Cinque Terre (pronounced cheen-kweh teh-rreh) is a beautiful area in Italy composed of five small towns. Cinque Terre is a great place to visit in Italy, it is picturesque coastal Italy. When you think of a small coastal town in Italy in your head, an image pretty similar to Cinque Terre is bound to appear! 

Visiting Cinque Terre is simply a must-do while visiting Italy. It will be a beautiful scenery that you will never forget. Like most things in Italy, it is not too commercialized and some research should go into planning your trip to Cinque Terre. 

Specifically, where to stay in Cinque Terre may be a bit challenging. Each of the towns has its own hotels, but most bed and breakfasts. Most places that are available to stay in at Cinque Terre towns are someone’s home that they are renting out. 

Booking.com is a huge resource that many local business owners use in Cinque Terre, as well as Airbnb. Depending on the type of place you are wanting to stay in Cinque Terre, you may want to stay in different towns, as some (like Monterroso) offer more options than others (like Corniglia). 

The places to stay in Cinque Terre listed below are some of the best and most reviewed in the area. Be sure to book months in advance, these places do book out very easily! As soon as you decide you want to go to Cinque Terre, book a place to stay! 

Things to Note About Cinque Terre Cities: 

• There are five different cities, anywhere from 1 – 5 miles apart. 
• These cities or towns are very small, all walkable. 
• The best time to visit is from April to September, anytime after that many things in the area will close or it will be too cold to enjoy the beaches. 
• The worst months to visit are November and January – practically nothing is open and there is little maintenance done to walking paths. 
• There are trains taking passengers from town to town running throughout the day, this is the most popular form of transport between the five towns, it takes around 4-6 minutes on the train in between each town. 
• There are also boats for hire, this is a popular way to travel between towns and for excursions. This is a more expensive option than trains. The ferry costs around 12 euro one way, this also only stops at four of the five islands, as one is not accessible by water. Other boats can be independently hired. 
• There are hiking paths between each town as well. These are ranging from around 1 mile to around 2.5 miles. 
• The Cinque Terre Villages are closed to car traffic except for one road. It is highly recommended not to bring cars into Cinque Terre. The parking costs around 15 euros a day, only some hotels and stays will offer parking – usually for a price. 
• A Cinque Terre travel card of 16 euro is a great card to purchase for complimentary access to hiking paths and trains. 

Monterroso 

This is the furthest northern town in Cinque Terre. Monterroso is the largest town of the five, it has the largest beach access and promenade. This is where you can find a lot of action, you can rent sunbeds, paddleboards, and umbrellas throughout the day. 

The water is crystal clear and absolutely a wonderful way to fully encounter a beach of Italy. Among restaurants and shops, you will also find homemade limoncello from lemons grown in Monterroso. 

There are castles still standing dating back to when the town was in need of protection from pirates. On your way up to the hiking path, if you chose to go this way, there are stunning views and monuments like San Francesco marking historical aspects of Monterroso. 

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre Town – Monterroso 

Recommended Hotels: 

II Giardino Incantato – this hotel has great reviews and is nestled in a unique area that is close to all three beaches in Monterroso. The hotel offers a beautiful garden, great wi-fi, air conditioning (which is uncommon), private bathrooms, and breakfast with the stay! This would be a very adequate stay in Cinque Terre. 

Hotel 5 Terre – this hotel in Cinque Terre is for you if you want to be close to the action and enjoy free parking. This hotel is right in the center of Monterroso with beaches nearby. Pets are allowed in this location. If you are looking to be near the beach, this is as close as it gets! 

Luxury Hotels:

Porto Roco– this luxury hotel in Cinque Terre has outstanding views and it’s own private beach and infinity pool. The rooms all have wifi, airconditioning, tv, and a minibar. Most rooms have sea views as well! 

Hotel Villa Adriana – this is a boutique-style hotel with quite a bit of amenities! There are a pool and restaurant located within the hotel and it is very close to the train station which would make this hotel a great base stay for traveling around the five towns. Guests rave about the included breakfast and the FREE PARKING. This is a great hotel to stay at if you plan on bringing a car. 

Bed and Breakfasts

B&B II Parco – this bed and breakfast has a pool! Each room has a balcony or sea view, with free shuttle access from the train station. About a 10-minute walk to the beach, this bed and breakfast really has great views. 

SCIUSCETTÙA 5 TERRE – if you are looking for a more private stay in Monterosso, this Airbnb is for you. The whole flat is available for a very reasonable price, just 250 meters from the beach! This is a great place to check out if you would like your own kitchen!

Vernazza

The second town in Cinque Terre, Vernazza, would take you about 3 hours to hike to, or a 6-minute train ride – however adventurous you are feeling!

Many people think that Vernazza is the most aesthetic of all the villages, but it is so hard to pick a favorite when they are all so beautiful! 

Vernazza is situated around one small piazza and wharf. There are plenty of fishermen that come in and out of this wharf and fresh fish can be sold from the cafes nearby! 

Vernazza has one of the best views from higher up, so it is recommended you find your way up one of the hills to see the view! 

Where to Stay In Cinque Terre – Vernazza

Hotels in Cinque Terre – Vernazza 

Michela Rooms Vernazza –  This hotel is one of the most affordable options with the best value. All of the rooms have views of the plaza, balconies and ensuite bathrooms. 

Santa Marta Rooms 25 – This hotel is a very clean and chic option for travelers. All rooms have free wifi and kitchen features. There is also parking available, which is a huge perk! The hotel is a bit further away from the plaza, but that means great views! 

Luxury Hotels in Cinque Terre – Vernazaa 

GIANNI FRANZI – Those who stay at this hotel are getting an authentic Vernazza stay. These are some of the oldest hotel rooms available, giving them a very true authentic feel.  This hotel offers luxury views from the garden and its very own restaurant which many people go to without staying in the hotel. 

Albergo Barbara – The luxury at this hotel is the location. Located right in the center of the plaza, you will not find a more perfect location. All rooms are very spacious and made for you to feel at home. 

Bed and Breakfast Options in Cinque Terre – Vernazza 

Breathtaking Sea View Apt – This apartment is a beautiful modern apartment with wonderful views of the plaza. Two bedrooms, one bathroom right in the heart of Vernazza. In addition, upon booking the host is said to give you local tips that not many know about! 

Charm Appartmetns Jacuzzi – Clearly, this Airbnb knows how to be unique, by offering a Jacuzzi! This location really ticks all of the boxes: spacious apartment to yourself, in the middle of the Vernazza plaza, with a jacuzzi, balcony, and modern accommodations.

Corniglia 

The longest hike is the one from Vernazza to Corniglia, about 4km! This one also consists of a multitude of steps, so definitely is not a hiking or walking path for those unable to do a bit of climbing. 

Corniglia is often overlooked as one of the better towns due to its lack of water access and its height, but it is truly unique in Cinque Terre, and worth at least a stopover! 

Being one of the smaller and less commercialized places also means not as many hotels or places to stay, but again that is just part of the charm. Corniglia has cute small restaurants and cafes tucked away making all of them truly match the Italian village aesthetic. 

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Places To Stay In Cinque Terre – Corniglia 

Hotels to Stay In Corniglia

Affittacamere Le Terrazze– This is a guest house that is offered as hotel rooms. There is a private bathroom, jacuzzi, and garden terrace for guests. This is a great resting spot having you feel cozy in Italy. 

Corto Del Gallo – this is one of the most luxurious locations in Corniglia. The air conditioning and TV add only a little appeal when compared to the outdoor amenities. The porch and garden area is well-equipped with sunset watching furniture. Since Corniglia is a very nice place to stay overnight instead of for a long period of time, this is a great spot to consider.

Luxury Hotels In Corniglia 

While Corniglia is lovely, it is not one of the most popular towns in Cinque Terre, making it a bit less commercialized. There are not necessarily any “luxury stays” in Corniglia, just many nice, authentic Italian stays.

Bed and Breakfasts in Corniglia 

Pele This Airbnb is a huge light-focused area. With windows everywhere, you will feel absolutely majestic in this home. This location has wifi, air conditioning, and parking! A wide-open space with an ocean view, this is a great spot to stop and make your self feel at home.

Charming Studio is exactly what it sounds like. This wide-open studio gives a modern feel to the classic Italian studio. There is immediate access, down a few stairs to a swimming marina which is pretty special. In addition, the home has free wifi and breakfast included.

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Manarola 

The hike from Corniglia to Manarola is a fairly easy one! It is mostly downhill and along the water. Again, the train is a pretty option as well! 

Manarola is a favorite of the towns because it combines two of the Cinque Terre vibes – ocean towns and cliffside town. There is just a small port in Manarola with some water access, then the rest of the town is on a cliff. 

Manarola is home to small shops and restaurants and one of the best places to watch the sunset. Boats also stop at Manarola for tours, so this could be another thing you check out! 

Where To Stay In Cinque Terre – Manarola

Hotels in Manarola

Giovanni Rooms– these hotel rooms are filled with exposed cobblestone from sitting on the cliff. They are large, uncluttered, and come with modernized and updated bathroom facilities! This location is friendly for those with a car, or with children! 

Posidonia Cinque Terre is one of the largest hotels in the area and more of what American-style hotels are like. They are all rooms in a combined building area. Each room has air conditioning and a private bathroom. Most rooms have a balcony or private garden access. The area is decorated with fairy lights and kept clean. You have to check this one out. 

Ca’D’Andrean is similar to a bed and breakfast but there are a few room options. This hotel is very clean and modern. There is a free breakfast and a very secluded feel to these rooms. This would be a great hotel for a couple! 

Luxury Stay in Manarola 

La Toretta is one of the only “luxury” hotels in Manarola. The rooms are extremely modern, the Deluxe Room has a room-wide balcony showcasing the best views in Manarola. Each room can come with a Nespresso Coffee Machine and a Wine bar. 

Bed and Breakfast Stays in Manarola  

Serravallo vista mare is an entire apartment that can be rented out. There is a full kitchen, a sunroom, and a washing machine! This is a great spot to make yourself feel at home. Not to mention the beautiful design and convenient location.

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Riomaggiore

The last town of the five is not to be skipped at all! Especially the hiking trail. If you do any of the hikes from town to town, Manarola to Riomaggiore should be the one. It has become known as “Lover’s Lane” due to the romantic feel from the beautiful picturesque views. 

Riomaggiore is said to have some of the clearest water. Kayaking and swimming are popular here- but there is no large beach so don’t be prepared to lounge here. But, you definitely can lounge at some restaurants and bars! 

This town is also a very quick ride to La Spezia, which is a more inland town that can connect you to other busses and trains taking you to destinations around Italy.

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre – Riomaggiore

Hotels In Riomaggiore

Creuza De Ma we have a hot tub at this one! Of course, this is a huge drawing point for this hotel. There is also the option to have garden terraces or sun terraces, depending on the room you pick. This is a wonderful place to stay in a great location! 

Il Borgo Di Campi this hotel has a great unique part – sunbeds! The hotel is placed high over the Riveria, with a great garden and relaxing place to sit out. Each apartment has it’s own patio and kitchenette. 

Luxury Hotels In Riomaggiore

Cinque Terre Residence this location really shines bright at night – literally! There are so many different ways to view sunsets and relax at this location. With a panoramic patio and balconies and an external hot tub, you can definitely find bliss. In addition, a buffet breakfast is available in the mornings! 

Villa Argentina you will be feeling like you are staying in a castle here! The hotel views of the ocean are incredible and you will be treated like royalty. This is a great way to stay in these Cinque Terre in luxury. 

Bed and Breakfasts In Riomaggiore 

Bright Light in the heart of Riomaggiore you can not get any closer to all of the action! This flat is bright, open, and a wonderful place to people watch! There is a washing machine, TV, and kitchenette in this location. 

5 Sensi Di Mare is an apartment that comes with insider advice! This Airbnb is accommodated with a resource guide for all of the towns, including what to do beyond Cinque Terre! The apartment is conveniently located equal distances from private beaches, shops, and restaurants. 

Now that you know all the best places to stay in Cinque Terre – it’s time to start planning your trip! Remember to plan in advance and then relax and enjoy the views!

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