Where To Stay In Cinque Terre: The Best Hotels & Towns In 2024

This detailed guide covers where to stay in Cinque Terre and the best hotels in each village — for every budget option!

Through visiting Cinque Terre numerous times and doing extensive research on the area, we’ve not only compiled the benefits of staying in each village, but our top accommodation recommendations as well. 

 

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre (And the Best Hotels in Each Village)

 

Set on the dramatic Italian Riviera Coastline, the centuries-old villages that comprise Cinque Terre are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare and, for a nearby must-see and excellent starting point into the Cinque Terre, Levanto.

Linked by a hiking trail, a ferry, as well as a train that runs between La Spezia and Levanto, the villages are together characterized by their pastel-colored buildings, nearby agriculture, and rugged coastal charm.

 

Riomaggiore

The most eastern of the Cinque Terre villages, Riomaggiore dates back to the 8th century and is home to the main park office of the region. Riomaggiore is perfect for travelers looking for more of a local vibe and who don’t mind carrying their luggage up several flights of stairs.

While staying in the village, head on up to Torre Guardiola (a lookout where you’ll find excellent sea views and birdwatching), spend time at pebbly, rugged Fossola Beach, visit Riomaggiore’s well-equipped diving center, or visit Via Colombo, the main street where there are plenty of shops and restaurants.

Or, you can always rent a boat and view the coast from the water!

 

Where to Stay in Riomaggiore

For a budget-friendly place to stay in Riomaggiore, check out Hotel Due Gemelli.

If you’re looking for a good mid-range option, consider Affittacamere Le Giare Guest House.

If luxury accommodations are more your thing, then Agave Bed and Breakfast is the place to stay.

Read more: Where to Stay in Rome: A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods & Hotels

 

Manarola

Less than ten kilometers down the Ligurian Coast from Riomaggiore lies the second smallest of the Cinque Terre villages, Manarola. This colorful village is home to an abundance of sweet grapevines, so sampling some of the village’s famous Sciacchetra wine is an activity not to be missed. Stay in Manarola if you want to be right in the heart of Cinque Terre and you don’t mind dodging a few tourists (as it’s one of the most popular of the 5 villages).

Also, if you’re looking to snap that iconic shot of Manarola, you know, the one with the brilliant blue water on the right, the colorful town in the middle, and the lush hills to the left? Simply follow the path around the port until you come to the lookout, and then take a look back.

The views are picture-perfect.

 

Where to Stay in Manarola

For a great budget-friendly place to stay in Manarola, check out Arpaiu – Odeyo Sas Guest Houses.

For a mid-level option, try out The First – Manarola 5 Terre.

La Toretta Lodge is great luxury accommodation in Manarola.

Read more: Women’s Packing Guide For Italy

 

Corniglia

Corniglia is the only town of the Cinque Terre without a seaport and, because of this, it relies more on the agriculture industry than fishing. To make the land around Corniglia productive for farming and maintaining olive groves, they carved the steep hillside into rugged, yet farmable, terraces; resulting in a most unique landscape that is as unique as it is hikeable.

Keep in mind that because Corniglia is situated up atop the cliffs, there is a bit of a hike to get to the village — about 365 steps worth. The views from these steps are phenomenal, but if you have luggage or are in need of a more accessible way up, there is a bus that runs from the train station right into the center of the village.

 

Where to Stay in Corniglia

For great budget accommodation in Corniglia, consider Casa Orietta Apartments.

For a mid-range option, consider Camere Nunzio Guest Houses.

For a more luxury stay, try out Affittacamere Le Terrazze.

Read more: Cinque Terre Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know

 

Vernazza

Vernazza, a steep, car-free village on the Ligurian Coast covered with cobblestones, is home to quiet hiking trails among the vineyards, the only natural harbor of all the Cinque Terre, and two beaches. Vernazza is great for travelers looking to do some hiking and don’t mind staying up late (or remember to bring a good set of ear plugs!) because it can get noisy at night in high season.

For added fun while in Vernazza, if you hear rumblings around town of Festa dei Pirati, definitely show up. While the festival has no exact date, every year Vernazza is invaded by a percussion group known as “Batebalengo”, the members of which are dressed like pirates. The festival is a reminder of when the Saracen Pirates invaded Vernazza hundreds of years ago, but now it’s a fun festival with music and parties.

 

Where to Stay in Vernazza

For budget accommodation in Vernazza, consider Hotel Gianni Franzi.

For a good mid-range option, try out Cadè Ventu Guest Houses.

If luxury accommodation is more your thing, then look into MaDa Charm Apartment.

Read more: 10 Places You Can’t Miss in Italy

 

Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare is characterized by its sandy beaches, hills brimming with vines, colorful reefs, and abundance of tourism options. The town is marked in two by the Tower of Aurora, which divides the old town of Monterosso from Fegina, which is full of quality hotels and restaurants.

In Monterosso, spend your time exploring the old town’s many ruins and medieval streets, get some sun by lounging on the beach, or hit up one of the village’s many festivals such as Sagra dei limoni (The Lemon Festival) in May, or Festival Bandistico in September, in which bands from all over Italy congregate to play.

As Monterosso is the flattest of the Cinque Terre, it is also a good option for those with reduced mobility.

 

Where to Stay in Monterosso al Mare

For budget accommodation in Monterosso al Mare, try out Fiordarancio.

For a good mid-range option, consider Zia Letizia Bed And Wine.

For luxury accommodations, look into Seaside Apartment.

Read more: Italy Travel Tips: 9 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting

 

Levanto

While not technically classified as part of the Cinque Terre, Levanto acts as a doorway of sorts into the other villages, being one of the towns where the train servicing the other villages originates. Only about four minutes from Monterosso al Mare by train, Levanto is home to some excellent hikes, scuba diving, beach walks, and historic districts. The town also has some picture perfect sea views.

We’ve spent several nights in Levanto and enjoyed having a quieter place to retire at night, and you can easily take day trips to the other villages from here. During the high season, this might be your best option for hotels!

 

Where to Stay in Levanto

For a budget option in Levanto, try out Cicale Di Mare.

For a good mid-range option with air conditioning, check out Hotel Abetaia.

For luxury accommodations, consider Resort Costa Morroni.

Read more: The Best Travel Cameras of 2018 (And How to Choose One)

 

The Best Beaches Near Cinque Terre

 

Monterosso Beaches

With one of the few proper sandy beaches in the area, Monterosso is the most popular destination for beachgoers. The larger beaches are located on the Fegina side of the village, and here you’ll find soft sand and pebbles, beach loungers, bars, umbrellas, and restaurants. 

Keep in mind that most of the beaches here are privately owned, so you’ll have to pay a fee to use the chairs.

 

Corniglia Beaches

A beach located in a little cove, Corniglia Beach isn’t the softest of sand, but it does have water access and is beautiful in its own right. 

The beach at Corniglia is somewhat of a hike to get to, and so chances are there won’t be a huge crowd when you arrive. To get to Corniglia Beach, find the signs for the Marina in the village, take a short walk down the hill, and you’ll come to a cove with crystal-clear waters.

If you’re looking for something a little different, then check out the other beach near Corniglia — Guvano Beach. Guvano Beach isn’t only a sandy beach in Corniglia, but it’s also the only nudist beach in the area.

Guvano Beach isn’t the easiest to get to, but if you walk down the Lardarina Staircase in Corniglia, and turn right at the bottom, you’ll eventually come to a sketchy-looking railway tunnel. Walk down this pitch-black tunnel for about a half-mile and voila, you’ve reached the sandy beach and azure waters at Guvano!

 

Levanto Beaches

The beaches at Levanto are the second-largest in the Cinque Terre and yet are generally less crowded than the ones at Monterosso. The beaches along the coast come in both sandy and pebbly versions, but have easy water access and are great for an afternoon of lounging.

To get to the beach at Levanto, go to the Levanto train station and then take a short walk just ten minutes to shore.

 

Riomaggiore Beaches

Just around the corner from Riomaggiore’s Marina, you’ll find the village’s little beach called La Fossola. This rocky beach isn’t the most comfortable to lounge on, but what it lacks in soft sand it makes up for in water access. Summers in Riomaggiore can get really hot, so if you’re willing to brave traversing the craggy shoreline to cool off in the Ligurian Sea, then this beach is for you!

Just keep in mind that the rocks aren’t the easiest to walk on, so bring good shoes.

 

Cinque Terre Packing Essentials

 

Hiking Gear: As hiking is a popular activity in Cinque Terre, proper hiking shoes or boots, hiking socks, and even a hiking pole for those steep slopes are recommended.

Sun Protection: Spending time out in the sun is pretty much a given in Cinque Terre, so make sure to pack some sunglasses and sunscreen.

Comfortable, Style-Forward Clothing: Italy is a very fashion-forward country, but in a place as outdoorsy as Cinque Terre, you’re also going to want to also be as comfortable as possible.

A pair of comfortable flats are perfect for walking around town, breezy summer dresses will be sure to keep you looking and feeling cool, a pashmina is great for covering up at religious sites, and a cross-body bag will keep your belongings safe.

Swim Gear: If you plan on spending any time on the beach, then a swimsuit, quick-drying towel, sarong, and pair of water-shoes should be on your packing list.