where to stay in cinque terre
Cinque Terre – a string of five colorful villages perched on a jagged coastline in Italy’s Ligurian region – is an icon of the Mediterranean. Whether you’re seeking sweeping sea views, cobbled streets, or a glimpse into traditional Ligurian life, the place to stay can make or break your trip. This guide dives into what you’ll find across the five towns (Monterosso al Piero, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore), separates options by budget, and highlights the hidden gems that make each stay memorable.
Pro tip: Book as early as possible (especially for summer season July–August). Use the local train (FEVE) schedule to plan your move‑in between towns – the train stops right in each village.
1. The Five Villages in a Nutshell
| Town | What It’s Known For | Train Station | Beach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monterosso | Largest village, largest beach, lively nightlife | ✔️ | Mazzocchette beach |
| Vernazza | Picturesque harbor, food markets | ✔️ | San Francesco beach |
| Corniglia | Highest perched village, tranquil | ✔️ | No public beach (closer the quarry cove) |
| Manarola | Serene, perfect for hikes | ✔️ | Hütesting beach |
| Riomaggiore | Dramatic cliffside, dog‑eared apartments | ✔️ | No public beach |
2. Accommodation Types
| Type | Why It’s Popular | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels | Guaranteed service, amenities & booking flexibility | All budgets, especially travelers who want reliability |
| Bed & Breakfast (B&B) | Chef‑made breakfast, local flavor | Budget‑savvy tourists who still want comfort |
| Apartments/Airbnb | Space for families, self‑catering | Longer stays, groups & those who prefer a home feel |
| Hostels | Social, communal atmosphere | Young travelers, solo explorers |
| Cave & Cliff Hotels | Unique lodging with breathtaking views | Couples, honeymooners, Instagram‑ready stays |
| Camping & Glamping | Budget and nature‑immersive | Outdoor enthusiasts, families on a budget |
3. Budget-Friendly Options
| Location | Recommendation | Price Range (€/night) | Key Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monterosso | StarInn | €80–110 | 100 m from beach, 24‑hr front desk |
| Vernazza | Casa Bella (B&B) | €65–90 | Cozy rooms, homemade breakfast |
| Manarola | Rifugio della Pescheria | €85–120 | Tiny loft & kitchenette, easy hike access |
| Riomaggiore | Hotel Mel | €70–100 | Balcony views, close to the train |
| Corniglia | San Siro Hotel | €70–95 | Rooftop terrace, winery tours nearby |
| Hostels | Doppi X (Monterosso) | €30–45 | Free dinner, shared kitchen |
| Camping | Camping La Tuscia (near Monterosso) | €25–60 | Nature setting, can cook your own meals |
Family tip: Many B&Bs combine a larger shared kitchen with a comfy living area; great for long stays.
4. Mid‑Range Comfort
| Town | Recommendation | Rate (€/night) | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monterosso | Hotel Petio | €120–160 | Rooftop infinity pool, 2‑floor building |
| Vernazza | Hotel L’Antico 1918 | €140–170 | Historic medieval building with sea‑front window |
| Corniglia | Casa del Sasso | €130–160 | Nestled in a stone house, balcony views |
| Manarola | Villa Relais Manarola | €135–170 | Minimalist spa, panoramic cliff views |
| Riomaggiore | Hotel Le Bovate | €145–190 | Rooftop pool, local seafood dishes served daily |
Pro‑booking tip: Mid‑range hotels often allow early‑check‑in/late‑checkout for a small fee – worth it if you plan to start exploring early or finish late in the evening.
5. Luxe & Romantic
| Town | Recommendation | Nightly Rate (€) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monterosso | Lido Punta eMuse | €280–350 | Seafront rooms, private beach club |
| Vernazza | Il Bricioleto | €320–400 | Traditional brunch, sea‑side terrace |
| Corniglia | Castello di Corniglia | €350–420 | Private castle room, spa services |
| Manarola | Ristorante & Hotel La Sponda | €260–330 | Rooftop restaurant & pool, local wine tastings |
| Riomaggiore | Albergo Velluto | €250–350 | Luxury suites with views of rooftops |
Romantic tip: Many luxury hotels offer “silent treatment” — free morning bicycle rental and a complimentary sunset drinks.
6. One-of-a-Kind Stays
Cima 1 – The Cave Hotel (Monterosso)
Rooms literally carved out of stone, with 360° sea views and an eco‑friendly interior.
Villa Palla, a Cliff House (Manarola)
Compact, historically preserved house perched at 120 m above the sea.
The Terrace at Campi di Lido (Riomaggiore)
Vintage canted balcony rooms aimed at artists and watercolor enthusiasts.
- Glamping under the Stars – Wild Camping at Mt. Belvedere (near Castelvecchio)
Tent+glamping; local guide will take you through best hiking spots.
7. Practical Considerations
| Item | Suggested Approach | Helpful Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Off‑peak: Oct–April (warm but fewer crowds). Peak: July–August (book early, expect higher prices). | Booking.com/hotels.com |
| Transport | Eve or Omio to find trains; always buy the 3‑day or 7‑day rail pass. | Italian rail apps (Trenord, Ferrovie dello Stato) |
| Paying | Credit cards accepted everywhere; some B&Bs take only cash. Bring a small euro amount for tips. | Valore local currency converter |
| Connectivity | Free Wi‑Fi at most hotels; in small villages the signal can dip. Handy to download offline maps. | HERE Maps (offline) |
| Laundry | Most hotels have linens; for B&B/camping you may need to wash; many B&Bs provide washing powder. | Washing Service Apps (e.g., B-Stop) |
| Swimming | Open water swimming is popular; bring goggles & swimsuits (not included at rocky beaches). | Surf & Swim Logger |
| Safety | Secure room and door, lock 3‑cap rounded, the classic Italian “Rundschloss.” | CheckSafe |
8. Insider Tips for a “Local‑Lived In” Experience
- Book through a family‑owned B&B – you’ll get the authentic lunch every evening and a chance to chat with locals.
- Use the “Trenitalia” mobile reservation to pre‑load the ticket – possible on your phone.
- Try the “Via della Marmorara” – a secret path between Riomaggiore and Manarola that hardly any tourists know.
- Ask for a “Regalo” – travelers are often given a small bottle of local vinegar or olive oil at check‑in.
- Check the weekly farmers’ market in each village – fresh fish, colorful artichokes, and the best local Gelato.
9. Quick Recommendation Matrix
| Budget | Ideal Town | Sample Accommodation | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| €70–150 | Monterosso | Hotel Petio | Beach & nightlife |
| €85–120 | Vernazza | Casa Bella (B&B) | Market & harbor |
| €80–110 | Corniglia | San Siro Hotel | Wine tasting & chill |
| €120–170 | Manarola | Villa Relais | Hiking & cliff views |
| €140–170 | Riomaggiore | Hotel Mel | Quiet climbs & sunsets |
10. Final Verdict
Whether you’re a backpacker, a family seeking a relaxing retreat, or a couple desiring a romantic holiday, Cinque Terre has accommodations that match the mood and budget of every traveler. The key is to align your stay with what you want each town offers: the bustle of Monterosso, the harbor charms of Vernazza, the relaxed rustics of Corniglia, the serene cliffs of Manarola, or the dramatic rooftops of Riomaggiore.
Book early, stay flexible, and let the sea breeze lead the way. Enjoy your adventure in one of the world’s most picturesque coastal jewels!
