Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

Traditional fishing boats, colorful homes, locally-run trattorias, terraced vineyards, hiking trails and of course sweeping sea views have made the Cinque Terre in Italy world-famous. This clutch of candy-colored towns on the Ligurian coastline offer charm and character in abundance, and the area is worth hours, days, or even weeks of your time. 

If you’re wondering which of the Cinque Terre towns to call home for a while, this guide is for you. Right here you’ll discover everything you need to know about staying in one of the world’s most stunning stretches of coastline. Learn where it is and how to navigate around. Discover what’s special about each of the towns. Read on for the full lowdown on where to stay in Cinque Terre for the first time – or even your fifth!

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Where to stay in Cinque Terre for getting around

All five of the Cinque Terre towns – or villages – are compact in size. With regular train services, traveling between them is quick and easy, so don’t sweat it too much when deciding where to stay. Year-round hiking trails also connect the five scenic settlements. At a fast pace, it’s possible to cover all five in as little as five or six hours. However, people usually linger far longer. They want to enjoy the scenery and spend time in the villages.  

You’re probably going to want to visit all five anyway; otherwise, your time here will feel incomplete! Everyone is picture perfect. They offer sublime views of the local coastline. You’ll see terraced vineyards and characteristic candy-colored buildings clinging to the cliffsides. As you can expect, hills are a major feature of this area. Keep this in mind when planning your visit. This is especially true in summer, as tackling hills in hot weather will make you sweat!

Also check out the 2-Day itinerary in Cinque Terre and Cinque Terre in April.

Where to stay in Cinque Terre FAQs

What is the Cinque Terre?

The term Cinque Terre roughly translates as “five towns” – or villages, really, as they’re all small in size. These Mediterranean hotspots belong to a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With centuries of history behind them, they’re famous for culture and heritage as well as breathtaking beauty.

What are the five Cinque Terre towns?

The five famous Italian Riviera villages are Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso, Riomaggiore, and Vernazza. 

Where is Cinque Terre?

The Cinque Terre is in Liguria on the Italian Riviera, on the shores of the Mediterranean. Genoa lies to the north, with Pisa and Florence to the south. 

What is the best Cinque Terre town to stay in?

Where to stay in Cinque Terre depends on your preferences. Relatively large Monterosso offers a sandy beach, flatter terrain, and a good range of local amenities. Manarola is more peaceful, and a foodies’ favorite, while Riomaggiore offers stunning views and vibrant nightlife. Ever-popular Vernazza also has panoramic viewpoints, a great choice of restaurants, and easy access to the hiking trails. Or for a more laid-back, authentic vibe, head to Corniglia. 

How long should I stay in Cinque Terre?

Around four days is ideal for first-timers in Cinque Terre. In this timescale you’ll have sufficient time to enjoy all five towns, follow the hiking trails, dine out on delicious local fare, sample Ligurian beach life, and of course capture those spectacular views for posterity.  

Which Cinque Terre Town to Stay in

Riomaggiore

Best for sunset views

Best place to eat: Pizzeria Kepris

If you’re all about sweeping views, particularly at sunset, then Riomaggiore could be the Cinque Terre village for you. As the most southerly of the five towns, Riomaggiore is the first one you’ll reach when traveling from places like nearby La Spezia, or major cities such as Pisa or Florence. 

Riomaggiore isn’t as flashy as Vernazza, or even Manarola. But the coastal views are spectacular and you can also visit one of the best pizzerias in the Cinque Terre here. Clamber up via the local vineyards to the Church of Our Lady of Montenero before dusk to see the spectacular sunset, making sure you take a flashlight for the descent. Once you get down to town again, you can enjoy the best nightlife on the Cinque Terre in Riomaggiore. 

Pros:

• Best pizza in the Cinque Terre
• Spectacular sunsets

Cons: 

• Not the most popular Cinque Terre town
• Can be busy, particularly around sunset

Riomaggiore Hotels

op-Rated Hotels and Guesthouses in Riomaggiore

Finding the perfect place to stay in Riomaggiore can make your Cinque Terre trip unforgettable. From family-run guesthouses with a personal touch to boutique hotels offering sweeping sea views, here are some of the most highly rated accommodations loved by travelers:

Alla Marina

⭐ 4.9 (662 reviews)
Set right in Riomaggiore’s harbor, Alla Marina blends modern comfort with romantic sea views. Guests rave about the spotless rooms, cozy beds, and incredibly welcoming staff. Amenities include Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and private parking—rare in Cinque Terre. Check availability.

Scorci Di Mare

⭐ 4.7 (161 reviews)
Housed in a historic building overlooking the Marina, this guesthouse combines tradition with bright, modern rooms. Travelers love the unbeatable location near restaurants, the harbor, and hiking trails, plus its stunning sea views. Check availability.

Locanda del Sole

⭐ 4.5 (407 reviews)
Locanda del Sole offers a romantic stay in the heart of town. It is praised for its warm hospitality. Guests also enjoy the terrace views. Rooms are comfortable, and the free breakfast adds great value for couples and solo travelers alike. Check Availability.

Cinqueterre Residence

⭐ 4.8 (— reviews)
This family-run property is all about relaxation. Guests enjoy panoramic views from private terraces, a peaceful garden, and even a hot tub. Spacious rooms and a quality breakfast make it ideal for both couples and families. Check availability.

Casa Lorenza

⭐ 5.0 (343 reviews)
A gem in central Riomaggiore, CasaLorenza is beloved for its authentic Italian atmosphere and attentive hosts. With ocean-view rooms and lush greenery surrounding the property, it offers both charm and tranquility. Check availability.

Manarola

Best for pesto fans

Best place to eat: Nessun Dorma

Manarola is the next town up the coast from Riomaggiore. It’s also a popular foodies’ haunt, not least because of Nessun Dorma, a seaview restaurant where the cuisine is as sublime as the views. The eatery also offers a pesto experience, where you’ll learn to make the local Ligurian specialty as well as devouring a delicious lunch, washed down with Italian wine. 

While Manarola is lovely, it’s not the biggest or most bustling of the Cinque Terre villages. That means it’s easy to experience Manarola without actually staying here – though you might choose to if you value peace and quiet. You’d also have to head both north and south if you want to see the other four towns. 

Pros:

• Stand-out restaurant and pesto experience
• One of the prettiest Cinque Terre towns

Cons: 

• Relatively expensive
• A limited amount to see and do

Best Hotels in Manarola

• Hotel Marina Piccola: Modern seaside hotel offering spacious, comfortable rooms—many with balconies overlooking the harbor. Excellent breakfast and friendly staff; very close to the train station.
• Ca’ D’Andrean: Located on the main street, near restaurants and shops. Elegant rooms, lemon grove garden for breakfast, some rooms feature private terraces. Warm, helpful hosts.
• Arpaiu: B&B boasting stunning sea views, beautiful rooms, and a large communal patio for enjoying sunsets.
• 5 Terre Pelagos: Comfortable, spacious rooms with scenic views down Manarola’s main street toward the sea.
• La Linea D’Acqua: Boutique guest house with modern amenities, clear rooms, and gorgeous sea views from above Manarola.
• Affittacamere San Giorgio: Highly rated for value, location near the train station, and friendly service. Rooms have terraces with sea views, air conditioning, and modern amenities

Corniglia

Best for a local feel

Best place to eat: Terra Rossa

Corniglia is generally seen as the trickiest of the Cinque Towns to get to. And that can be a good or a bad thing, depending on your perspective. The center is a quarter-hour walk – including stairs – or short bus ride from the train station, which puts some people off including Corniglia in their Cinque Terre itinerary. 

Corniglia’s real charm lies in its relaxed atmosphere and authentic, local ambience. If you want to know what the Cinque Terre was like before the world discovered it, then this is the closest you’re ever going to get. There are some great places to eat, too, particularly considering its modest size. 

Pros:

• The most peaceful Cinque Terre town
• An authentic, relaxed vibe

Cons: 

• Center not too close to the train station
• Not the best for exploring all five villages

Best Hotels and Guesthouses in Corniglia, Cinque Terre

Corniglia may be the quietest of the Cinque Terre villages, but its dramatic cliffside views and charming alleyways make it an unforgettable place to stay. Accommodations here lean more toward cozy guesthouses and boutique hotels than big resorts, giving travelers an authentic, laid-back experience. Here are some of the best-rated places to stay in Corniglia:

Affittacamere Le Terrazze

Known for its spectacular rooftop terraces overlooking the sea and vineyards, this guesthouse is a favorite among couples. Rooms are simple yet comfortable, and the views at sunset are truly memorable. Check availability.

Locanda Il Carugio

A stylish guesthouse in the heart of Corniglia offering modern rooms with bright interiors and balconies. Guests love the location just steps from cafés and the shuttle stop, as well as the friendly and accommodating hosts. Check availability.

Amare Il Mare

A romantic guesthouse with cozy, sea-view rooms. Travelers mention the peaceful atmosphere, warm hospitality, and proximity to hiking trails. Check availability.

La Torre Apartments

Set in a medieval tower, this property offers unique apartment-style stays with panoramic views. Great for longer stays or families who want extra space and a kitchenette. Check availability.

👉 If you’re after peace, romance, and breathtaking sunsets, guesthouses like Affittacamere Le Terrazze or Amare Il Mare are top picks. For a more modern boutique feel, Locanda Il Carugio is one of the best-rated options.

Vernazza

Best for panoramic viewpoints

Best place to eat: Il Gattaccio

Vernazza is possibly the most favored town in the Cinque Terre, and as such it isn’t the most peaceful. However, by choosing to stay here you get to see the town once all the day trippers have left. There’s also some fabulous viewpoints in Vernazza which are easy to get to, and if you’re wondering where to stay in Cinque Terre without a car, then Vernazza offers easy access to the hiking trails. The harbor here is also very photogenic indeed. 

If you hanker after beach life, Vernazza could be the place for you. It has not one but two beaches where you can take a dip. There are plenty of good cafes, bars, and restaurants to pick from, too. However, the choice of accommodation can be somewhat limited, considering Vernazza’s popularity. 

Pros:

• Two beaches
• Choice of cafes, restaurants, and shops

Cons: 

• Can be very busy during the day
• Not much choice of accommodation

Best Hotels in Vernazza, Cinque Terre

Vernazza is often considered the most picturesque of the Cinque Terre villages, with its pastel-colored houses, lively harbor, and iconic Doria Castle. Staying here means waking up to postcard-perfect views and being steps from the sea. Here are five of the best-rated hotels and guesthouses in Vernazza:

Albergo Barbara

Perched right above Vernazza’s harbor, this budget-friendly gem offers rooms with unbeatable sea views. It’s simple but beloved by travelers for its location, cleanliness, and value. Check availability.

Mada Charm Apartments

One of the most sought-after stays in Vernazza, Mada Charm features modern apartments with balconies overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Perfect for couples wanting both comfort and romance. Check availability.

La Mala

A boutique guesthouse known for stylish interiors and terraces with panoramic views of the village and coastline. Guests highlight the attentive hosts and tranquil atmosphere. Check availability.

Gianni Franzi

Tucked beneath the castle, this charming inn has cozy rooms with rustic character. Guests enjoy the sea-view terraces and the on-site restaurant serving traditional Ligurian dishes. Check availability.

💡 Why Vernazza?
If you dream of waking up to the sound of waves, sipping wine on a balcony above the harbor, or being just steps from restaurants and trails, Vernazza is an excellent choice. For romantic stays, look at La Mala or Mada Charm Apartments, while Gianni Franzi and Albergo Barbara offer character and prime location at a more affordable price.

Monterosso

Best for a beach resort

Best place to eat: Buranco Agriturismo

Monterosso is the most northerly of the towns in the Cinque Terre, and therefore the closest to Genoa. If you’re looking for a resort town with a sandy beach, then Monterosso al Mare is definitely your best bet. It’s also flatter than the other towns of the Cinque Terre, and is thus popular with families for that reason as well. Also, if you’re thinking about where to stay in Cinque Terre on a budget, then this town probably offers the most affordable accommodation options. 

Set among olive and lemon groves and rolling vineyards, Monterosso is also larger than some of the other towns, with amenities to match. If you’re researching where to stay in Cinque Terre with a car, then parking tends to be a little more plentiful in Monterosso than elsewhere.

Monterosso makes a good starting point for walking or driving from north to south between the Cinque Terre towns. It also offers a good choice of accommodation. Wine lovers, meanwhile, will adore the fact that you can walk to a local winery from town, so you can sip while sitting on the sun-drenched terrace, enjoying the scenery. You’ll find Buranco Agriturismo around 200 yards from the beach. 

Pros:

• Resort feel with a big, sandy beach
• Close to a local winery

Cons: 

• Not so much of a typical Cinque Terre town
• Often crowded, especially in summer

Best Hotels in Monterosso, Cinque Terre

Monterosso al Mare is the most resort-like of the Cinque Terre villages, with a long sandy beach, a lively promenade, and plenty of restaurants and cafés. If you want more space, beachfront access, and hotel-style amenities, Monterosso is the place to stay. Here are some of the best-rated options:

Hotel Porto Roca

Perched on a cliff above the sea, Porto Roca is Monterosso’s most iconic luxury hotel. Guests love its infinity pool overlooking the Ligurian coast, elegant rooms with sea views, and private access to the beach. Check availability.

Hotel Pasquale

A family-run favorite located right on the waterfront in the old town. Almost every room offers sea views, and the warm hospitality, hearty breakfast, and unbeatable location make it one of the top-rated stays. Check availability.

Hotel Villa Adriana

Just a short walk from Monterosso’s beach, this hotel features a swimming pool and garden—rare in Cinque Terre. Comfortable rooms, good value, and friendly service make it especially popular with families. Check availability.

Albergo Marina

Tucked into Monterosso’s old town, Albergo Marina offers cozy rooms and an excellent breakfast that includes homemade treats. Guests praise the welcoming hosts and proximity to both the beach and train station. Check availability.

Hotel Villa Steno

Surrounded by lemon trees and perched above the old town, Villa Steno is beloved for its peaceful setting, panoramic terraces, and genuine hospitality. Rooms are modern yet homey, and breakfast is highly praised. Check availability.

💡 Why Monterosso?
If you’re looking for beachfront stays, hotel-style amenities, and a slightly more resort vibe, Monterosso is your best bet in Cinque Terre. For luxury with a view, go with Hotel Porto Roca. For authentic family-run charm, Hotel Pasquale and Villa Steno are top picks. Families will especially appreciate Hotel Villa Adriana with its pool and garden.

Overall if traveling to Cinque Terre, book early!