduction to this breath-taking stretch of coast. This is the largest of the five villages and the one that boasts the most amenities, so is a perfect base if travelling with small children. The lively town is also sublimely flat (as opposed to its neighbouring villages) so is also ideal if you have mobility issues. To cap off the perfect picture, Monterosso is also home to the most beautiful beaches on the southern Ligurian coast, not to mention a bevy of wine bars, artisan shops, and restaurants serving regional fare. The cheese focaccia, anchovy soup and strawberry gelato are not to be missed!
When not busy travelling, visit Levanto’s historic centre. Meander its beautiful cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and picturesque squares. Be sure to visit the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli, the Town Hall, and the glamorous marina.
Recommended hotels in Monterosso al Mare:
Hotel Porto Roca: Perched on a cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Hotel Porto Roca offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. The hotel features comfortable rooms with balconies or terraces, a panoramic infinity pool, a private beach, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and a bar where guests can enjoy breathtaking sunsets.
Hotel Villa Steno: Located in the heart of Monterosso al Mare, Hotel Villa Steno provides a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with a rustic charm, a garden terrace with sea views, and a generous breakfast buffet. It’s conveniently situated within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, and shops.
La Spiaggia: Situated right on the beach front of Monterosso al Mare, La Spiaggia offers direct access to the sand and sea. The hotel features comfortable and modern rooms, some with balconies and sea views, a restaurant serving seafood specialities, and a beach front bar where guests can relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.
Vernazza
Quaint / Tourist / Guesthouse Stays
Considered to be the quaintest - and steepest - of the Cinque Terre, Vernazza is revered for its gorgeous natural harbour framed by traditional Ligurian houses. This is the ideal base if you’ve been dreaming of a quintessential Cinque Terre experience.
Many of the town’s boutique guesthouses date back to Roman times, and offer quaint, authentic stays. The centre of town, Piazza Marconi, links the train station to the harbour. On either side of the main road, you’ll discover charming alleyways lined with impossibly small cafés and restaurants. Life in Vernazza plays out by the harbour - where you can sunbathe by day and eat and drink after dark.
Vernazza is the ideal starting point for the Blue Trail of the Cinque Terre. The best part is that you need not cover the entire trail - walking for 15mins in either direction will gift you spectacular coastal views.
Recommended hotels in Vernazza:
Gianni Franzi: Located in the heart of Vernazza, Gianni Franzi is a charming bed and breakfast offering comfortable accommodations and a warm, friendly atmosphere. The rooms are cozy and decorated in a traditional style, and the property features a lovely rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the village and the sea.
Albergo Barbara: Situated just steps away from the picturesque harbor of Vernazza, Albergo Barbara is a family-run hotel that provides a comfortable and authentic experience. The rooms are cozy and well-maintained, and the hotel features a lovely terrace where guests can enjoy breakfast while taking in the views of the village.
La Mala: Tucked away in a quiet corner of Vernazza, La Mala is a boutique hotel with a unique and artistic flair. The rooms are individually decorated with colorful and eclectic touches, and the property features a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, where guests can relax and soak in the beauty of the village and the surrounding landscape.
Corniglia
Walking / Honeymoon / Quiet
The quieter achiever which boasts perhaps the very best views of the entire stretch of coast, Corniglia is set on a steep promontory, some 100m above sea level. It is the only one of the Cinque Terre not to have direct access to the shore, although a steep rocky staircase leads to a hidden little cove.
Given its location, and the fact that one must walk up almost 400 steps from the railway station to reach it, Corniglia is a great base for active travellers who don’t mind working up a sweat (a few times a day).
Corniglia has a quieter feel than the other villages in the area, so is perfect if you’re looking for complete and utter relaxation. The town’s sea-facing terrace is its undisputed highlight. From here, you can see all of the Cinque Terre in their resplendent glory - the only point along the coast with such encompassing views.
Recommended hotels in Corniglia:
Hotel La Posada: Situated in a historic building in the center of Corniglia, Hotel La Posada provides comfortable rooms with modern amenities. The hotel features a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the village and the sea. Guests can also enjoy the on-site restaurant serving traditional Italian dishes.
AMARE IL MARE Affittacamere: Situated in the heart of Corniglia, AMARE IL MARE Affittacamere offers cozy accommodations with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The rooms are comfortable and tastefully decorated, providing a pleasant stay for guests. The bed and breakfast is conveniently located within walking distance of the village’s amenities, including shops, restaurants, and the beautiful coastal views.
Locanda Il Carugio: Located in the historic center of Corniglia, Locanda Il Carugio provides comfortable rooms in a traditional Ligurian building. The rooms are well-appointed and offer a cozy and charming ambiance. The bed and breakfast is conveniently situated within the village, allowing guests to explore the narrow streets and immerse themselves in the local atmosphere.
Manarola
Quiet / Romantic / History
Perched 70m above the sea and surrounded by a head spinning array of vineyards, is where you’ll find Manarola, yet another delightfully romantic Cinque Terre village. The one-street town is as quiet as can be after sunset yet its accessible sunbathing harbour makes it a very popular spot with day-trippers. If you wish to stay in one spot along the Cinque Terre for a few days of R&R, to soak up the area’s uber-romantic ambience, Manarola is your ideal choice.
Manarola’s harbour and its lovely little square are super busy by day yet seemingly transform by the time all the day visitors have left. Choose this as your base and you’ll have a bevy of fabulous seafood restaurants nearby and complete peace and quiet between 9pm and 9am. Here is the starting point of the steep trail that leads to Corniglia, one of the most scenic hiking stretches of the Cinque Terre.
Recommended hotels in Manarola:
Hotel Marina Piccola: Situated near the waterfront of Manarola, Hotel Marina Piccola offers comfortable accommodations with stunning views of the sea. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, some with balconies or terraces overlooking the water. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, which serves delicious local cuisine, and relax on the terrace while taking in the picturesque scenery.
La Torretta Lodge: Located in a historic building in the heart of Manarola, La Torretta Lodge provides a charming and cozy stay. The hotel offers stylish rooms with modern amenities and traditional decor. Guests can enjoy the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the village and the sea. The lodge is conveniently located near the train station and within walking distance of local attractions.
Arpaiu: Situated on a hillside overlooking Manarola, Arpaiu offers comfortable accommodations with breathtaking views of the village and the coastline. The hotel features spacious rooms with rustic decor and modern amenities. Guests can relax on the terrace and enjoy the stunning vistas. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious Italian dishes.
Riomaggiore
Active Holiday / Romantic / Nightlife
Just a 20-minute walk from Manarola, along the Via dell’Amore, brings you to Riomaggiore, and its cascading maze of pastel-coloured house. The picturesque harbour, small and charming to the max, is framed by what seems like a waterfall of pastel-coloured houses. This is the Cinque Terre of postcards, the one town everybody recognises at first glance.
Riomaggiore is tailor-made for young couples looking for a superbly romantic place to stay. The harbour’s bars stay open until late, offering the closest thing to ‘vibrant nightlife’ that you’ll get on the Cinque Terre. This is also the only village that offers water-based sports. If you’d love to kayak along the coast for a while, or take a sightseeing boat trip, this is where you’ll want to stay. Walking trails nearby lead you to the luscious hills above the town - about the best and most romantic sunset viewing spot in the world.
Recommended hotels in Riomaggiore:
Hotel Villa Argentina: Located near the center of Riomaggiore, Hotel Villa Argentina offers comfortable accommodations with a touch of elegance. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, some with sea views, and a terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the panoramic vistas. The hotel’s convenient location allows easy access to the village’s restaurants, shops, and the beautiful coastal scenery.
Locanda Ca’ dei Duxi: Situated in the heart of Riomaggiore, Locanda Ca’ dei Duxi provides a cozy and charming stay. The hotel offers comfortable rooms decorated in a traditional Italian style. Some rooms feature balconies or terraces with lovely views of the village. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s wine bar, which offers a selection of local wines and snacks.
Hotel Due Gemelli: Nestled on a hillside overlooking Riomaggiore, Hotel Due Gemelli offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful views of the village and the sea. The hotel features comfortable rooms with modern amenities and a terrace where guests can unwind and take in the breathtaking scenery. The hotel also provides a shuttle service for easy access to the village center.
La Spezia
Budget / Convenience / Accessibility
What bustling La Spezia lacks in ‘enchanting charm’ it more than makes up for in sheer convenience alone. Given its size and prominence, La Spezia boasts an extensive choice of accommodation to suit all budgets. This is also a great springboard for explorations in Tuscany (Florence, anyone?) so if you’d like a great Cinque Terre base with a swift exit south, consider it found. You’ll still be just a 10-min train ride from Riomaggiore but will have all the bells and whistles of a ‘big city’ in which to indulge.
The second-largest city in Liguria, after Genova, La Spezia has plenty of shopping, sightseeing and dining options. Unlike the nearby villages, La Spezia has a much less touristy feel, so you can enjoy the experience of a lived-in Italian port city. La Spezia is a great place for families as there’s plenty of space and a distinct lack of steep, narrow streets.
Read more about where to stay in La Spezia
Recommended hotels in La Spezia:
CDH Hotel La Spezia: Located in the city center of La Spezia, CDH Hotel La Spezia offers comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, a bar, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine. It’s a convenient base for exploring the city and its surrounding attractions, including the Cinque Terre.
NH La Spezia: Situated near the harbor of La Spezia, NH La Spezia provides stylish and contemporary accommodations. The hotel offers spacious rooms with a sleek design, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city. It’s within walking distance of the train station, making it a convenient option for visiting the Cinque Terre.
Hotel Firenze e Continentale: Located in the historic center of La Spezia, Hotel Firenze e Continentale offers a comfortable stay with a touch of elegance. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, a bar, and a restaurant serving traditional Ligurian dishes. It’s conveniently situated near the train station, allowing easy access to the Cinque Terre and other nearby towns.
Our recommended hotels in Cinque Terre
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Cinque TerreNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
