One of the most popular destinations in Italy, the five Cinque Terre villages are best experienced in the late afternoon and early morning after the day-tripping crowds have left. You should definitely stay overnight to experience their breathtaking beauty.
In this guide, we help you decide where to stay in Cinque Terre and give you our recommendations by budget and travel style. Book your Cinque Terre accommodation as early as you can in your trip planning as there is limited supply and the best places are snapped up quickly.
It is worth noting that most of the accommodation in the Cinque Terre is restricted to simple bed and breakfasts or private apartments and AirBnBs that often require a minimum 2 night stay. Hotels are generally small family-run establishments.
There is a selection of the best Cinque Terre accommodation across all categories below.
What's in this article
Best Cinque Terre hotels and accommodation summary
Here’s a summary if you already know the type and style you are looking for. Otherwise, read on through the article for more information about each town and hotel.
Type | Description | Details | |
---|---|---|---|
Monterosso - Largest of the towns with the flattest terrain. Has a wide sandy beach and most accommodation options | |||
Hotel La Colonnina | Midrange | Friendly hotel with rooftop terrace | Click for prices and availability |
Eremo della Maddalena | Luxury | Escape to the hills with stunning views | Click for prices and availability |
Hotel Souvenir | Budget | Close to the beach with great breakfast | Click for prices and availability |
Vernazza - picturesque town with pretty harbor and two stony swimming beaches | |||
Santa Marta Rooms | Midrange | Simple rooms and stunning views | Click for prices and availability |
MaDa Charm Apartment | Luxury | Haven with harbor views | Click for prices and availability |
Albergo Barbara | Budget | Charming budget pick near train station | Click for prices and availability |
Manarola - best for sunsets and magical views. Less busy than Vernazza with a broader range of accommodation | |||
Hotel Marina Piccola | Midrange | Modern rooms in the heart of town | Click for prices and availabilty |
La Torretta | Luxury | Luxury and historic boutique hotel | Click for prices and availability |
Da Baranin | Budget | Hillside simplicity and comfort | Click for prices and availability |
Riomaggiore - best town for nightlife. Has a steep hill to climb and stunning views | |||
EC Luxury Rooms | Midrange | Contemporary style with perfect views | Click for prices and availability |
Terra Prime Suite | Luxury | Private escape with sun terrace | Click for prices and availability |
Scorci Di Mare | Budget | Popular hotel close to the sea | Click for prices and availability |
Corniglia - smallest and most quiet town with the steepest terrain to manage | |||
Affittacamere Arbasia De Ma Corniglia | Midrange | Modern self catering apartments | Click for prices and availablity |
B&B da Beppe | Budget | Charming and quiet family run B&B | Click for prices and availability |
Accommodation cost guide – per room, per night
- Upscale / Luxury – €210+
- Midrange / Boutique – €130-250
- Budget / B&B – €70-120
- Ultra budget / Hostel – €30-45
Where to stay in Cinque Terre
Everyone has a favorite Cinque Terre village and where you stay really comes down to personal preference and travel plans.
If you have a tight schedule, need to be close to one of the bigger train stations and love sandy beaches, Monterosso is the best choice. Here you will find the biggest range of accommodation of all the villages. Those looking for quiet seclusion should pick Corniglia, the smallest village with the fewest visitors.
Also, consider the amount of luggage you have and your ability to climb steep streets and multiple flights of stairs with and without the luggage. Monterosso is the flattest of the villages while Riomaggiore and Corniglia cover steep terrain.
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso is the largest village and a popular place to stay in the Cinque Terre thanks to its wide sandy beach. There is a broader range of accommodation options than the other villages and you will also find more restaurants and things to do in the evening. If you’re interested in seeing the villages by sea then you’ll find that many Cinque Terre boat tours depart from Monterosso.
The last village when you travel north towards Genoa, the train station at Monterosso is also a handy transit point for your onward journey. This is the flattest of the villages so a good choice if you have a lot of luggage or have some mobility issues.
Where to stay in Monterosso al Mare
Midrange – Hotel La Colonnina
Enjoy views of the coastline from the rooftop terrace then retire to your room to relax with all the modern conveniences including air-conditioning (sometimes lacking in this part of the world). Expect home made cakes for breakfast and a warm welcome from the friendly staff.
The hotel is an easy 10 minute walk from the station. Family rooms are available >> Click for prices and availability.
Upscale/Luxury – Eremo della Maddalena
This very special guesthouse is set in the hills overlooking Monterosso. Nestled among olive groves, the beautifully decorated rooms are set within a converted hermitage. Amenities include a pool with views of the coastline. A shuttle is offered if you wish to avoid the climb up the steep hill to reach the property.
Family rooms and free parking available >> Click for prices and availability.
Budget – Hotel Souvenir
The economy rooms at this small hotel are a bargain. Basic but brightly decorated they have everything you need for a short stay. The hotel is close to the beach and train station and a buffet breakfast is included in the room rate >> Click for prices and availability.
Vernazza
Vernazza is perhaps the most picturesque village – a popular place to stay on the Cinque Terre. Colorful buildings surround the pretty natural harbor and Piazza Marconi. There are two small beaches for swimming and you can access the hiking trails to Monterosso and the other villages easily.
In the evening head to Belfonte restaurant for a seafood feast as the sun sets. A meal at this restaurant within the walls of an 11th-century castle as the sun sets is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Italy.
Best accommodation and hotels in Vernazza
Midrange – Santa Marta Rooms
A gorgeous property with amazing views, the Santa Marta Rooms is in a great location just 200 meters from Vernazza Beach and just behind the main street of Vernazza for accessing all the shops and restaurants.
Some rooms have a terrace and some have mountain views, all have air-conditioning and soundproofing and offer a comfortable and cozy stay. Prepare for some steep stairs >> Click for prices and availability.
Luxury apartment – MaDa Charm Apartment
Most of the Cinque Terre accommodation could be best described as rustic. MaDa Charm Apartment is an exception offering modern decoration and facilities as well as air conditioning. There is small terrace overlooking the harbor below and a fold out sofa bed making this apartment is a good choice for families >> Click for prices and availability.
Budget B&B – Albergo Barbara
This very popular one star property has budget rooms without views. But if views are what you are after they have those too as Albergo Barbara overlooks Vernazza harbor. Rooms are basic and there is no elevator however the hotel offers charming service and a position close to the train station >> Click for prices and availability.
Midrange – SeaBreeze Vernazza
SeaBreeze Vernazza is in a great location in the middle of town, 100 meters from Vernazza Beach and features a lovely terrace. Both the double-room or apartment options have mini-bar, coffee-making facilities and basic kitchenware.
Though not luxurious, this accommodation is simple but charming with basic amenities and you may need to climb several flights of stairs to reach your room and enjoy those city views >> Click for prices and availability.
Manarola
Are you chasing the perfect Cinque Terre sunset? Then Manarola could be the best place to stay in Cinque Terre for you. Manarola is the second village traveling north from La Spezia and holds the hearts of many visitors.
Surrounded by vineyards, this town is known for crisp dry white wines and spectacular scenery. Many of the area’s classic walks begin and end in Manarola and you’re guaranteed to take some spectacular photos.
There is a broader range of accommodation in Manarola than the other central Cinque Terre villages.
Now about those sunsets… once the crowds have left for the day, make your way to Nessun Dorma and enjoy a glass of local wine and a generous antipasto platter as the sun dips below the horizon.
Best accommodation and hotels in Manarola
Midrange – Hotel Marina Piccola
Recently refurbished, Hotel Marina Piccola is a small hotel with a contemporary feel and modern amenities. Rooms are stylishly decorated, air-conditioned and have a refrigerator for drinks and snacks. Some of the rooms have sea views. Larger rooms are available for families.
Just a five minute walk from the station in the heart of the town, Hotel Marina Piccola is ideally located for your stay in Cinque Terre >> Click for prices and availability.
Luxury – La Torretta
Stylish La Torretta is set in a historic building and is full of character. Each room is luxuriously decorated with artwork and designer touches. There is a Nespresso coffee machine for your morning coffee on the balcony and rain showers in each bathroom.
This boutique hotel is on a hill and a little climb from the train station however you can take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary luggage transfer service to make your transfer easier >> Click for prices and availability.
Budget hotel – Da Baranin
Da Baranin has simple yet comfortable rooms in a location 10 minutes walk from Manarola station. Included in your room rate is a delicious breakfast and some of the rooms have sea views. The climb to the hotel is quite steep so it may not be ideal if you have lots of luggage or mobility challenges but otherwise it is a great value property if you are on a budget >> Click for prices and availability.
Romantic luxury suites – Dreamers Sea View
Perfect for a romantic getaway, The Dreamers Sea View has the spectacular coastline views you have been dreaming of. Luxurious modern interiors are a feature of all the rooms at this property and each unit has a terrace, perfect for gazing down at the picturesque coastline. One also offers his and her sinks and a spa bath >> Click for prices and availability.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is typical of the medieval villages of the region. Its colorful Case Torre – tower houses – cling to the clifftops and offer stunning views of the Ligurian Sea and coastline.
The most southerly village, it is often the first stop for visitors to the Cinque Terre with visitors rushing through to get to the next town. It is there because Riomaggiore is at its most beautiful at dawn and dusk when the crowds have left for the day. Then you can swim at the small stony beach and gaze up the ancient castle to complete the romantic picture.
The town is built around one main cobbled street on a very steep incline so probably not the best choice for those who have trouble walking up and down hills. Visitors and locals gather in the restaurants and cafes until late in the evening and it is the best town to stay at if you are looking for nightlife during your stay on the Cinque Terre.
Midrange – EC Luxury Rooms
The views from the balcony of the deluxe room at EC Luxury Rooms are pure Cinque Terre. Right in the heart of Riomaggiore, this guest house has spacious modern rooms with a sofa to relax on after a long day hiking or sightseeing. In room amenities include a refrigerator and minibar.
This property is close to the restaurants and bars but has soundproofing for when it is time to sleep >> Click for prices and availability.
Luxury – Terra Prime Suite
With everything you need for a relaxing stay in Riomaggiore, you may never want to leave Terra Prime Suite. The spacious room features an in room sauna and hot tub, a king-sized bed and separate seating and dining areas. Outside you can relax on the huge terrace on sunloungers with views of the coastline >> Click for prices and availability.
Budget – Scorci Di Mare
Set in a historic building, Scorci Di Mare is a popular hotel in Riomaggiore. The property has large rooms and sea views and was recently updated with modern fittings. All rooms have air-conditioning and flat screen TVs while some have balconies or a terrace. The hotel is just steps from the shoreline and around 300 meters from the train station >> Click for prices and availability.
Corniglia
The smallest village, Corniglia, is a favorite place to stay with hikers and those wishing to escape the crowds. Ferries do not stop here and there are several hundred steps from the train station down to the village. So it is not the best Cinque Terre village to stay in if you have mobility issues.
But, if you want to experience this magical coastline in a village surrounded by vineyards, you might just have found your perfect spot.
Best places to stay in Corniglia
Midrange – Affittacamere Arbasia De Ma
Simple, pretty and arty rooms across two buildings, with stunning views overlooking the sea. As well as rooms, the property offers a studio that comes with a kitchenette and a terrace. The train station is a 10-minute walk away >> Click here for prices and availability.
Budget – B&B da Beppe
If you want to meet the locals, stay with Beppe and his daughter Francesca. The B&B has several simple rooms that can accommodate solo travelers, couples and families. All rooms have air-conditioning and wifi. The family studio has a kitchen area where you can prepare meals >> Click here for prices and availability.
Best Cinque Terre accommodation booking sites
If you did not find exactly what you were looking for here, we recommend the following sites to book accommodation in this part of Italy.
- Booking.com – has the widest range of accommodation options, from hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation, to apartments, and agriturismos. Generous cancelation policies and great deals make this our go-to site for accommodation in Italy
- Plum Guide – visits and reviews the best Airbnb properties and provides detailed information on each one. Get 5% off with code – UNTOLD5
- Vrbo – Vacation rentals by owner (Vrbo) has some of the best value and broadest range of properties for vacation rental in Italy including apartments in Rome and the Cinque Terre and villas on the Amalfi Coast
- Airbnb – we have used Airbnb on many occasions in Italy but are now finding better value and booking conditions on Booking.com and Vrbo.
Help! Everything is booked!
Unfortunately, this does happen, especially if you are visiting between May and September.
If this is the case, we recommend staying at nearby Portovenere (pictured above) or Levanto, both lovely towns close to the Cinque Terre villages. La Spezia is another option if you want to stay close to the Cinque Terre. You can easily catch the train or ferries along the coast and enjoy discovering towns a little off the well-worn path as well as the famed Cinque Terre.
For more information on the beautiful towns and villages along the Ligurian coastline check out this article about the Italian Riviera.
Arriverderci Cinque Terre and onwards through Italy
Where to next? Do check out our guides to the Amalfi Coast towns, Rome, Florence and Milan for itineraries, best things to do and practical information on visiting these iconic Italian regions.
Check out our Italy accommodation guide and our favorite booking sites for Italy.
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The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels, Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.
Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy