Cinque Terre Lodging Isnt Always In The Cinque Terre Proper
Because the Cinque Terre is a region rather than a city name, its not uncommon for hotels, hostels, B& Bs, and apartment rentals to say theyre in the Cinque Terre when theyre not in one of the five Cinque Terre towns. Theyre not being deceitful, since theyre technically in the Cinque Terre region, but it can feel a bit like a bait-and-switch to unwary travelers who think theyre booking a room in one of the five towns.The Cinque Terre region comprises not only the five towns at its heart but also the region surrounding these towns including the National Park that ties the towns together and a couple bigger towns that have a slightly different feel than the Cinque Terre towns. Theres nothing wrong with any of these accommodation options , provided you know where they are in relation to the Cinque Terre towns.> > Further reading Learn more about each of the five Cinque Terre towns
The Best Town To Stay In Cinque Terre: How To Choose The Perfect One
Essential guide to help you choose the best town to stay in Cinque Terre depending on party and travel style.
The beautiful towns of Cinque Terre are one of the prettiest destinations in Italy.
Among the most colorful in Italy, they are charming fishing villages with colorful houses clinging onto stunning sea cliffs, making up one of the most distinctive and evocative landscapes in the country.
The towns have much in common so choosing to stay in one over the other may seem of little consequence.
However, the differences are significant enough to affect your stay significantly.
In this post, we look in detail to the Cinque Terre towns so that you know what to expect and can pick the best one for your specific needs and travel wishes.
Good to know: in Cinque Terre you find small guesthouses and apartments rather than big hotels. This is why this list focuses on this type of accommodation only.
Please note: this post contains affiliate links and, should you make a purchase, we might make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Guesthouse In Riomaggiore: Affittacamere Le Giare
Affittacamere le Giare gets our vote for where to stay in Riomaggiore thanks to its wonderful views and great location. This guesthouse is ideally set in the city and is a short distance to trails, restaurants, shops and beaches. It is comprised of four modern rooms with traditional décor and essential amenities.
Read Also: Winthrop Places To Stay
Where To Stay In Manarola
Hotel Marina Piccola Hotel Marina Piccola is situated at the top of Manarola, meaning uninterrupted views of the beautiful Ligurian Sea. This means both stunning sunsets as well as incredible sunrises. The staff at this hotel are very helpful, always on hand and considerate. The rooms here have all been recently renovated, resulting in clean, modern spaces for you to rest and relax in. For breakfast, they serve up a wide variety of fresh food.
Ca DAndrean Set atop a steep hill up from the train station, there are naturally amazing views from this place, of the surrounding vineyards and of the town below. Featuring helpful, accommodating staff, Ca DAndrean comes complete with comfortable beds and big bathrooms. Theyll even serve you breakfast in the morning amongst the lemon groves for that extra Italian flavor. Boasting a cheerful and happy atmosphere, this simple and loveable hotel is all about living a hearty, carefree, Italian life.
Affittacamere San Giorgio Located just by the tunnel after the train station so theres no need to drag your bags uphill the convenient location of this hotel means everything you need is just on the doorstep. Each room at Affittacamere San Giorgo is spotlessly clean, with lots of thought gone into small design details there is a minimalist, modern style employed throughout. It also boasts dramatic views of the sea and the cliffs, best enjoyed, of course, from your very own private balcony.
Where To Stay In Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre offers its visitors a wide range of accommodation solutions.
If you will visit the Cinque Terre during the summer months, from June to September, we highly recommend you to book your accommodation in advance.
Types of accommodation
Hotels – The majority of hotels in the Cinque Terre are small to medium size and most of them are family-run with 3 stars. There are some 4 and 5-star hotels in Monterosso and Portovenere. The hotel prices can vary significantly depending on location and season. It’s common for a hotel to offer only breakfast many do not have a restaurant. There are excellent restaurants close at hand. Discover our selection of the best hotels: Hotels in Cinque Terre and Hotels in Monterosso.
Bed and Breakfast – An accommodation with a small number of furnished rooms with private bathrooms. This means that you can look forward to a holiday in a cosy and personal atmosphere where you have good possibilities to get in touch with the locals. We have handpicked high quality Bed & Breakfasts with good location in Cinque Terre for you here: Bed and Breakfasts in Manarola.
Apartments and villas – can be rented, usually for a minimum period. This is the ideal choice for families or groups of friends. You have your own kitchen with all facilities. Some apartments are better equipped than others so check the details before you reserve. Visit Apartments in Cinque Terre.
Do you have any questions about the Cinque Terre? Visit our FAQ page.
Don’t Miss: Snowmobile Rentals In Houghton Mi
The Best Monterosso Hotels: A Monterosso Accommodation Guide For Every Budget
*FYI – this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.
Finding a good place to stay in Monterosso though can be a challenge, especially on a budget. Decent accommodation books up quickly, and can cost an arm and a leg, certainly in peak season. To help you make up your mind about where to stay in Monterosso though, my team and I have gathered a list of top-rated, central properties to help you with your search, so, without further ado, heres your Monterosso accommodation guide for every budget!
NOTE: While I of course havent stayed at all these places , theyve all been heavily researched and vetted by my team for crucial factors like high ratings , location , and cleanliness . I hope this guide will help you narrow down the best Monterosso al Mare accommodation for your trip!
Exactly Where To Stay In Cinque Terre By Village
If you are looking for where to stay in Cinque Terre, you have come to the right place. Cinque Terre, located on Italys Ligurian Coast, looks like it is straight out of a postcard.
There are so many options for Cinque Terre hotels, so planning can get overwhelming, but we are here to make the process easy for you. This is one of the most beautiful parts of Italy and the perfect place to visit all year round.
Below, we will break down the best places to stay in Cinque Terre by village, price, and feel of the town. We will tell you the pros and cons of each village and layout the best places to stay. We want you to get an understanding of the unique feel and vibe each Cinque Terre Village has to offer so you can make a decision that is best for your interests.
There is something for everyone and we know there will be something for you too! This breakdown will help you get a feeling for which Cinque Terre Bed And Breakfast, hotel, and village is best for you and your trip!
Also Check: Lodging In Winthrop Wa
Best Places To Stay In Vernazza
Vernazza is a picture-perfect little town that you just have to see in Cinque Terre. By noon, its harbor with a small beach is crowded with tourists. Accommodation here is quite limited and most places are privately-owned. Vernazza is a good town to stay in Cinque Terre for those who like to be in the center of the action, but not ideal if you want a quieter vacation.
The central location of Vernazza makes it perfect for sightseeing in Cinque Terre. It has a train station, a boat harbor, and its located along the Cinque Terre hiking trail, pretty much in the middle between Monterosso and Corniglia. The beach is not huge, but if you want to go for a quick swim, its definitely possible. However, there are just a few quality accommodations in Vernazza.
Here are some of the best accommodation options in Vernazza:
- Albergo Barbara. Located at the main square of Vernazza, right at the harbor, this is one of the best-rated accommodations at a prime location in Vernazza. However, please note that not all rooms have private bathrooms and some private bathrooms are located in the hall, so check well what you book. Some rooms have sea views. There is no air-conditioning and breakfast isnt included in the price.
- MaDa Charm Apartment Terrace & Carugio. Their apartment with sea view would be my personal choice for a family stay in Vernazza. Great location, modern rooms with air-conditioning, and a little terrace with a spectacular view. Please note that the smaller studio has no views.
Unique Area But Driving Into And Out Of Monterosso Is On
Unique area, but driving into and out of Monterosso is on winding narrow steep mountain roads, some spots with no guard rails. I would recommend going in on the train from La Spezia. There are no grocery stores, only tiny markets with very limited stock. Restaurants are plentiful. Great place if you love shellfish.
Recommended Reading: Holiday Inn Express Houghton Lake Mi
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.
Its 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.
Things To See And Do In Vernazza
Bask in the sun at one of Vernazzas two beaches.
Climb the hill to Castello Doria and enjoy panoramic vistas of Vernazza.
Cool down with a refreshing gelato.
Dine on fresh and delicious seafood at Trattoria Gianni Franzi.
Drink Sciacchetrà, a sweet dessert wine.
Explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady Regio.
Hike the Sentiero Vernazza a Corniglia trail and enjoy spectacular views of the landscape and sea.
Indulge in pansotti, a ravioli stuffed with greens and soft cheese, and topped with a walnut sauce.
Marvel at the Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia.
Take a boat ride around Cinque Terre.
You May Like: Lodging In Winthrop Washington
Vernazza The Most Popular Town To Stay In The Cinque Terre
Next, we have Vernazza, the most popular place to stay along the Cinque Terre. If you are a keen photographer, or landscapes are your thing, this is the village for you. This fortified town is home to the only natural port in Cinque Terre.
The harbor is the only actual working harbor amongst all of the five villages, and the castle which overlooks the village is fantastic for a visit. On a side note, if you love natural products, the villagers claim that their locally produced olive oil is some of the best you will find anywhere in the Med!
The Tower of the Doria Castle was built in the 15th century to protect the town from pirates. The Church of Santa Margherita dAntiochia was built in 1318, on the rocks overlooking the sea. Feast Santa Margherita di Antiochia in July where the town celebrates with fireworks and a festival.
Via Roma is the main street, which is filled with craft shops, wine bars, and cafes, and home to a tiny stone chapel, the Chapel of Santa Marta.
The Sanctuary of our Lady of Regio is 2km from the train station, about 1-hour walk uphill, and surrounded by centuries-old trees. You will find the Stations of the Cross on the path to this sanctuary.
There are two beaches in Vernazza including a small sandy beach near the harbor, and a new pebble beach which can be reached by walking through a rock-hewn passage.
Best Place To Stay In Cinque Terre With A Car Monterosso
I would avoid driving to Cinque Terre, I did it in the past and it was not that easy and expensive too.
In saying that, if you have a rented car than Monterosso has the easiest road access and a few parking areas too.
If you stay in the modern part of the town, called Fegina, there are a few accommodations that offer the parking included in the room rate .
If the hotel does not provide parking options than book a spot at the Parcheggio Loreto or the Parcheggio Monterosso .
Should you stay in Monterosso or leave the car and take a ferry/train to another town?
It really depends on the kind of experience you are looking for.
If you are travelling as a couple, for example, I would probably go to another town. Same if you are looking for some nightlife.
If you find accommodation with parking included, then I would stay in Monterosso and travel by train to the other towns, just easier, besides being better value
This Seaside Apartment has two things that make this accommodation unique, the most amazing view over the beach and sea and free parking .
Walking distance to the train station, with a lovely balcony and spacious rooms. So easy to get around the Cinque Terre
Recommended Reading: Lodging In Houghton Mi
Portovenere Where To Stay Outside Of Cinque Terre
Such is the quality of this old fishing village that it has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Its beautiful harbor has colorful housing while the narrow streets winding up its hills lead to a castle at the summit. Everyone should always have their camera ready when in Portovenere on the Gulf of Poets.
You can take a ferry along the rocky coastline. One of the things to look out for is where the British poet used to swim. There are also a few small islands such as Tinetto, Tino, and Palmaria.
The Church of San Pietro was built in 1277 in Genovese Gothic style and the magnificent Doria castle and military fortress, which was first built in 1161 and was significantly reconstructed in 1458.
Resort style hotels with pools are found in Portovenere but you have other choices as well B& Bs, apartments, hostels, and villas.
Stay in Portovenere if You want a good choice of accommodation History and culture are personal interests Day trips to sea appeal to you.
Best places to stay in Portovenere:
As you can see, where to stay in Cinque Terre is really a personal deal. The villages all have something subtly different about them, and that makes them suitable for different interests and needs.
Wherever you stay however, youre sure to fill up that camera memory card with some breath-taking views!
Cheapest Town To Stay In Cinque Terre Manarola
If you approach Manarola from the sea, you will be open mouth not only for the colourful buildings castled on the enormous cliff but also for the terraced vineyards that frame this beautiful village.
This is probably the town with more steps in Cinque Terre. Its steep everywhere. And this is probably what makes this town as romantic as tiring to move around.
This may be the reason that accommodations are usually cheaper than in other towns.
The Da Baranin is a great family-run hotel with offers spacious rooms, a few with a superb view of the mountains .
Best of all, the already well-priced rooms include also a gorgeous homemade breakfast. The perfect way to start the day with some healthy food.already saving some euros.
I would also suggest Manarola to anyone that is not worried about walking and, in fact, is thinking to explore also the inland made of amazing terraced vineyards on an impossible steep land.
I highly suggest taking the trail 6p from the San Lorenzo Church for a 45 minutes walk to the Azienda Agricola Capellini. You will experience a view that will stay in your memory for a long while.
Moreover, you will be rewarded with a great selection of wines and a fabulous lunch based uniquely on local products.
For the best viewpoint for your photos, head down to the port and walk on the west side, on the little path.
At sunset, be prepared to share this place with many others. The Cemetery front yard is also a good viewpoint.
Also Check: Best Area To Stay In Punta Cana
Monterosso Best Neighbourhood In Cinque Terre For Families
If you are wondering what town to stay in Cinque Terre with your DNA tribe, here is the answer! Now for the last of the Cinque Terre Villages. Monterosso al Mare. A fantastic option for families with small children, Monterosso can be easily accessed on foot or by car.
The gateway to the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre, Monterosso is a playground for outdoor adventurers and nature enthusiasts. From your base in the village, you can head out onto the trails and enjoy the stunning surroundings of this postcard-perfect region.
Looking to relax while in Italy? Grab a towel and head to one of Monterossos scenic beaches. Here you can bask in the sunshine, lounge on the sand, or play in the shimmer blue waters of the Italian Riviera.