Where to Stay in Cinque Terre: Best Hotels in Cinque Terre for Every Budget
Last Updated on May 26, 2021
Wondering which of the five towns to stay in Cinque Terre? Here’s my guide on where to stay in Cinque Terre and the best hotels in Cinque Terre.
Pastel colored houses cling to the cliffs, that are lined with green terraced vineyards. The smell of fresh seafood fills the air as throngs of crowds gather at the harbor to watch sunset. A musician plays the accordion on the town’s piazza (square), his music echoed by the sound of the crashing waves.
We are in Cinque Terre, my favorite part of Italy. Poised along the Ligurian coast of northwestern Italy, Cinque Terre is as dreamy as Italy can get. Made up of 5 fishing towns, Cinque Terre is a collection of picturesque villages backdropped by the indigo sea.
Because of the poetic setting, Cinque Terre is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site which draws in a crazy 2.4 million visitors a year. The five villages are no longer the isolated hamlets they once were, but there’s still a feeling of authenticity, with perfectly preserved architecture and a network of stunning trails.
Table of Contents
- Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
- What are the Cinque Terre Towns?
- Why You Should Stay in Cinque Terre
- Things to Know About Hotels in Cinque Terre
- What to Look for When Booking Cinque Terre Hotels
- Should I Stay at One or More Cinque Terre Towns?
- Which is the Best Cinque Terre Town to Stay?
- Best Hotels in Cinque Terre
- Riomaggiore: Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for Romance
- Best Hotels in Riomaggiore
- Manarola: Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for the Best Views
- Best Hotels in Manarola
- Corniglia: Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for Tranquility
- Best Hotels in Corniglia
- Vernazza: Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for Hikers
- Best Hotels in Vernazza
- Monterosso: Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for Families
- Best Hotels in Monterosso
- Alternatives Outside of Cinque Terre
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
What are the Cinque Terre Towns?
The five towns that make up Cinque Terre are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore.
What makes them so appealing is their isolated geographic location. The Cinque Terre villages were literally built at the foot of mountains that separated the coastline from the interior. Today the villages’ exquisite ruggedness still presents a few challenges for accessibility.
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Each town in Cinque Terre has a unique flavor and flair. If you want to visit all five of them, I recommend picking one town as your home base and visiting the other towns on day trips. They are so close it only takes 5-10 minutes to get from one to another.
Why You Should Stay in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is extremely popular with day trippers — there are many day tours to Cinque Terre from Florence and La Spezia. However, we definitely don’t recommend doing a day trip here as it’s worth staying overnight and spending 3-4 days exploring the 5 towns.
Staying in Cinque Terre means you don’t have to travel in each day. Plus, you get to experience the villages at their most authentic. In the evenings after the daytrippers leave, the atmosphere changes and the villages revert to their true self. The early morning is just as brilliant: Wake up before the daytrippers come and you’ll have the whole village to yourself.
For those who are wondering where to stay in Cinque Terre, this is a detailed guide with recommendations on the best Cinque Terre town to stay for different type of travelers and the best hotels in Cinque Terre ranging from budget hotels to family-friendly apartments and honeymoon suites.
Things to Know About Hotels in Cinque Terre
Accommodation is very limited here as the Cinque Terre towns are tiny. Plus Cinque Terre is a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, so new construction is not allowed.
Because of the popularity of the area, Cinque Terre hotels are overpriced. Even simple, old-fashioned guesthouses are priced around $150/night. I recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible as they get filled up very fast, especially in summer.
If you plan on renting a car in Italy, be aware that most Cinque Terre towns only have pedestrianized streets and parking is a nightmare. Few hotels have carparks and even if they do, they’re expensive (we paid 15 euros/day). It’s best to park your car in La Spezia or Levanto.
[fusion_tooltip title=”” class=”” id=”” placement=”top” trigger=”hover”]TIP: If the prices of hotels in Cinque Terre are beyond your budget, I recommend staying in La Spezia, Levanto or Portovenere. Read these alternative accommodation options.[/fusion_tooltip]
What to Look for When Booking Cinque Terre Hotels
It’s important to know that most of the Cinque Terre towns are built around hill slopes and they have steep walks and stairs to navigate. If you don’t want to be lugging your suitcases up slopes, look for hotels that are near the train stations or close to the seafront.
Also there are no big hotels here — they are mostly apartments and intimate boutique hotels. Most don’t have facilities like swimming pool or parking space. If you need a pool, stay at one of the alternative towns outside of Cinque Terre (skip to the section).
We splurged on a luxury apartment in Manarola (paid $250/night), steps from the harbor. We aren’t normally those who like to be in the centre of the action, but I loved being able to wander down to the water in the morning. Even at 8.30am, the town was absolutely quiet and I could walk along the coastal path and enjoy the viewpoints all to myself.
Should I Stay at One or More Cinque Terre Towns?
The five Cinque Terre towns are so close together and well connected by train (it ONLY takes 5-10 minutes to get from one town to another). I recommend staying at one town throughout your time in Cinque Terre — there’s no point in changing hotels and staying at a different town each day.
The Cinque Terre Express train is a regular and cheap service, running daily from before the sunrise and till 1 a.m. It is very easy to navigate and trains run very often.
A single ticket costs € 4 per adult. Or you can get the Cinque Terre Card, which provides unlimited train travel and access to the hiking trails. It lasts one day (16 €) or two days (29 €).
Which is the Best Cinque Terre Town to Stay?
Now that’s the most popular question I get asked: which is the best Cinque Terre town to stay at?
You probably know by now, I don’t think there’s one answer to this sort of question. It really depends on what type of traveler you are and what you’re looking for.
Best Cinque Terre town for different types of travelers (in my opinion):
- Manarola — We chose to stay at Manarola, mainly because of the views. It has the most stunning backdrop right at the waterfront, on an easy walk along the coast (which is important since we’re traveling with a toddler).
- Monterosso — This is the biggest town, with a beautiful beach right within easy reach. It also has the widest range of accommodation from big chain hotels to small guesthouses. It’s suitable for those with mobility issues as the town is mostly flat.
- Corniglia — The only town perched on a hilltop, Corniglia is the least popular of the Cinque Terre towns mainly due to its location. But it is perfect for those looking for the most authentic experience, at the best prices.
Best Hotels in Cinque Terre
As mentioned, the prices of hotels in Cinque Terre are higher than in other parts of Italy, especially in high season (summer: June to August). Here is a rough gauge of hotel prices at shoulder season:
- Budget: less than $100/night
- Midrange: $150-250/night
- Luxury: more than $300/night
- Honeymoon: more than $500/night
Riomaggiore: Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for Romance
The first stop on most Cinque Terre itinerary is Riomaggiore, the closest town to the gateway La Spezia. If you’re coming to Cinque Terre after a long flight, then make this your base. In my opinion, it has the most romantic setting.
It is also the starting point of hikers who are here to trek the 75 miles (120 km) of trails along the coast. Riomaggiore’s main attraction is the Via dell’Amore trail, translated to mean “The Way of Love”. Unfortunately it has been closed due to a major landslide since 2012.
Best Hotels in Riomaggiore
Budget: L’Arcobaleno Affittacamere
This budget hotel is housed in a renovated 19th-century farm. It’s located close to the highway, quite a distance to the beach/harbor but it is one of the cheapest and most value-for-money options in Riomaggiore.
Midrange: Agave Room Rental
Perched on the hills overlooking the harbor, this midrange property offers excellent seafront location for good prices. It’s located right by the beach, but prepare to climb some steps. It has a communal hot tub!
Luxury: Crêuza De Mä
Offering the same view as the Agave Room Rental (above), this upscale property gives an extra touch of style, luxury and space. All of its rooms are decked out in marine blue and have unparalleled sea view. The best part? The outdoor deck and jacuzzi overlooking the sea!
Honeymoon: The First – La Vista di Marina
With the best view in Riomaggiore, this high-end apartment is a few steps from the beach. The patio opens up to spectacular views of the town, that iconic image you see in postcards around Riomaggiore. The loft apartment has hard wood flooring and brand new, slick white furniture.
Family: Il Mare di Ada
Few apartments/hotels in Riomaggiore are as big as this one. This 2-bedroom apartment has enough space for a family of 4 and has a living room as well as fully equipped kitchen. It also promises equally stunning views as the hotels above.
Manarola: Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for the Best Views
For me, this is hands down the most beautiful town in Cinque Terre. The colorful historical buildings slide down all the way to the rocky harbor, which can be admired from an easily walkable loop along the coast.
The town is most famous for wine production. You can even hike up to the grapevines on the slopes above the town. Don’t miss Punta Bonfiglio, a short uphill hike, with fabulous views and a playground with a bar.
We are very glad to have chosen to stay in Manarola. Every morning, before my family awoke (at 8ish), I wandered the narrow lanes, enjoying the village all to myself. There was hardly anyone, save for the friendly fishermen who were heading out to sea.
Best Hotels in Manarola
Budget: Cà de Angelo
Located around a 16-minute walk from Riomaggiore Beach, the guesthouse is close to the train station and main street. Most importantly, there are not too many steps to get there. Rooms are on the small end, but most have patios.
Midrange: Luxury Apartment Manarola
This apartment rental company has a few apartments throughout Manarola. We stayed at their 2-bedroom apartment located on the main pedestrianized street just a few steps from the harbor. The all-white design of the apartment was avant-garde and the location was excellent, though it was slightly noisy at night.
Luxury: La Toretta Lodge
Located close to the entrance of the village just 500m from the train station, this stylish lodge is set in a converted Medieval tower. Its stylish rooms and hot tub offer views of the Ligurian Sea and contemporary artwork. They offer a free aperitif every evening.
Honeymoon: The First – Il Sogno di Manarola
One of the best hotels in Cinque Terre, this ultra luxury hotel is an exclusive and intimate hotel with just 2 royal honeymoon suites and 1 room. Enjoy sunsets right from your seaview terrace and also private personal concierge service from the staff.
Family: L’Artista Terraces & Views Apartment
Possibly the biggest property you’ll find in Manarola, this 3-bedroom apartment is found on the top floor of a building perched on the seafront. It has capacity for 6 people. Art is everywhere, every corner of this house speaks out the owner’s artistic flair. But it’s a steep climb up here: 58 steps from Piazza Castello.
Corniglia: Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for Tranquility
Sitting atop a 100m-high rocky promontory surrounded by vineyards, Corniglia is the only village that lacks direct access to the sea. You’ll need to climb 382 steps to get there from the train station (along the coast).
Corniglia is the smallest of the Cinque Terre towns, characterized by tangled alleys, hilly terraces and bohemian cafes. For the best views, hike up to Santa Maria panoramic terrace and see the whole town from above.
For most, Corniglia lacks the coastal appeal that draws so many to Cinque Terre. But that also means it is the most authentic and least crowded of them all, and prices of hotels are the most reasonable here.
Best Hotels in Corniglia
Budget: Affittacamere La Torre
With a great location in the heart of Corniglia, this guesthouse is simple and traditional. It is literally steps from well-rated restaurants and shops. The main star of the show is the rooftop terrace that overlooks the sea.
Midrange: La Torre Apartments
Overlooking a busy square in Corniglia, La Torre apartments are spacious and modern. There are two choices: the deluxe apartment has two big bedrooms and sleeps up to 4. The apartment with sea view has one bedroom and a sofa bed, but note that it does not have airconditioning.
Luxury: Attic Outstanding View
One of the best hotels in Corniglia, this 2-storey attic apartment has two contemporary bedrooms and enough space for a family of 4. It is in a quiet location away from the town, but still within easy reach. The superb terrace has 360 degree view of the coast and Corniglia.
Honeymoon: Luxury Penthouse Sea View
The most luxurious hotel in Corniglia is a penthouse apartment located in Taragio Square. It is housed in a newly restored building that’s the highest in the center of Corniglia. Expect unobstructed views in your own private rooftop terrace.
Family: Affittacamere Le Terrazze
Those looking for more traditional flavors would like this quaint country-style inn. For big families, you can get a three-bedroom apartment here that sleeps up to 7 people. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Corniglia train station.
Vernazza: Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for Hikers
Another hot favorite among travelers, Vernazza is a medium-sized town with a central location in Cinque Terre. The main square is located right by the harbor, flanked by multi-hued buildings and dome-roofed chapels. But I found this town to be the most crowded.
Get away from the crowds by climbing up the steps to the watch tower of Doria Castle, where you can catch panoramic views of Vernazza. The town has a marina and a small beach where you can catch a boat or take a dip in.
I recommend hikers who intend to hike the Cinque Terre trails to stay here, as it is the most convenient starting point. Even if you’re not planning on doing long hikes, hit the trail above Vernazza to get the best views of the town.
Best Hotels in Vernazza
Budget: Affittacamere Tonino Basso
This is one of the cheapest hotels in Vernazza and has a great location in a quiet yet easily reachable part of town. It is an easy up-hill 5-minute walk from the Vernazza train station, and it has an elevator to 3rd floor rooms.
Midrange: Hotel Gianni Franzi
Located right below Vernazza’s famous Doria Castle, this traditional hotel is suitable for those seeking old-world Italy. The rooms feature terracotta floors and antiques, but are in need of a revamp. Be warned: you’ll need to climb quite a lot of steps to get here!
Luxury: Tedea Apartment
Located along the main street, this luxury 2-bedroom apartment is massive and designed with a mix of modern and tradition. Steps from the Vernazza beach, it is located on the famous Palazzo delle Cinque Dita.
Honeymoon: Fivestay Casa Gabriella
One of the most stylish hotels in Cinque Terre, this 3-bedroom penthouse apartment is tastefully designed with high-end furnishing and a grey-and-white palette. Just steps away from the Vernazza Beach, you can’t get a better location than this.
Family: Apartments Le Terrazze
Located slightly outside of the tourist town, this property is on a quiet area still within easy reach of the center. It is housed in a big villa made up of two 2-bedroom apartments. Choose the ground level apartment to have a big garden with lots of space for your kids to run around. Sleeps up to 6!
Monterosso: Where to Stay in Cinque Terre for Families
Monterosso al Mare (commonly shortened to Monterosso) is the best town in Cinque Terre for beach bums. It is the only village that has a proper strip of beach, which was beautiful and surprisingly empty during our visit in May.
This is the Cinque Terre town that most families choose to stay at, not just for the beach but also for the flat terrain. For those traveling Cinque Terre with kids, Monterosso has a nice, large playground close to the beach with an attached cafe.
The town also has a vibrant culinary scene serving up fresh seafood. I found the restaurants in Monterosso to be some of the best and most affordable.
Best Hotels in Monterosso
Budget: La Casa sul Mare – Monterosso
It’s hard to find a room for less than $100/night in Cinque Terre — this hotel offers great value for a good price. Located on the beachfront and just a 8-min walk from the old town, this is one of the best hotels in Cinque Terre for budget travelers.
Midrange: Hotel Villa Adriana
You can’t get a better location than this. Just 100 m from Fegina Beach and 450m from the train station, this hotel is a short walk from all the interesting spots. It has a pool (rare find!), palm tree garden and classically designed rooms.
Luxury: Hotel Porto Roca
With a cliff-top location, this heritage hotel (pictured below) has mindblowing views of the Liguarian Sea. The elegant villa has an infinity pool, lush gardens and several terraces. The Cinque Terre’s famous Blue Trail starts here and it’s a 5-min walk from the center.
Honeymoon: Bellambra
Set in a newly renovated 14th-century building, Bellambra is located on the more picturesque side of Monterosso. The stylish rooms combine classic furnishings and wood-beamed ceilings with contemporary designs. Some feature views over lemon gardens, while others face the historical center and olive groves.
Family: Villa Tanca Luxury Collection
If you’re a big family looking to stay together in a villa, this is the best choice in Cinque Terre. Rarely will you find such a big villa. Located a few steps from Monterosso Old Town Beach, Villa Tanca Luxury Collection has 5 bedrooms, a living room, a dining area and 3 bathrooms.
Alternatives Outside of Cinque Terre
Hotels in Cinque Terre can be expensive and limited in availability. So if you are looking for more budget-friendly places to stay, I recommend staying at one of the towns near Cinque Terre.
The closest towns are La Spezia and Levanto, on the southern and northern ends of Cinque Terre. Both are just a 10-minute train ride from Cinque Terre, on the same train line that passes through the five towns.
Yes, it’s not the same staying in these towns as in Cinque Terre. You won’t have panoramas of pastel-colored houses backdropped by the blue sea. But if you are only interested in exploring and accommodation isn’t important, then check out these hotels.
La Spezia: Where to Stay Near Cinque Terre
La Spezia is the best place to stay near Cinque Terre for the budget conscious. You can find budget hotels for $50/night and luxury apartments for $130/night right next to the train station. If the logistics stress you up, you can also book a day tour to Cinque Terre from La Spezia for as little as $50.
It’s only a 7-minute train ride from Riomaggiore, the closest town in Cinque Terre. It is a big city and a destination on its own: with a big port, a charming old town and no shortage of trattorias serving the finest Ligurian cuisine.
Best Hotels in La Spezia
Budget: Lia Apartment
Located next to the train station, this apartment is perfect for those planning to explore as much of Cinque Terre as possible. It is also within an 8-minute walk of Saint George’s Castle. Rooms are the right size, though the mattresses are quite thin.
Midrange: Affittacamere Casa Dane’
We almost booked this apartment, but decided to splurge and stay in Cinque Terre instead. This place is conveniently located next to the train station and offers free bikes for exploring La Spezia. Rooms are luxurious and stylish, with air conditioning (important from May to Oct!)
Luxury: Hotel Firenze e Continentale
Set in a renovated historic building, this luxury hotel stands just 50 m away from the train station. With regal European style rooms, the upscale hotel offers carpark and an excellent breakfast. It is suitable for those seeking luxury with a good price tag.
Honeymoon: Le Ville Relais
Those looking for an affordable honeymoon spot will love this intimate boutique hotel that boasts a private location. Housed in 2 Ligurian villas, the hotel is perched on a mountaintop overlooking the harbor. Don’t miss dining at their Michelin 2019 award winning restaurant.
Family: Cinque Terre Decor
Just 500m from La Spezia ferry port, this 2-bedroom apartment sleeps up to 8 people and has a fully furnished kitchen and comfortable living space. Excellent for families who want to explore La Spezia besides Cinque Terre.
Levanto: Where to Stay Near Cinque Terre
Levanto is a popular beach town with a long sandy beach, and a charming old town. This town is perfect for those who want to stay in the countryside, in a Ligurian mansion surrounded by pine forests, olive groves, and vineyards.
Levanto is a 5-minute train ride from Monterosso al Mare, the closest town in Cinque Terre. Rooms are slightly more expensive than in La Spezia, with budget hotels starting at $70/night and luxury apartments for $170/night. You can also book private tours to Cinque Terre from Levanto.
Best Hotels in Levanto
Budget: Creuza de Legnà
For those who want peace and quiet, this is the dream spot in the countryside. Rooms are incredibly affordable at this beautiful villa located in a mountain village, around a 10-minute drive from Levanto train station. Most guests park their car at the train station and take the train into Cinque Terre.
Midrange: The Hotel Nazionale
Set in the heart of Levanto, this family-run hotel is close to the beach and located within the city centre. It combines traditional elegance with contemporary design. Its best feature is the panoramic roof terrace.
Luxury: Al Terra di Mare
Situated above Levanto, the door to the Cinque Terre, Al Terra di Mare is an eco-friendly and solar-powered property built in the style of a Ligurian hamlet, surrounded by vineyards and olive-trees. The hotel is a 15-min ride from the Levanto train station, but it provides a shuttle service.
Honeymoon: Park Hotel Argento
This hotel could be a good enough reason to stay at Levanto instead of Cinque Terre. It’s a rare large-scale hotel with a beautiful outdoor hydromassage pool and a wellness center that guests are free to use. It includes a Turkish bath, water relaxation area and sauna.
Family: Casa Mantegna
Right in the heart of Levanto Old Town, this 3-bedroom apartment is just a few minutes’ walk to the train station and beach. It is well priced and sleeps up to 5 people. The history of the place also gives it lots of character.
Thank you for reading all the way to the end of my guide to the best hotels in Cinque Terre. I hope you’ve decided on where to stay in Cinque Terre.
If you’re still not sure on which is the best Cinque Terre town to stay, check out my Cinque Terre travel guide or Cinque Terre itinerary to get a better idea.
Feel free to leave any question you may have in the comments field below.
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