Where to Stay in Cinque TerreWhich of the Five Villages?

Why stay overnight in Cinque Terre?

Most visitors come for the day by train or boat. From late afternoon the lanes empty, the harbors light up and you get the villages almost to yourself. Morning hikes on the coastal path are also far more pleasant before the crowds arrive.

Which village suits you?

1. 1

   

   Good for: Families, first visit

   Monterosso al Mare

   The largest and flattest of the five, with a long beach, the most hotels and the easiest arrival by car. Livelier, less romantic.

   • the largest beach in Cinque Terre, with sun loungers
   • most restaurants, shops and beach clubs
   • fewest steps, reachable by car

   • crowded with beachgoers in summer
   • feels bigger and less like a village

   $$–$$$Not ideal for: Travelers looking for a quiet fishing village.

   Try here: Monterosso anchovies, fried or marinated in lemon.

   Hotels in Monterosso al Mare →
2. 2

   

   Good for: Couples, photographers

   Vernazza

   A tiny harbor with a castle tower, often called the most beautiful of the five. Few rooms, so book early.

   • the postcard view with harbor and castle tower
   • especially lovely in the evening
   • the trail to Monterosso and Corniglia starts here

   • very few rooms, sells out early
   • packed during the day

   $$$Not ideal for: Anyone booking late or on a budget.

   Try here: Fritto misto, fried seafood in a paper cone, by the harbor.

   Hotels in Vernazza →
3. 3

   

   Good for: Quiet and views

   Corniglia

   The only village on a cliff, not by the sea, 382 steps above the station. Quiet and authentic, but hard with heavy luggage.

   • quietest village, few day-trippers in the evening
   • views along the whole coast
   • often cheaper than its neighbors

   • 382 steps or a shuttle bus from the station
   • no harbor: a steep path leads down to a small rocky swimming spot

   $–$$Not ideal for: Travelers with heavy luggage or who want to swim daily.

   Try here: A glass of Cinque Terre white wine from the terraces around the village.

   Hotels in Corniglia →
4. 4

   

   Good for: Sunsets, wine

   Manarola

   Colorful houses above a rock harbor, surrounded by terraced vineyards. The view at sunset is one of the most famous in Italy.

   • the famous sunset view
   • vineyards and short walks right from the village
   • rock swimming in the tiny harbor

   • steep lanes
   • crowded viewpoint at sunset

   $$–$$$Not ideal for: Anyone who needs a sandy beach.

   Try here: Sciacchetrà, the sweet dessert wine of Cinque Terre.

   Hotels in Manarola →
5. 5

   

   Good for: Nightlife, arrival from the south

   Riomaggiore

   The southernmost village and the first stop from La Spezia, with a few more bars and restaurants.

   • first stop from La Spezia, short transfer
   • a few more bars and restaurants at night
   • often a bit more choice of rooms

   • very steep, lots of steps
   • busy by day with arrivals from the south

   $$Not ideal for: Travelers with limited mobility.

   Try here: Focaccia and farinata, the Ligurian chickpea flatbread.

   Hotels in Riomaggiore →
6. 6
   Good for: Budget, longer stays

   La Spezia or Levanto

   Just outside the national park, with more and cheaper rooms. Regional trains reach the villages in minutes.

   • many more and cheaper hotels
   • parking and long-distance trains (La Spezia)
   • Levanto has its own sandy beach

   • you don't sleep in the villages
   • plan a train ride morning and evening

   $–$$Not ideal for: Anyone who wants the quiet harbors at night.

   Try here: Muscoli ripieni, stuffed mussels, a La Spezia specialty.

   Hotels in La Spezia or Levanto →

What should you know before booking?

The villages are largely car-free and steep. Arrive by train, travel light and ask your host where to meet you, because many rooms are up several flights of stairs.

The train is the fastest way between the villages. The Cinque Terre Card covers the hiking paths in the national park; a version with trains also exists.

Two to three nights are enough for all five villages and one hike. Avoid August if you can: May, June and September are less crowded.

How do you get to Cinque Terre?

The nearest airports are Pisa and Genoa. From there, take a train to La Spezia or Levanto and change to the regional train along the coast.

Your two days in Cinque Terre

What does it cost?

• Trekking Card, 1 day€7.50–15Needed for the coastal trail between the villages; price depends on season.
• Cinque Terre Card with trains, 1 day€19.50–32.50Trails plus unlimited regional trains; worth it from about three train rides.
• Single train rideup to €10Between two villages, in high season.
• Boat day ticket€42Children 6–11: €15. Late March to early November, not to Corniglia.
• Via dell'Amore+€10Surcharge on the card for the short cliff path from Riomaggiore to Manarola.

✓ Facts checked · 2026-11-02 · 2026 prices. The national park changes them every year, so check before you go.