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The most beautiful villages around Portofino and the Cinque Terre

By Stuart Cantor

The best villages in and around Cinque Terre Italy

Stuart Cantor’s latest photography series, Portofino Paradiso, captures the old-world glamour of Italy ’s chicest seaside retreat as well as its beaches, hotels and neighbouring towns. His sun-dappled images of candy-striped sands, azure pools and colourfully painted houses evoke the charm of the Italian Riviera, which has counted Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner and Humphrey Bogart among its fans. You can imagine them here within these scenes, bronzing themselves under a strawberry-and-cream parasol or beckoning a waiter at the Belmond Hotel Splendido . Cantor’s series covers villages including Portofino and Monterosso, all within two hours of the Cinque Terre coast is available to buy in large-format prints at stuartcantorphotography.com .

The village is the jewel of the Italian Riviera, known worldwide for its picturesque harbour with crystal waters and the cobbled piazzetta that overlooks it. With family-run seafood restaurants and chic boutiques, not to mention one of the region’s smartest hotels, the Belmond Hotel Splendido, it’s no wonder the area is internationally renowned.

Pictured: The jewel, Portofino

The largest of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre , Monterosso was briefly excluded from the list on account of its size. Certainly the most buzzing of the group, it has a large beach, lemon trees, olive groves and terraced vineyards whose fragrances linger in the air.

Pictured: A day at Monterosso

Riomaggiore

The most southern of the Cinque Terre villages and the second largest after Monterosso. Its vibrantly hued buildings climb steeply from sea level through the hills, and many romantic footpaths leading to the other four villages start here. Perhaps the most famous trail is Via dell’Amore, or Lover’s Lane, which meanders perilously along the coast, although it is currently closed for reconstruction.

Pictured: Riomaggiore

Discerning day-trippers from Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure flock to the neighbouring bay of Paraggi for its sandy shore and turquoise waters (there are no beaches in Portofino), as well as its smart seaside hangouts.

Pictured: Walking Paraggi plank, Paraggi

With its multicoloured houses hidden high in the hills overlooking the sea, Manarola is one of the most charming villages of the Cinque Terre, and widely considered to be the most beautiful. Waves crash against its tiny harbour, while narrow alleyways, or caruggi, zig-zag through the town to its peak, where you will find a church and bell tower.

Pictured: Manarola

Santa Margherita Ligure

This smart fishing town turned holiday destination is slightly less polished than Portofino, but what it lacks in glamour it more than makes up for in character. The pretty seaside promenade of palm trees, small shops and food joints looks out onto a pebble beach, with row upon row of matching sunbeds and parasols and a walkway into the sea.

Pictured: Two ladies lounging,Santa Margherita Ligure

Stuart’s prints are available to buy online stuartcantorphotography.com .

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The New York Times

Travel | 36 hours in the cinque terre, italy.

Travel | 36 Hours

36 hours in the cinque terre, italy.

By INGRID K. WILLIAMS SEPT. 1, 2016

This wildly rugged slice of Ligurian coast with its five tiny towns is a delight for hikers, foodies and wine enthusiasts.

A century ago the Cinque Terre were simply five fishing villages on an unforgiving stretch of the Ligurian coast in northwestern Italy. With trains came tourism, and now throngs arrive daily to see it all: the startlingly vibrant color of the Mediterranean, the wildly rugged coastline sliced by scenic hiking trails, and the tiny towns tucked like puzzle pieces into the cliffs. The region has recovered from the mudslides and flooding of 2011 that devastated the towns of Monterosso and Vernazza, and that decommissioned trails along the famous coastal path between the other villages: Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. But another threat still looms: over-tourism. Possible remedies? Widen the scope of your itinerary to include neighboring towns (Levanto to the north and Portovenere to the south), seek out lesser-known trails and travel off-season when crowds are thinner. The viability of this magnificent but fragile area may depend on such decisions.

Explore street view, find things to do in the Cinque Terre and sign in to your Google account to save your map.

1. The Path Less Traveled , 3 p.m.

More than just five towns, Cinque Terre is also a national park of nearly 10,000 acres whose natural grandeur is best experienced on a hike. More than 75 miles of trails crisscross this stunning territory, so there’s no reason to add to the congestion along the Sentiero Azzurro, the popular coastal path that formerly linked all five villages. Instead, start from Corniglia and follow the red-and-white trail markers into the hills on path 587, where dazzling panoramas await along a less-trodden route. After a sweaty ascent involving a series of steep stone staircases, the path levels off along a ridge where up-in-the-clouds views span the sparkling sea and shrinking town below. When the trail splits, continue toward the hilltop town of Volastra — path 586 to 506 — passing through shady groves and terraced vineyards before eventually descending into the streets of Manarola. The hike takes about two and a half hours.

2. Cliffside Cocktails , 6 p.m.

A strenuous hike ought to culminate with rest and a reward, both of which can be procured at Nessun Dorma. This casual outdoor bar, which opened in 2014, occupies a landscaped terrace on a promontory overlooking Manarola’s timeless vista: pastel houses perched on a cliff, fishing boats in a small harbor, tanned teenagers diving off the breakwater into the indigo sea. Claim a table in the gardenlike seating area and order a limoncino spritz, a refreshing riff on the classic that mixes the local lemon liqueur with prosecco and mint in a glass jam jar (8 euros, or about $9).

3. Fresh Catch , 9 p.m.

While most visitors are vying for seats at the same dozen restaurants touted by seemingly every guidebook, shake the crowds by dining at a worthy newcomer in Riomaggiore. Opened last summer, Rio Bistrot is a modern osteria nestled above the village’s minuscule harbor serving dishes that showcase the bounty of the local sea. At a table on the stone terrace, watch fishermen haul in the day’s catch while savoring buttered toasts topped with plump anchovies from Monterosso (13 euros) and paccheri with fresh mussels from Riomaggiore (15 euros). And book in advance; this spot won’t remain undiscovered for long.

4. Good Morning , Vernazza, 9 a.m.

Vernazza is arguably the most photogenic — and popular — village, so arrive early before it’s overrun with day-trippers. Pop into Batti Batti’, a hole-in-the-wall focacceria, for a take-away breakfast of cheesy focaccia di Recco or pesto-slathered pizza (4 euros each). Then head to the quay to picnic while admiring the lemon-hued church, bobbing boats in the harbor and the pretty main piazza slowly coming to life.

5. Fantastic Voyage , 10 a.m.

The Cinque Terre has fewer historical sites worth exploring than its southerly neighbor, Portovenere, a coastal town so closely related that it falls under the same Unesco World Heritage site designation. From Vernazza, hop on the first Consorzio Marittimo Turistico ferry heading south (30 euros round-trip), and after an hour of marveling at the cinematic coastline from the sea, alight in Portovenere’s picturesque marina. Then stroll past colorful houses crammed shoulder-to-shoulder along the waterfront en route to the Chiesa di San Pietro. This striped 12th-century church appears to have grown organically from the rocky peninsula where the crashing waves of the Mediterranean meet the Gulf of La Spezia. Afterward investigate Byron’s Grotto, a natural cove nearby named for the 19th-century English poet who, according to local lore, swam from here to San Terenzo across the gulf, over four miles away.

6. Island Lunch , 1 p.m.

There might be no more glamorous way to travel in Italy than by Venetian water taxi, which is precisely the polished vessel that will be waiting in Portovenere’s harbor when you reserve a table for lunch at Locanda Lorena . This seaside inn and restaurant, just a few minutes away on the sparsely populated island of Palmaria, has a large covered terrace where well-heeled locals gather at tables draped in white linens to dine on fritto misto, lobster-stuffed ravioli and overflowing platters of grilled fish and crustaceans. Lunch for two, about 120 euros.

7. Portovenere Products , 4 p.m.

Before the last ferry departs for Cinque Terre, spend an hour in the shops lining the narrow alleys and steep staircases of Portovenere’s historic center. Start on Via Capellini, a stone-paved pedestrian lane where you’ll find Olioteca Bansigo , a specialty store celebrating the olive in various forms, from oils and tapenades to beautiful olive-wood serving spoons and cutting boards. Across the street, fragrant basil plants flank the entrance to Bajeicò , a pesto shop selling the local basil-based sauce and related products like fresh pasta. And up a nearby staircase, the tiny ceramics workshop La Bottega di Rena produces pretty handcrafted pieces such as glazed bowls shaped like fishing boats.

8. Seaside Sips , 6 p.m.

Return to Riomaggiore and follow signs for the Via dell’Amore. This romantic cliff-top path, part of the Sentiero Azzurro, is closed indefinitely, but similar views can be found at A Piè de Mà, a cafe and bar in a magnificent location near the trailhead. At a table on the terrace, high above the churning sea, try a glass of Cinque Terre wine from Walter de Battè, a small artisanal producer of the region’s floral white blend (6 euros).

9. Ligurian Kitchen , 9 p.m.

Prefer eating among Italians rather than in a polyglot dining room? Then reserve a table at L’Articiocca, a cozy restaurant that opened in 2013 on a quiet side street in Levanto, one train stop north of Monterosso. Once seated on the patio, start with the Levanto specialty gattafin, pastalike fritters stuffed with spinach and wild herbs. Then order the trofie al pesto, twisted Ligurian pasta served in the traditional manner, with potatoes and green beans. The aromatic green sauce is prepared tableside with a well-worn mortar and pestle — a fun flourish that doubles as a free cooking lesson. Service is extremely genial but slow, so use the time between courses to sample rare craft beers produced by small Ligurian breweries, like Birra del Bracco and Genova’s Maltus Faber. Dinner for two, about 70 euros.

10. Beach Bliss , 9 a.m.

This may be the Italian Riviera, but the only Cinque Terre town with a wide swath of beach is Monterosso. In high season, rows of umbrellas in a rainbow of colors line the town’s spiaggia di Fegina, each hue demarcating a different beach club. Arrive early to claim a spot on the free public beach, or pay for a sun-lounger to spend the morning relaxing in the shade of an umbrella between dips in the turquoise sea.

11. Local Lunch , Noon

Hundreds of steps separate the train station from the center of Corniglia, but the ascent is worth it for a truly local lunch. At Km 0, a small panino shop that opened in 2013, sandwiches and salads are composed of hyperlocal ingredients, like the Pignone panino with Ligurian sausage and fresh stracchino cheese from nearby Brugnato (5 euros). For dessert, walk down the street to Alberto Gelateria, an artisanal gelato shop where Corniglia’s own products, like honey and basil, are used to create sensational flavors.

12. Taste Test , 2 p.m.

Maybe it’s the short uphill walk, or the lack of ostentatious signage, but few seem to find their way to the tranquil Buranco winery in Monterosso. Hidden amid terraced vineyards and lemon groves, this idyllic estate operates as an agriturismo — a working farm that rents rooms, or in this case, cottages — but impromptu wine tastings are also arranged on the picturesque patio. Glasses of the vineyard’s syrah and Cinque Terre white (from 6 euros) are served alongside platters of the property’s olives, cheese and pesto crostini. On a wooden lounge chair surrounded by nothing but beatific calm and views of the vines, finish with a pour of sciacchetrà, the Cinque Terre’s sweet passito.

On a hill near the historic center of Monterosso, Agriturismo Buranco (Via Buranco 72, Monterosso; burancocinqueterre.it ; from 280 euros) is a winery and agriturismo with three cottages outfitted with kitchens and terraces set amid the peaceful property’s olive trees, lemon groves and terraced vineyards.

The small towns of the Cinque Terre have few worthwhile hotels but plenty of rooms available to rent, which is the best way to base yourself in the heart of a village and experience a slice of daily life in the evenings and early mornings. Most reliable listings can be found on Airbnb or Booking.com .

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Italy’s Cinque Terre may fine you for wearing flip-flops

By Mitali Shah

Yes, that image of Cinque Terre's colourful houses and peaks would be great for your social media feed, but it may just come with a cost. If you're planning on hiking across the steep winding trail of Italy's picturesque Cinque Terre region this year, you might want to go prepared. The region that is famous for its colorful villages and coastline is now imposing a hefty fine on tourists hiking the rugged path connecting the five villages in flip-flops.

The Cinque Terre National Park authority is running a public campaign informing tourists about hiking in unsuitable footwear. According to mountain rescue units in the region, tourists often embark on these rocky paths without appropriate footwear and eventually have to be rescued. Authorities now will issue flyers and posters educating tourists of the new policy aiming at curbing such occurrences. There will also be warnings issued online when tourists purchase a Cinque Terre card (which allows one access to all the connecting park buses, trains and trekking paths).

Despite all the warnings, if tourists choose to continue climbing in inappropriate footwear—flip-flops, pumps and sandals—they could face fines of anywhere between €50 (Rs3,897) to €2,500 (Rs1,94,935). This new rule is now being imposed because the mountain rescue units are fed up with ill-prepared tourists. The UNESCO world heritage site attracts an overwhelming 2.5million tourists a year.

Hands Down, THIS is Where You Should Stay in Cinque Terre

All the best beaches in cinque terre italy

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

Visiting the cutest five towns in Italy ?

The Cinque Terre is composed of 5 coastal towns, but the best way to visit is to pick one town as your home base. Since the towns are so close together (and separated by steep hills!) it doesn’t make sense to schlep your bags from village to village!

Instead, you can easily take day trips by hiking, riding the ferry or taking the train to see them all. Now the question is… which Cinque Terre village should you stay in?

Here’s our tips and recommendations to help you decide!

Or save this article to read later by pinning it ⇟

What’s the Best Place to Stay in Cinque Terre?

It’s hotly debated which town is “the best” to stay in, but here’s our thoughts:

Stay overnight in Monterosso if a beach is important to you or if you’re arriving in high season with a large family or group. Monterosso, as the largest village, offers much more accommodation for visitors and a complete range from luxury hotels to smaller family-run rental rooms.

We stayed in Vernazza , and it’s our pick for the best place to stay in Cinque Terre, as most hotels are right on the piazza with a gorgeous view of the harbor. Vernazza is quaint, beautiful and wonderfully compact. There’s something special about dinner in the harbor at sunset, once the day trippers have gone!

Manarola is quite pretty as well, and seems to be the favorite of most Europeans. I can see why – this town offers the most stunning postcard views of the village on a easily walkable loop around the Ligurian coast. It’s a great choice for those wanting scenic views that don’t require a hike.

Below are recommended hotels in each town.

The Best Hotels in Cinque Terre

Locals rent out rooms or have converted buildings into floors of available apartments for visitors. If you arrive into town without a plan, look for the Italian word albergo for hotel or affittacamere for a local-owned bed & breakfast.

But honestly, we don’t recommend just showing up, as most accommodation in the busy season will fill up quickly. Any rooms you do find last minute will be much, much more expensive.

Below I’ve listed some of the best places to stay in each town:

Vernazza Hotels

1 | Santa Marta rooms are recently renovated and feature air conditioning (something I found to be quite rare for hotels in Vernazza). Private bathrooms, in-room TVs and comfortable, clean rooms make this one of the better new options in Vernazza, Italy.

Check current rates and availability here .

2 | Appartamento a Vernazza is a great Vernazza hotel for families. It’s a 2 bedroom apartment with kitchenette and laundry, a short walk from the train station. Rates are affordable and the owners are friendly.

3 | La Polena overlooks the beach, with clean modern rooms. The apartment has a great location on the harbor, near restaurants and is a short walk from the train station.

Monterosso al Mare Hotels

1 | Albergo Degli Amici is a great all-around lodging option in Monterosso. The property is sandwiched between the train station and the sea, offering easy access to both. A gorgeous green garden with sea views, modern amenities and private bathrooms make staying here quite comfortable.

2 | Hotel Baia is a conveniently located a short walk from the train station and about a 5 minute walk from the large beach in Monterosso’s New Town. Rooms come with private bath, AC, free wifi fridges and a safe.

3 | Hotel Palme is a lush, secluded property on Monterosso’s hill with a beautiful view and short walk to the beach. Rooms are clean and light filled, some come with balconies.

Manarola Hotels

1 | Ca D’Andrea is a great choice for any visitor, with quaint rooms (some with balconies), a lovely garden and friendly staff. Breakfast is included, along with wifi, ensuite bathrooms and in-room TVs.

2 | La Toretta Lodge is a unique luxury hotel in Manarola, within a modernized Medieval tower. Stylish contemporary art-filled rooms offer gorgeous views of the ocean and come with Nespresso coffee machines. Breakfast each morning and an aperitif each evening are included! Great for couples.

3 | Rio Groppo is a budget-friendly option in Manarola, Italy with single and king bed rooms. Bathrooms on-suite and free wifi make this a solid option for all travelers looking to experience the best of Cinque Terre without blowing the budget.

Alternative Accommodation

Another option is to rent an apartment or room on Airbnb . Many of the locals rent out their rooms via the Airbnb website , so it can be helpful to sort by price or island.

The Best Hotels in Cinque Terre, Italy

To summarize, here’s a handy chart of our recommended Cinque Terre, Italy hotels. All include free wifi and are known for comfort, good location and great customer service.

Getting Around Cinque Terre

At the end of the day, it’s very convenient to get around the different villages of Cinque Terre, so don’t let the town you pick stress you out too much!

Italy’s train network connects each town together on the local line, which in turn has faster connections to the rest of Italy at La Spezia and Portovenere. We bought our train tickets online before our trip for convenience.

Which Cinque Terre town do you plan to base yourself in?

Visiting Italy – Trip Planning Checklist

There's so much to see and do in Italy that you can visit again and again and still discover new sights. I recommend concentrating on the big 4 cities (Rome, Venice, Milan & Florence) if it's your first time and then coming back to explore either Northern Italy or Southern Italy in more depth.

Go | Flight prices from the US to Italy are highly seasonal. You can set a fare alert here to be notified of discounts. Every fall & winter, I've seen great deals to Milan. One word of caution: avoid Alitalia at all costs!

Getting Around | A convenient way to explore Italy is via high speed train . You can search train schedules and book online here . Buy your tickets in advance to save on fares. Make sure to validate your ticket on the platform!

It also helps to speak a little Italian. Brush up on your Italian language skills with Rosetta Stone . You can take 10% off with promo code CJBT10 .

Stay | Book hotels in advance to save, or check here for last minute deals . Many hotels in Italy are older so don't be surprised if even 5 star accommodation feels slightly dated. Opt for a room with a view instead of breakfast, as Italians don't eat breakfast in the same way Americans do and you'll probably be disappointed with their offering.

Alternatively, groups or budget travelers can check out Airbnb .

Protect | Lastly, be sure to visit Italy with travel insurance . Whether you get injured and need to be hospitalized, your phone gets stolen, or a flight delay leaves you with nothing but the clothes on your back, travel insurance will help when you need it most.

A rail strike occurred during our trip, unexpectedly shutting down transportation for an entire day. Get a quote for your Italy trip here .

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What is a great place that has a view please

Hi Colette – It’s hard to give you just one answer because with every hotel, there will be rooms that have great views (usually front facing, highest floor) and some rooms that will have no view (back alley). Best to pick a town that you like, then pick one of my hotel recommendations, and book the room that will offer a view (the booking page will specify which room types have views). Hope that helps!

HI. I was wondering what your opinion is on going to Cinque Terra on June 1 and June 2 with the Italian Republic Day. I hear weekends are busy and now with a holiday too I am worried that the crowds will ruin our trip. Thanks Lisa

HI – I am traveling to Cinque Terre in June with my kids. Can you tell me more about Santa Marta in Vernazza. It gets great reviews online for the actual rooms but I would like to understand more about the building. Is it an actual hotel? Or private apartments in a building? Or rooms in someone’s home? Any additional information you can provide would be helpful! Thanks!

The majority of accommodation in CT are not hotels in your traditional sense. But neither are they like airbnb, where you can rent a room in someone’s home. They’re in between I suppose.. like apartment buildings, but the hotel either owns a couple floors or a group of apartments that they have transformed into a bnb/hotel.

Hi, CT looks beautiful. I want to visit Italy late June and spend most of my time on the beach in CT. Suggestions as to which village with a beach area to hang out daily and close enough to the town area for food, groceries, etc.

–Felicia

Hi Felicia – I covered this in depth in the post :) Monterosso sounds like the one for you!

Family will be in Cinque Terra July 28-29-30 with 2 kids ages 8 and 12. There will be 3 adults. What is the best place to stay for a family near water and restaurants? What is fun for the kids to do?

Hi Harriette – I have hotel recommendations in the article and also a series of Cinque Terre posts about things to do which you can find here .

Thank you for your informative article . We are 14 senior adults are interested to visit cinque terra. Should appreciate you could let us know the following :

1. Do they have big hotel to accommodate ? I see some label themselves the word ” Hotel” but only two bed rooms apartment .

2. Do we need to climb a lot of steps to see the scenic spots? how to move around because we are all above 63

3. Do you have any local tour guide or travel agency to recommend ? 4. Some people said it is not safe to travel after the last earthquake as some places are not restored . But we are only interested in those main sites we are not hiking

Christine from Singapore thanks in advance

How to have the perfect holiday in Italy's beautiful Cinque Terre

Avoid spring and summer if you want to beat the crowds

T he Cinque Terre – literally “Five Lands” – are five villages ranged along seven miles (11km) of rugged coast south of Genoa. A few years ago they could be described as little known. Not any more. Between April and October, they are usually overrun, their narrow streets clogged, the ferries and trains serving them busy beyond imagining.

Some 2.5 million visitors arrive annually, most as day trippers, with the figure set to increase as more Chinese tour groups, among others, and new facilities, add to the number of cruise ships arriving at La Spezia, a modern port to the south of the region.

They come for good reason, for the villages are undeniably picturesque, three – Riomaggiore, Manarola and Vernazza – a tumble of brightly coloured houses clinging to steep valleys that fall to the sea; one, Corniglia, perched high above the waves; and the largest, Monterosso al Mare, less spectacular but still a pleasing combination of medieval village and amiable seaside resort.

The villages are part of a national park and World Heritage Site, both of which embrace the villages’ hinterland and adjoining coast, for the region is also remarkable for its wider human and other landscapes. Over centuries terraces and dry-stone walls were carved into the cliffs and hillsides, with the same microclimates that warm the French Riviera to the north here supporting the cultivation of grapes, lemons and more.

Lay these walled terraces end to end, it is said, and they would be longer than the Great Wall of China, a believable claim. But with the drift from the land in post-war Italy, the work of centuries began to fail, olive and lemon groves reverting to scrub, landslips carving through the abandoned and failing walls.

Landslips are still a problem but many of the terraces have been saved, only a handful, it is true, still used to grow the grapes that make the region’s unique white wines , notably sciacchetrà, a dessert wine, but enough to give a vivid impression of the landscape in its prime.

Be sure, then, to explore the hinterland, not just the villages, for the Cinque Terre are, or were, farming communities, not fishing villages – locals like say that they work with their backs to the sea – and to this day, save for farmed mussels (cozze) and the fresh anchovies (acchiughe) of Monterosso , famed throughout Italy, the sea here serves as scenic backdrop, little more.

How to visit

How, then, to approach the villages, given their popularity?

First, if possible, come between November and March. Lemons grow here, remember, so the climate is excellent beyond spring and summer.

If this is not possible, find out when cruises ships are due in La Spezia (see crocierelaspezia.altervista.org and crew-center.com ) and avoid those days, noting that groups also visit from ships docking at Livorno farther south.

Stay in the villages, arrive as early as possible or wait until late afternoon, when the streets, trains and boats may be a little less crowded (see Getting Around, below). If you stay elsewhere, choose towns that are intrinsically appealing, such as Portovenere (the “Sixth Cinque Terre” village) or more distant Sestri Levante (see Where to Stay, below).

Last, be sure to walk some of the 75 miles of trails that criss-cross the region, but avoid the lemming-like rush to the obvious coastal paths that link the villages and aim for loops and links in the hills and valleys just inland (see Best Walks, below).

Where to stay

If you want to stay in one of the five key villages Manarola is first choice (followed by Vernazza), for its combination of charm, views and access.

Corniglia also has good looks to spare and is relatively quieter, but that’s because there is no ferry access and you have to tramp 385 steps between the village and the train station.

Monterosso offers a different experience: less “Cinque Terre village” and more small seaside resort, without the dramatic location of Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza, but with train and boat access and more places to stay: the old quarter, though lacking sea views, has plenty of small-street medieval charm.

Hotels in the other four villages are few and far between (and often unremarkable, views aside), and must be booked in good time, though there are rooms (camere) to rent and, inevitably, an increasing number of options with Airbnb and HomeAway .

Many people travel by boat or train to the villages from La Spezia (a big, modern and charmless port, except on the palm-fringed waterfront, with plenty of inexpensive places to stay); from Levanto (a medium-sized, no-nonsense seaside resort with plenty of choice and good train links); or from Portovenere, which is part of the World Heritage area (pretty but with few places to stay and boat link only to the Cinque Terre, no trains). Sestri Levante, 45 minutes north by train, is also a pleasant, quieter option.

Getting around

Forget the car. Roads to (and between) the villages are narrow, winding and slow, and when you do arrive there is nowhere to park. Boats, trains – and hikes between villages – are your best options.

The region’s scheduled ferry service is excellent if popular, and offers wonderful views of the villages and the scenery between them but with several provisos.

The first is that the service can be cancelled at short notice. Even the slightest swell at villages such as Manarola, where there is no dedicated jetty, can make boarding and disembarking hazardous. The second is that services do not stop at Corniglia and the third is that the quite small boats become crowded, especially on mid-morning services. Afternoons tend to be quieter.

Be sure to make straight for the open upper deck for the best views, but note there is no shade and while there are toilets on the lower deck, you cannot buy food or water, so take provisions on longer routes (see below).

Most services run between La Spezia and Monterosso, a superb way to see the coast (total journey time 1hr 45min; adult one-way ticket is €23). All boats stop at Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso. Some also stop at Portovenere and a couple – late and early in the day – stop and start in Levanto.

A fully flexible day ticket, getting on and off as you please, is €35; one way from La Spezia to Levanto, with a stop at each village, is €27. You cannot book a seat; buy tickets up to 15 minutes before departure at the kiosks in each harbour area. These are obvious everywhere except La Spezia, where the ticket office is close to the southern end of Viale Italia and the main port opposite the Salvador Allende park.

Portovenere, often called the sixth Cinque Terre village

Trains connected the Cinque Terre long before the arrival of surfaced roads and still provide the quickest means of travelling to and between the villages.

Services link La Spezia and Levanto (and beyond), with stations at Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia and Monterosso, but not Portovenere. Services between villages take a matter of minutes. Note that there are 385 steps from Corniglia’s station to the village, with a small (and invariably full) bus shuttle the only alternative.

If you are going to make several journeys, invest in the daily Cinque Terre Treno Card , which offers unlimited travel on local (regionali) trains and buses (€16). Otherwise, individual tickets cost €4 for regionali trains, but cannot be used on high-speed or other premium services, for which a supplement is payable. You can buy €4 tickets at machines or (often) at newsstands to avoid long queues at ticket offices. You must validate tickets before travel by stamping them in the small machines on platforms. Tickets are then valid for 75 minutes for any number of journeys.

Don’t expect views – trains are in tunnels most of the time – but do expect services to be delayed and extremely busy. The chances are you’ll be standing and squashed. The trains have also become notorious for pickpockets who operate in the melee as people attempt to board and disembark.

The Cinque Terre is best known for its villages and coastline, so most walkers’ first instinct is to head for the trails that run between the villages along the coast. In fact the region has 48 paths, most of them in the hills and valleys of the hinterland. These are more varied and less crowded than the coastal trails, can be linked in more interesting ways, and often have bus accessible trailheads that can avoid some of the steeper climbs from the coast.

Furthermore, only one or two of the four key trails that make up the so-called Sentiero Azzurro between villages are reliably open. Landslips have kept the coastal route between Manarola and Corniglia closed for years. The celebrated Via dell’Amore (Path of Love) between Riomaggiore and Manarola is barely a hike, more a short, paved succession of graffiti-covered tunnels blighted by buskers, lovers’ padlocks and crowds – best avoided.

If you want a coastal walk that is usually open, the safest bet is Vernazza–Monterosso, best walked in this direction (not vice-versa) to avoid the slog up innumerable steps above Monterosso. Allow 2hr 30min at a leisurely pace and be prepared for a high-season crowds and a steep pull up from Vernazza. You will need to purchase a Cinque Terre Trekking Card (€7.50/£6.35) to access the trail, available online or from the kiosk at the start shortly after leaving the village. Wear robust footwear – the authorities, fed up with rescuing people in flip-flops who have twisted ankles or broken bones, have plans to impose fines for those not properly shod.

As ever in the Cinque Terre an oblique approach can mean fewer crowds, in this case walking the fine trail between Portovenere and Riomaggiore via Telegrafo; allow six hours and take plenty of water. Similarly, Monterosso–Levanto (5 miles/8km; 3hr) is usually less crowded than the inter-village trails. Also excellent are the three trails (#587/586/506) that link Corniglia and Manarola via Volastra, but be prepared for over 2,000ft (600m) of ascent and descent.

First port of call for any hikes should be the park website’s hiking page , which has trail updates and openings, and then the page with detailed routes and mapping .

Visitor centres in the railways stations of each village offer information and you can download a free hiking app for iPhone and Android .

If you want to get off the beaten track, explore less known routes, or just have an excellent commentary on what you are seeing, Marco Brizzi (see parks.it and facebook.com ) is among the best official local (English-speaking) guides.

The best beaches

The most accessible beaches in the five villages are at Monterosso. Come out of the station and a sandy beach stretches away to right and left directly ahead of you. Much of it is covered by stabilimenti (private concessions), so you pay for groomed sand, showers, umbrellas and recliners. It’s safe, busy, clean and family-friendly.

Turn left (east) and after five minutes’ walk on the promenade (through the tunnel) there is a more exposed public beach (free) with good sand and swimming and a couple of small bars.

Corniglia has the region’s most celebrated beach, Guvano, north of the village, known as a hippy redoubt in the Sixties and clothing optional today. The beach is pebbly and backed by cliffs and a large retaining wall, with no services and little shade, but lovely water for swimming. Access is via footpath or a half-mile (1km) former railway tunnel (signed from the railway station), but both routes are periodically closed.

Vernazza’s small beach in front of the main square was partly washed away by floods and is now little used. More people bask on the rocks on Manarola’s tiny waterfront bay, and though there is a slipway to the choppy water, swimming can be dangerous.

Farther afield you’ll find good public and stabilimenti beaches at Levanto and Sestri Levante and a more windswept strand at Deiva Marina.

A perfect day in the Cinque Terre

Stay in, or take an early train to Manarola. If you take the train, walk through the pedestrian tunnel to the little raised main square. Climb the single main street to the top of the village and see the church of San Lorenzo.

Take the alley immediately left of the church and bear left on the obvious path that enters and contours through vineyards above the village (great views) back towards the coast (10 min). Drop down towards the coast and turn right at the chapel through the small public gardens – note the fine little bar here, Nessun Dorma , for snacks or light lunch – and down to the sea. A paved path leads back to the small harbour. Explore the main street up from the harbour and the lanes above.

Take a ferry to Vernazza and have lunch al fresco either in the main square – Gambero Rosso is a fine choice – or on the hoof with takeaway street food (a cone of anchovies and chips is highly recommended) from Batti Batti, a hole-in-the-wall on the left in the single main street just beyond the square.

See the village and in the afternoon walk to Monterosso on the coast path #592-4, allowing for it being busy in season (wear good footwear and take water); explore Monterosso’s old quarter, perhaps swim, and then take a train home; or take the train to Corneglia, see the village and, for a strenuous but rewarding hike, take trails #587/586/506 to Manarola.

Hiking in the hotter months is better in the morning, so rejig the day accordingly if you want to take these longer walks.

If you have a special interest in wine, visit the Buranco winery , just outside Monterosso’s old quarter: it is also a restaurant and has apartments for rent.

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Where To Stay in Cinque Terre | The Best Accommodation For Your Travel Style

A unique guide to picking the very best accommodation in the Cinque Terre for your budget, travel style and needs, covering all five of the villages plus some cheaper options a little further out.

Updated March 2024

When designing your own Cinque Terre experience, choosing the right base from which to explore the five villages of Italy's first national park is an essential part of the planning process.

Yet, with such high demand each summer and relatively limited accommodation options (both in budget and variety of types), we know from personal experience that choosing the right hotel, guesthouse, or Airbnb in Cinque Terre involves a lot of work, wasted time and research.

So we decided to help you out.

Based on our own travels and research, we've carefully created and curated this Cinque Terre accommodation guide to make everything a lot clearer and easier for you! Whether you're looking for luxury on the Ligurian coast, an affordable apartment with a view for friends or family, plenty of space for a group walking trip along the trails, or a romantic dolce vita summer escape for two, each will find something to tick all the boxes here.

Curated for you, by us, this guide includes our personal picks of the best accommodation options throughout the Cinque Terre National Park for various budgets and travel styles, as well as essential information to know before choosing your base village.

This is our guide on where to stay in Cinque Terre.

The Cinque Terre Accommodation essentials

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of our top picks, there’s a few points that you need to consider for your own trip, to ensure that you pick the very best accommodation for your travel style, group and budget.

How Long Do You Need in the Cinque Terre?

We were based in the region for six nights, and that was great to have beach day in Monterosso , a full day hiking the Blue Trail , and a few more days to slowly savour the beauty of each of the villages.

However, we know that we were incredibly fortunate to have such a long amount of time here.

For most people, we'd recommend a minimum of three nights, four days, to allow you to make the most of your time with, and without, the crowds. Less than that is of course not to be looked down upon, but you will have to pick and choose between activities and time for exploration vs. relaxation.

How to Pick the Right Village for You

The main planning challenge for a trip to the five villages, once you've worked out how many days you can have or afford, is the question of where to stay in Cinque Terre. Each of the five villages have their own charms as well as accommodation for most budgets, so there's really no wrong choice; however, we know that some of you with a certain travel style will probably prefer one over another. Some are better for hikes, some are better for beach days, some have a bit of a younger vibe - we've covered the pros / cons within each village specific section below.

As you’re likely aware, overtourism is absolutely an issue in the Cinque Terre, but each village is transformed once all day-trippers and tour groups have departed. This is an added benefit of basing yourself here rather than visiting for the day, and it also allows you to contribute in a more sustainable manner to the local economy.

If you're here for a couple of nights, we recommend picking a hotel or apartment in just one village then exploring by train and on foot. There is the potential to split your stay across two villages if you're planning a longer visit, however it really isn’t essential.

We chose to do three nights in Monterosso al Mare followed by three in Riomaggiore and, if you wish to do similar, then you need to try and align check-out/in times and luggage storage, which may be more hassle than it's worth in high season, especially as most places don’t allow check-in until 3-4 pm.

Understand CINQUE TERRE HOTELS & Accommodation TYPES

In the process of our own search prior to visiting, and the research we’ve done since, several things are very clear in relation to accommodations on offer in the Cinque Terre:

// Accommodation is very expensive. Seriously. If you’re long term followers of ours, you’ll know that when it comes to picking a place to stay, we don’t tend to splurge unless the very act of staying somewhere is an experience within itself - many times we’re simply looking for a place to lay our head. In the Cinque Terre, we were genuinely shocked at how much a night in a, well, not particularly great Airbnb or hotel was going to cost us relative to other coastal destinations in Italy. Factor in at least £150 a night for two people, but expect to pay more if you want something better (and often a lot, lot more - prices have increased quite significantly since the pandemic).

// Traditional hotels are few and far between and although this is a seaside holiday destination. If this is the type of place you love to stay, there really isn’t much on offer - and the few that exist are in Monterosso . Unsurprisingly, medieval Italian villages were not constructed with mass tourism in mind (and it’s thankfully not one for big, generic resorts or hotel blocks).

// Guest houses are a little different too. Instead of the traditional set up of a small property with a handful of rooms and a super helpful host who lives on site, these only really tick the first two boxes. Known as affittacamere , this is exactly the set up we had in Monterosso and, being used to Airbnbs where you rarely - if ever - see your host, we were quite happy to have a nice room and a folder with all the info we needed. However, we appreciate that this may not suit all travellers.

// Whilst not true across the board - with some villages such as Vernazza having a number of high standard apartments - the thing that surprised us most when searching for accommodation in the Cinque Terre was the quality of accommodation on offer. In Monterosso in particular, many Airbnbs and simple rooms were really quite dreadful, at least when you consider how much they cost.

Accommodation Accessibility

A super important factor to be aware of when considering which guest house, hotel or apartment to book is ease of accessibility. Whilst in many parts of the world you can get public transport right to the door of your accommodation, for most people visiting the Cinque Terre you will instead have to take a train and then walk there yourself.

Not so bad if you’re super fit or travelling with very minimal luggage, but throw in a dodgy knee or the type of suitcase that could hide a dead body (and has a similar weight), and you may well struggle to get to the front door - and that’s before you factor in that for many accommodations, that front door is very likely at the top of a pretty steep flight of stairs!

The good news if you don’t have an Andrew (he carried both heavy suitcases up the 200 steps to our guest house in Monterosso), is that most villages do have some form of baggage shuttle so you only have to carry yourself; we’ve noted details of how to book these in the specific village guides.

Consider Staying Elsewhere

Due to price and limited demand, the port city of La Spezia to the east and little Levanto to the west offer up two alternative base towns for your time on the Ligurian Coast. These have increased in viability and popularity as both offer more, better value accommodation and less strain on availability, as well as train travel included within the Cinque Terre Express network .

There are however obvious downsides to using these as your base, and we've covered this in more detail within their specific sections. If you're arriving with a rental car though, they're actually where we recommend as a base.

Don’t Leave your Reservation until last minute

If there’s one point you come away with from this article, it’s that you need to book your accommodation now.

As the Cinque Terre increases in popularity each year, particularly influenced by its popularity on social media, it's become even more important to reserve your accommodation in advance. There is a finite number of accommodation spread across the five small villages, and the vast majority of travellers will have their eyes set on it - demand often outstrips supply in the summer season.

So, if you're reading this know your dates already, we strongly advise starting to look at booking accommodation sooner rather than later to improve your chances of getting a place that's suitable for your budget, your travel style, and your itinerary.

Finally, in curating this list for you, the key selection criteria was that we would be happy to stay at every Cinque Terre accommodation included in this article. Location, facilities, and overwhelmingly positive guest reviews were also factored in. There are however a dozen or so personal favourites; not just places that are luxury (though a a few are), but the ones that are so unique, stylish, excellent value or set in a stunning location, that they will make any person's Cinque Terre experience that extra bit special. We’ve marked these with an ADR next to their name

WHERE TO STAY IN CINQUE TERRE

Monterosso al mare.

The northernmost village of the Cinque Terre, Monterosso al Mare is also the largest. Its stretch of beach with orange and green parasols is famous, and the newer section has more of a 'resort-lite' vibe to it.

Best For | Access to a large stretch of proper beach, hiking the Blue Trail, family-friendly base, and the majority of the hotel-like accommodation in the Cinque Terre.

Cons | New Monterosso lacks some charm, and it's very popular on weekends as a beach destination. Additionally, as we mentioned above, Monterosso has probably the worst trade off of price vs quality out of all the Cinque Terre villages, likely because it’s so popular.

Access | As discussed in our guide, the village of Monterosso is actually broken into two sections, and connected by a short tunnel: the newer Monterosso (also known as Fegina) has the great beach access, and the older is the more traditional colourful village.

The train station is located in Fegina, and given it has only a handful of steps to enter/exit, this is a good area to consider if accessibility is a concern. The old town remains a relatively short 10-15 minute walk away, but do note that many of the accommodations are up narrow flights of stone steps in both sections.

MONTEROSSO HOTELS

MìaChì | Located a short walk form the station and the beach, this contemporary feel hotel is decorated to a high standard throughout, light and bright with clean lines. Some rooms have a balcony or terrace. Doubles starting from €155 in high season.

Locanda Il Maestrale | A beautifully historic, family run hotel in the heart of the old town, with classic Italian design throughout, a wonderful terrace, great hosts and breakfast included. Very highly rated. Doubles from €214 in high season.

Hotel La Colonnina | As one would expect from the name, this old town located hotel is rather grand, with traditionally opulent rooms, attentive staff and a large rooftop terrace. Doubles form €184 in high season.

Not quite our cup of tea, but if the above has no rooms, the exceptionally highly rated 4* hotel, Stella Della Marina , is worth checking out.

Roca Du Ma Pasu | If you’re looking for a beautiful, modern hotel with large & luxurious rooms, great amenities and a terrace overlooking the ocean, Roca Du Ma Pasu is the one for you! Doubles from €260 in high season.

Whilst really quite basic, Hotel Baia also offers an incredible seafront location.

Albergo Suisse Bellevue | A hotel up high on a hill, this is an ideal option for those that want a comfortable hotel stay away from the crowds - but with a free shuttle bus to access the beaches of Monterosso, just 1 km away. Breakfast included. Doubles from €164 in high season.

GUESTHOUSES

ADR Zia Letizia Bed And Wine | This charming guesthouse is super cute with homely and high quality furnishings and decor - we think it’s adorable! Also has great roof terrace, and a superb breakfast included. Doubles from €145 per night in high season, making it great value too.

Piccolo Principe Affittacamere | This small guesthouse only has two rooms, but definitely deserves a mention as one of our picks. In the heart of the old town, the rooms have been beautifully refurbished and modernised (whilst retaining period features such as the ceiling) with an eye on design. Doubles in high season from €175 per night.

Bellambra | A beautiful guest house set in a 14th-century building, the rooms combine classic-style furnishings, wood-beamed ceilings and design bathrooms. No balconies, but all rooms feature lovely lemon gardens, the historical centre or olive groves. Doubles from €250 per night in high season.

Fiordarancio Room Rental | This guesthouse (the type with no host) is where we stayed. Just a short distance from the train station it offers good, clean and modern rooms with balconies. Do note that it’s up about 200 steep steps so not suitable for everyone. Doubles from €133 per night in high season.

Alternatively, consider A cà da Alba Rooms in the old town.

AIRBNBS & APARTMENTS

Borgo Antico (Old Town)

Amazing Terrace Overlooking the Sea | Whilst this one-bedroom flat itself isn’t anything to get too excited about, the surprisingly large roof terrace with wonderful views out over the old town is - especially when it costs less than €100 a night in high season!

Our other top budget picks - coming in at around €100 a night or less - are this small two-bed apartment , this central one bedroom (limited natural light, but super good value), and ‘ Chez Ermale ’ (basic and somewhat old fashioned but well priced three bed)

La Casa di Cinzia | This one-bedroom Airbnb is far from fancy, but it’s in the heart of the old town, has a great roof terrace and is incredibly good value - which makes it a winner in our eyes!

Da Annita | If you’re looking for a large, super modern apartment furnished to a high standard (with balcony) but would prefer to be in the old town rather than Fegina, this is a great shout.

Luxury Modern Apartment | Although a little lacking in natural light, if a modern finish - and good amenities - is important to you in an apartment, consider taking a look at this one bedroom with large private patio. Whilst at €230 a night, we feel it’s a little pricey, it will likely suit some.

Sunny Mountain View Apartment with Balcony | Completely renovated in 2017, this tastefully decorated one bedroom apartment located in the centre of Monterosso old town has a private terrace, lots of space, light and views and all mod-cons.

Sabrina | A large two-bedroom apartment set over two floors with exceptional views over the sea, multiple balconies from which to enjoy it and all the fixtures, fittings and modern amenities you’ll need for your stay!

ADR Amazing apt. with an exciting view | Whilst the nautical theme may be a little too much for some people, this very highly rated two bedroom Airbnb has one of the most wonderful roof terraces in the old town - perfect for meals, and place to sunbathe with awesome water views.

Alternatively, if you’d love a big terrace but aren’t so fussed about the the decor inside, we can recommend this two-bedroom (ideal for a family) or this really well-priced one bedroom set higher up - means more steps to get there but good views.

And if you just can’t get enough of those nautical themes, be sure to check out this one and this one , both of which have really great reviews.

New Town (Fegina)

ADR Mediterranean Luxurious Apartment | This recently renovated one-bedroom apartment (located just a 3 minute walk to the beach) is really charming, and has been comfortably furnished to a high standard. It offers a full kitchen plus a lovely little balcony with views over a garden. Has exceptionally good reviews!

ADR Bright Breezy Attic | We love this little split-level duplex apartment for its incredible views, its modern but homely interiors, the fact that it’s so light and airy but especially because of its delightful terrace looking out to the sea. It also comes with a parking space.

Speaking of balconies with beautiful views, if that’s something on your must-have list, be take a look at Bea's Apartment , this Airbnb too, or - if you’re a big group - this penthouse with a rooftop terrace .

Blue Diamond | New apartment with a great fitted kitchen, big living space, lovely bedroom and small terrace. It’s a bit bare bones but at just three minutes from the beach, has an unbeatable location! Also comes with free parking - a rarity here!

Casa Magonza | This two-bedroom apartment in genuinely lovely! Right on the sea front, with views over the water from a good sized terrace, the decor is really pleasant with all the home comforts you’d want.

Ulivo | A really cute little one-bedroom attic apartment in the hills above the old town (but only 10 min walk from beach), with panoramic views over Monterosso. One of the best value Airbnbs we came across!

La Torre dei Merli | If you are travelling in a large group and want a truly unique, exclusive and luxurious experience, be sure to take a look at this castle. Yep, castle. Set over five floors, it has three beds and is decorated to the highest standard. Just take note, it comes at a cost.

ADR Seaview Monterosso | Alternatively - if you haven’t quite as much cash to splurge - take a look at this delightful three bedroom property a couple of minutes from the beach. Feeling like a family home (in the best possible way), it has a classic aesthetic with original tiles, solid wooden furniture, and traditional comforts. It’s kind of lovely!

LungoMareNostro | A stunning one-bedroom apartment right on the front, with spectacular sea views from the large balcony. Completely refurbished recently to high standard and decorated in calming blues.

Monterosso Cozy Cottage | Located at the end of a 700m trail upwards, this Airbnb won’t suit everyone but its rustic vibe, lemon garden setting, friendly host and price tag (€90 a night) makes it a winner in our book.

If you’re on a tight budget, it’s worth considering Seagull , this charming little penthouse or this small studio with a large garden

We reckon it's the prettiest village in the Cinque Terre (and many seem to agree), and its little harbour area is a popular spot to while away the afternoon.

Best For | Amazing viewpoints and some of the best quality accommodation in the five villages - read our guide for more information.

Cons | There are no hotels in Vernazza, and very few - if any - proper guest houses. This is great if you want an Airbnb, but if you prefer a more ‘hosted experience’ you may want to consider an alternative village.

For those keen on completing the Blue Trail, do note that you would also need to take a train if you wanted to start from either the Monterosso or Corniglia side.

Access | The train station is located at the end of the main street in Vernazza, which means if you’re staying by the harbour (a significant number of the apartments are within this area), you’ll have a good 10 minute walk to reach it. Additionally, from our research, the vast majority of accommodations here are at the top of a flight of stairs.

Before we continue, it’s important to point out here that there are no, what most people would consider, traditional hotels in Vernazza. In fact, the vast majority of the ‘guesthouses’ here are small complexes composed of individual rooms and no on-site staff.

Whilst this likely won’t bother many people, if certain hotel amenities are important to you, you may want to consider staying in another of the Cinque Terre villages.

Polena | Small and intimate guest house just 100 yards from the centre of Vernazza with great rooms (all with sea view) and an incredible panoramic shared terrace. Breakfast included in price and provided at nearby restaurant. Doubles from €185 per night in high season.

ADR La Ripa Camere Vernazza | Only having one guest room, we’re not entirely convinced this should be called a ‘guesthouse’, however given the location and the really wonderful terrace, we thought it should get a mention! From €160 a night in high season.

La Ripa is also available on Airbnb - see listing here

Affittacamere Benedetta e Isabelle | A stone’s throw from Vernazza beach, this small guesthouse offers modern, clean and comfortable rooms with stunning views out over the village and water beyond. Doubles from €125 in high season.

Affittacamere Elisabetta | Centrally located, double room AND private seaview balcony for less than €80 a night?! Yeah, this one had to go in.

Cadè Ventu | Whilst technically not in Vernazza (it’s actually halfway between there and Corniglia), its stunning location, incredible views, standard of accommodation and reviews meant this absolutely had to go on the list! Perfect for those that want to stay in the Cinque Terre but escape the crowds.

Santa Marta Rooms 25 | One of the pricier guesthouse options in Vernazza that offers modern rooms with luxurious touches (most including terraces with views over the old town). It has excellent rooms and according to the reviews, a wonderful host.

Other guesthouses to consider include Camere Carlo , A Cà Da Nonna Di Callo Luca , Camere Fontanavecchia , and Vernazza Vacation 3 .

Before we go continue, one positive thing we wanted to mention regarding Airbnbs in Vernazza, is that the apartments are generally of a much higher standard than elsewhere in the Cinque Terre, especially once the nightly rate becomes higher.

Casa Gabriella | At €560 a night, we know that this three bedroom apartment is going to be out of most people’s price range (it’s definitely out of ours!), however it would be remiss not to mention it - it’s just gorgeous! Super modern, fabulous contemporary design features and kitchen plus a large terrace with views right over the ocean. An ideal set up for a family. If it’s within your budget, you have to check it out.

Similarly if you’re visiting the Cinque Terre on your honeymoon, this stunning apartment with its incredible balcony is very much worth the splurge. If that’s a little out of your price range, MADA Charm Apartments , with its gorgeous design and in-room jacuzzi is a super romantic alternative.

ADR Villa Il Cubo Vernazza | This super modern on-bedroom apartment is light, bright and airy with fantastic vistas throughout - but especially from the charming and large terrace, replete with tables, chairs and sun loungers and views over Vernazza harbour.

Casa Gabri also offers incredible terrace views.

Jellyfish Luxury Home | Overlooking the village’s small square, this luxurious, relatively new apartment is compact but high-spec. Ideal for a couple, it offers all mod cons and has exceptional reviews (probably why it’s so popular).

Apartment in Vernazza | A beautifully light and bright two bedroom apartment with a wonderful combination of traditional and modern design features. Located in the centre of Vernazza village.

ADR Carattino Apartment | A three-storey, two-bedroom apartment in the heart of Vernazza, this place is full of quirky and fabulous design features that we absolutely adore. Also has an excellent roof terrace with incredible views.

If we had you at ‘quirky’ but the above apartment is already booked, be sure to take a look at this two-bed with exceptional views. ADR Vernazza Guest House | Located a couple of kilometres outside of Vernazza, this beautiful one-bedroom traditional stone house offers a true retreat in the countryside. Finished to a high standard throughout, it is its large outdoor are with exceptional views that really seals the deal for us. Hosts offer transport to/from Vernazza or you can walk.

ù Cùntìn | If you’re travelling in a bigger group, you absolutely have to take a look at this beautiful three bedroom apartment with the, erm, interesting name. It has the location, the views, the balcony - plus beauitful traditional design and, by all accounts, an exceptional host.

With a similar aesthetic, should the above Airbnb not be available, be sure to check out this three bedroom as an alternative.

Fisherman’s Home | Located in the central square - just a few steps away from the sea - this two bedroom apartment is a fantastic option for those on a smaller budget, with high season rates of €80 a night. Do note that it only has one window, but previous guests have given it really excellent reviews.

La Maimuna , Apartment With Balcony and The ‘ Oliveto Apartment ’ is two other good option for those hoping to find somewhere a little more budget friendly.

Having thoroughly reviewed them, we would also highly recommend the following Airbnbs:

Donna Barbara | Compact and modern one bed from €120 a night

Casa Colomba | Lovely & traditional two-bed with large terrace from €300 a night

Manuela | Tidy two-bed with small balcony from €140 a night

Due to its clifftop location and the horrendous number of steps required to access its train station, Corniglia is probably the least popular option as a base town.

However, we only had a fantastic impression from the short time we spent there, and would happily base ourselves in little Corniglia if we returned.

Best For | Fit, mobile independent travellers who don't mind a bit of sweat to earn rewards. Also, if you've got more than just a couple of days to slowly savour the Cinque Terre, then Corniglia would be a great choice to stay in.

It’s also worth noting that many more of the apartments here come with a terrace as standard as compared to the other four villages.

Cons | The hundreds of stairs to access the train and its spectacular sunbathing area does mean it simply won't be a practical option for many people looking to explore the region in a short time or travellers with mobility issues.

Access | The most difficult by far as the village is at the top of the cliff, and the train station is below it. There is a regular shuttle bus between the two (€2.50 per person, free on Cinque Terre card ), and we would highly recommend that if you're arriving in Cornliglia with any luggage - the stairs really are no joke and even from the bottom of them it's a bit of a walk to the train station proper.

Corniglia Hotels

Locanda Il Carugio | The only ‘proper hotel’ in Corniglia, Cargo has exceptionally well appointed and modern rooms with a great design aesthetic (something which continues throughout the property). Guests have access to a fab terrace and breakfast is included. Doubles start at €155 in high season.

Guesthouses

Daa Maduneta | Beautiful modern rooms maintaining some traditional features (including use of Ligurian rock), the views from this guesthouse are truly wonderful. Price includes breakfast but do note that this is served at a partner restaurant in the village.

Sole Terra Mare | A traditional guesthouse in the centre of Corniglia run by a Eleanora, a super helpful on-site host. Large rooms with nice views and although breakfast isn’t included, you get a discount at a local restaurant.

ADR Dolce Far Niente | At €200 a night, it’s on the expensive end for Corniglia, but this three-level, two-bedroom house is one of our favourites. Beautifully refurbished whilst maintaining traditional elements, it has not one but two terraces from which to enjoy spectacular sunsets.

BILO3 Vista Mare | With contemporary nautical vibes, this minimalistic modern one-bedroom apartment is super light and bright, and ideal for a couple or small family. Incredible value for the price (it’s only €150 per night in high season), it has a balcony plus access to a large roof top terrace and even private parking!

The owners also have another very similar apartment within the same building, see here for further information, as well as two small studios - this one and this one .

Alternatively, La Porta sul Taragio and Nuovissimo Appartamento nel Centro (both owned by different people) also offer up the modern design aesthetic encapsulated in the Airbnbs above for a similar price point.

ADR Le Terrazze | In a world of often tasteless (and cheap) modernisation, this traditionally quirky one-bedroom apartment is a real delight. Includes a fantastic outdoor garden space, and even a jacuzzi! Definitely one to take a look at. From €140 a night in high season.

Il Brindisi Sul Tramonto | This little one bedroom apartment has made it into the list due to its price - just €70 per night, which is kind of unheard of in the Cinque Terre. For that you get a modest sized living space, separate bedroom and even a terrace!

For those on a budget, another great budget option is this tiny studio that costs from just €50 a night.

Casa Picco dei Gabbiani | Perfect for a large family or group of friends, this large three bedroom stone house set across multiple levels is finished to an exceptionally high standard and elegantly furnished with all the modern amenities one would expect. Also has a large garden/outside dining area with exceptional views over the ocean. Really wonderful!

For amazing terrace views at a cheaper price, be sure to also check out the traditional and homely Sea and Garden View , a centrally located townhouse.

Apartment Margo | This one-bed Airbnb has two massive things going for it - it has free, covered parking and a very large back patio perfect for balmy evenings. Better suited to couples.

This is a great little village for access to the sea, several affordable restaurants and drinking holes, and a range of accomodation for various budgets and travel styles.

Best For | Sunset viewpoints and days spent lying on the cool stone of its sunbathing harbour.

Cons | Aside from accessibility issues, there are none that should make you dismiss Manarola .

Access | It's a bit more of walk from the centre of Manarola to Manarola train station than in the other villages (save Corniglia), but it's all paved, flat, and easy enough to roll a suitcase along. A number of the best accommodation options will however involve a walk up steep paths or sets of stairs.

Manarola Hotels

Marina Piccola | A fabulously modern hotel, full of contemporary design features in the heart of Manarola. Price also includes breakfast.

If the above is fully booked, Ca' D'Andrean is a good - and comparable - alternative.

GUESTHOUSES AND B&BS

Cà de Angelo | A fantastic budget-friendly option, with doubles for €100 a night in high season. This guesthouse offers clean, bright and good sized rooms in an excellent location.

Camera Giglia | With only one room it’s difficult to call this a guesthouse per se, but it’s so lovely that it definitely deserves to be on this list. Modern, clean and bright (but with charming original features such as the tiled floor), it also has a small balcony and is very well located.

Other good, cheap alternatives to the two properties listed above are Il Patio and Ca' de Gianchi .

Il Sogno di Manarola by The First | This guesthouse is absolutely stunning. Definitely falling within the luxury bracket (they even have a honeymoon suite), the rooms are beautifully designed and well thought out with stunning views - especially those from the balconies and terraces. Double rooms starting from €225 a night.

If a luxurious stay in Manarola is exactly what you’re looking for, be sure to take a look at both Arpaiu and La Torretta Lodge , both of which offer up stunning rooms, first-class service and terraces with great views ( La Torretta even has a hot tub and free aperitivo each night).

ADR Amanarola | A small guest house that offers really wonderful accommodation with a modern feel. Both rooms (they only have two) benefit from outdoor space and great views, the hosts are - by all accounts - excellent and the location fantastic. Doubles starting from €150 a night.

L’Emporio Rooms | Stylish rooms with a minimalistic nautical vibe, they have harbour views, lots and lots of space and all modern amenities. Doubles from €125 in high season.

Colua | At €120 a night in high season, this is the best value Airbnb in Manarola. It’s a really good size - perfect for a couple - has lots of excellent reviews and even a balcony.

Other budget-friendly options include: Appartamento Nella , Non Solo Mare , and Open Mind Apartment .

Ca’ De Francu Luxury | As the name would suggest, this is a stunning one-bedroom split level apartment. Contemporary in design, it’s finished to a high standard and has not only a balcony but a large rooftop terrace with outstanding views.

Studio Suite Vermentino | With nearly 150 five-star reviews, this incredible studio apartment just had to go on the list. Modern and spacious, it also has a really great terrace with sun loungers. Definitely one to check out!

If you don’t mind a studio providing the apartment is aesthetically pleasing and of a good size, consider Davide's Seaview Studio as well, which also has (as the name would suggest) a great sea view balcony.

ADR Apt Terrazza Sofia | You can’t beat good design, vintage pieces, lots of light and and a stunning balcony view - and that’s what you get in this two-bedroom Airbnb. It may well be our favourite in Manarola!

Giallo Oro | This two-bedroom contemporary penthouse apartment is split over two floors, and underwent a full renovation a couple of years ago. Quite frankly, it’s bloody gorgeous! Large rooms, full of light, great kitchen and terrace with panoramic views. At more than €300 a night during high season it’s more expensive than some on this list but the standard is excellent.

ADR Solea | Recently renovated to a super high standard, this modern apartment is perfect for a couple - its crowning glory however is the really large terrace complete with views, table and hammock.

The owner also has the apartment beneath Solea which whilst not quite so modern, does have a large terrace. See the listing here .

Casa Castello | If you prefer a more hotel, minimalistic vibe to your Airbnbs, this one may be perfect. Like many in Manarola, it has been recently renovated, has everything you’d need to enjoy your stay and a small balcony upon which you can enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets! It’s also well priced at €150 a night.

Appartamento Blue Ocean and Appartamento Nadir have a similar look and feel, albeit a little more expensive.

La Linea D’Acqua | A small guest house with a great location down by the water, the great hosts offer clean and well presented rooms, many with fantastic views.

Riomaggiore

The southernmost village, we loved our time in Riomaggiore . You can spend the day under the sun lying on the rocks, taking the train or walking to the other villages, or simply enjoying the slow pace of life in this pretty village.

Best For | We felt Riomaggiore had a bit more of a youthful energy to it than the others, so this would be a great choice for younger couples or travellers (not rowdy dickheads though - that's not what the Cinque Terre is about).

Cons | Riomaggiore does appear to have more than its fair share of cellar-apartments, which are fine for a short visit (we stayed in one), but do tend to have limited natural light and issues with damp.

Access | Like Manarola, there's a bit of a walk to/from the train station, but it's also along a flat, paved walkway. Once in the main part of Riomaggiore, several popular accommodations are very easy to access from street level, but there a number that do require a walk and some lifting.

RIOMAGGIORE HOTELS

Locanda Ca Da Iride | A traditional hotel located in upper Riomaggiore, it offers clean and large rooms. All have access to a small patio area with a garden vibe. Doubles from €150 a night in high season, and private parking ( a rarity in Riomaggiore).

Cinque Terre Residence | Ideal for those looking for a traditional hotel set up, this highly rated hotel has a lovely garden plus outdoor hot tub, with all rooms having a private terrace with views overlooking Riomaggiore. From €195 a night.

Affittacamere Le Giare | Small guest house with four rooms (one of which has disabled access), three of which have balconies with sea view. From €115 a night.

ADR Orto al Mare | Whilst the rooms here are lovely, large, clean and bright with original features such as stone walls, the reason this gets the ADR seal of approval is the absolutely stunning ocean views from each room - the reviews are incredible! Doubles from €200 a night in high season.

Ai Pesci | Small guesthouse with three high-standard rooms (including one apartment), all tastefully decorated, lovely and bright and with great views (all balconies and windows face west making them an ideal spot to watch the sunset). Part of a bigger portfolio of accommodations across Italy, we stayed in their property in Monterosso and were very happy. From €180 per night.

Meb | A small, contemporary guesthouse with two rooms. Both are lovely, but we’d say that perhaps only the deluxe is worth the price given that it has an AMAZING balcony.

Alla Marina Affittacamere | The rooms are a little sparse, but they’re clean and modern and located right in Riomaggiore harbour. If you can afford it, upgrade to the sea view rooms. Doubles from €100 a night in high season.

L’Ancora is another guest house that offers well-priced rooms.

ADR Marina’s House | Probably our top Airbnb pick in Riomaggiore, this two bedroom apartment is not only super modern and lovely inside, it also has a terrace with spectacular views overlooking the harbour.

Ca'der Porpo Rossa | This is the little studio that we stayed in, located on a quiet little street just off the main thoroughfare. Small but functional kitchen with everything you need, also has a small patio area outside with table and chair. The host was also super helpful! Note that there is no natural light due to it previously being a wine cellar - not a problem if you’re out for most of the day. From €130 a night in high season.

The host also has another similar property located nearby - see the listing here .

Il Mare di Ada | A clean & modern, large two bedroom apartment (one double, one single room making it ideal for a small family), the real highlight of this Airbnb is the spectacular views right over Riomaggiore harbour from the large windows. A great holiday spot!

If the above apartment isn’t available, we’d highly recommend checking out Oceano d'Amore instead - two bedrooms, many windows and exceptional views!

5 Sensi di Mare | Whilst the fixtures and fittings within this two-bedroom apartment are a little tired, it is the decent sized terrace overlooking the marina below that gets this Airbnb a spot in this article!

Two other apartments that deserve a look if you love a good terrace are Blue Baobab (don’t love the decor, but huuuuge terrace) and Camere Paradiso (it’s essentially a bedroom with a kitchen in a cabinet, but well priced and great views from the cute terrace).

ADR Oltre | A fabulous one-bedroom apartment, with stunning views of the water and colourful houses below (plus ideally located to enjoy the sunset). Located in a quiet spot yet close to everything, the Airbnb is well equipped, stylish and spotlessly clean. Great hosts to boot!

Villino Caterina | A light, bright and modern Airbnb (albeit with the odd questionable design choice), it is the incredible terrace that really makes this one bedroom apartment an excellent choice.

Casa dei Sette Nani | Starting at €100 a night in high season, this small one bedroom apartment is an excellent choice for those travelling on a slightly more limited budget. Lovely design features, it includes a ground floor outside area and a roof terrace.

Two other excellent budget friendly apartments include Noor House (€80 a night), RioRooms (€100 a night) and Profumo di Mare (€90 a night)

Now first things first: the city of La Spezia wouldn't be our first, second, third, fourth, or fifth choice for the Cinque Terre.

The character of each village transforms before the daytrippers arrive and after they depart, and we loved being able to savour it until the last drop of wine was drunk and walking back under starlight to our apartment instead of rushing for the last train.

Yet, the simple fact is that La Spezia may be the best option for your travel budget or travel style, and the ease of accessibility it provides by train to all five of the Cinque Terre villages (it's only 8 minutes from Riomaggiore, 23 from Monterosso) does make it practical too.

Best For | A wider range of accommodation and amenities, the vast majority at significantly lower prices than the five villages. La Spezia station is also included within the Cinque Terre Express train network, so a single journey to any village is €4 or there's unlimited travel with the Treno card. We also recommend staying in La Spezia for anyone visiting the Cinque Terre with a rental car as part of a longer Italy road trip.

Cons | This is the port for all the cruise ships, which do (unfortunately) visit the Cinque Terre a lot in summer. You will also not be 'in' the Cinque Terre National Park proper, but rather on the outskirts of it.

Do note that we have focussed more on the affordable accommodation options in La Spezia given that the vast majority of people that chose to stay here over one of the five Cinque Terre villages do so to save money. That means all guest houses and Airbnbs are under €100 a night, and the majority significantly less than that. There are more traditional hotels there too, but none made the cut on our selection criteria.

LA SPEZIA GUESTHOUSES

ADR Affittacamere I Gatti delle 5 Terre | By far our top pick for Le Spezia, this guesthouse is full of quirky design features but with a contemporary feel, is excellently located and a great breakfast is included. The hosts are - by all accounts - marvellous too. Doubles from €95.

La Casa delle Acciughe | Located just a 10-minute walk from the train station, this recently modernised guest house is sleek, clean and offers large rooms with quality furnishings. Also has communal outside space and kitchenette.

6th Land also offers room of a similar style, sized and price.

Benso Rooms | Another modern guest house with all standard mod cons (and great bathrooms). This one is a little cheaper with doubles from just €85 in high season. Also includes breakfast.

A Casa Tua | Halfway between a guest house and an Airbnb, this large family room is highly rated, incredibly sought after, cheap (€75 per night) and comes with a large terrace/patio. Also has free parking.

If budget-friendly is your main concern, be sure to also check out La Finestra Sul Golfo which also has rooms from €75 a night, and Parfumerie 5 Terre which has rooms from €80.

Via Chiodo Luxury Rooms | As the name would suggest, this guesthouse has a little more of a luxurious feel to it. Classically modern rooms that retain original features such as panelling and high ceilings. Doubles from €125 a night.

AIRBNBS & Apartments

House Nautilus 2 | With nearly 500 excellent reviews, this two bedroom (€50 a night) apartment is an excellent option if you’d prefer to splurge on activities not accommodation. High ceilings, some original features, large rooms and a decent kitchen.

ADR CadeFe Loft | This small loft in the heart of La Spezia (right in front of the station) is very much our sort of place - and based on its popularity, it ticks the boxes of quite a few travellers! Beautifully combining vintage with modern, it has a great kitchen, cosy hangout corners and a cute little terrace.

If the above Airbnb is fully booked, we’d recommend taking a look at Lamansarda . It’s an Airbnb Plus property so kitted out to a high standard and rented at the same price point. Alternatively, for more of a loft-vibe with contemporary styling, check out LOFT in the city center .

Hip, Minimalist Apartment in La Spezia | A charmingly stylish two-bedroom apartment with a streamlined kitchen, crisp concrete floors and minimalist flourishes. Carefully selected furnishings, abstract artworks and trendy decor. Also an Airbnb Plus property. From €92 in high season.

La Cassetta di Marina | Located in a quiet residential area near La Spezia central station, this one bedroom/studio apartment is newly refurbished (and furnished) and decorated with a love of colour. It has a private garden, and offers all necessary facilities for a pleasant and comfortable stay. Also with over 500 reviews, it has a nearly 5* rating - damn impressive!

FEDERICI | If you love a ‘New York loft vibe’, definitely consider this Airbnb. Well located with the station just 150m away, it’s finished to a high standard, incredibly well priced at €57 a night.

La Perla del Golfo | Whilst we don’t love this one bedroom apartment, it’s really rather large terrace - in a city that doesn’t seem to offer many apartments with significant outdoor space - gets this Airbnb a spot on this list.

Alternatively, House of Poets is much more our cup of tea, and although the terrace/balcony is significantly smaller, it does offer wonderful views overlooking the square.

Two other good apartments around the €65 a night price point include this one and this one . Both one-bedroom, and both with excellent reviews.

Whilst the decor in Apartment close to La Spezia station and E' la Liguria una terra leggiadra leave a little to be desired, they are extremely good value coming in at €38 and €42 a night, respectively. Interno5 (very small but modern), at €50 a night is also a good shout.

Much like La Spezia, Levanto is only somewhere we’d really recommend staying if budget constraints mean that you’d prefer your money to go a little further when visiting the Cinque Terre.

A beach holiday destination in its own right (certainly amongst Italians anyway), accommodation here is a little pricier and a tad lower quality than what you can find in La Spezia, reflecting the higher demand for apartments and hotel rooms.

Best for | A wider range of accommodation and amenities, the vast majority at significantly lower prices than the five villages. Levanto station is also included within the Cinque Terre Express train network, so a single journey to any village is €4 or there's unlimited travel with the Treno card. We also recommend staying in Levanto for anyone visiting the Cinque Terre with a rental car as part of a longer Italy road trip.

Additionally, as given its popularity as a beach resort, you could potentially peg on a couple of extra days here to top up your tan at a lower cost!

Cons | You will also not be 'in' the Cinque Terre National Park proper, but rather on the outskirts of it.

As with La Spezia, we have focussed more on the affordable accommodation options in Levanto given that the vast majority of people that chose to stay here over one of the five Cinque Terre villages do so to save money. That means all guest houses, hotels and apartments are under €150 a night, and the majority significantly less than that.

GUESTHOUSES and B&Bs

B&B La Madonetta | The perfectly tranquil spot to return to after a day spent exploring the Cinque Terre, this delightful B&B is full of old fashioned Italian charm. Excellent service, beautiful and large rooms and - being located upon a hill - the views from the terrace out over the sea are just wonderful. Doubles from €150 a night.

If being up in the hills and surrounded by nature appeals to you, be sure to also check out L'Antico Borgo B&B , a stunning accommodation set in an old building - that has been beautifully restored - with fantastic views out over the sea, Levanto and beyond. The large terrace is particularly lovely, and includes a small but perfectly formed pool.

Da Domè Charm Rooms | A contemporary guest house with well-designed rooms and stylish touches (as well as lovely high ceilings and big windows), this guest house is very centrally located and offers doubles from €136 per night.

Le Onde | Super close to the train station (as well as the beach), this charming little guest house has a light nautical theme throughout, big, bright and modern rooms and includes a good sized communal terrace area. Doubles from €100 a night.

Sea Home | Recently renovated, this two bedroom apartment is light and bright, clean, modern and comes with free covered parking beneath building. Also just 300m from sea.

Suite Giardino degli Ulivi | Situated in an art nouveau villa, this stylishly traditional two-bedroom apartment is really quaint - but its real selling point is the large private garden where you sit, eat and drink in the shade of olive trees and oleanders. From €87 a night in high season.

Aquamarine Apartment | Whilst a little lacking in design flair, this highly rated two bedroom apartment is spotlessly clean, modern has a large terrace plus free parking and bikes for guest usage. Also very close to train station.

This apartment is a good alternative if the above is unavailable (albeit slightly more expensive).

Cà Laudemia | A large modern two bedroom apartment with all mod cons, its main selling feature is the large terrace (as well as free parking in the railway station area with pass provided). New Studio Apartment | If you’re simply looking for a base to return to between adventures along the Ligurian coast, we can highly recommend this studio flat - it even has a small balcony. 10 minutes from train station.

Sestri Levante

We actually spent a few days in Sestri Levante prior to visiting the Cinque Terre, and it struck us as an ideal base from which to explore the Ligurian Coast - Cinque Terre included.

You can find further details on accommodation options and more in our complete guide to Sestri Levante .

Your Next Stop

13 Wonderful Things to Do in the Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre Village Guides | Monterosso , Vernazza , Corniglia , Manarola and Riomaggiore

23 Things to Know Before Visiting Cinque Terre

Where to Find the Best Beaches in the Cinque Terre

A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking in the Cinque Terre

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Destinations

Wild Junket

Cinque Terre Itinerary: How to Spend 4 Days in Cinque Terre

Last Updated on August 16, 2022

Located along the Liguarian coast of northwest Italy, Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful places in Europe . It’s easy to see why: multi-colored historical houses cling onto craggy cliffs, with steep green terraced vineyards carved into them.

Translating to mean “five lands ”, Cinque Terre is actually made up of five fishing villages built into the foot of mountains along the coast. While they 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.

To help you plan your journey, I am sharing my 4-day Cinque Terre itinerary, along with things to do in Cinque Terre and where to eat and stay in each village. This itinerary will allow you to maximize your time in Cinque Terre. For more detailed info on visiting Cinque Terre, check out my Cinque Terre travel guide .

Table of Contents

Cinque Terre Itinerary

Best time to visit cinque terre, how many days in cinque terre, our cinque terre itinerary, best things to do in riomaggiore, where to eat in riomaggiore, best things to do in manarola, where to eat in manarola, best things to do in corniglia, best things to do in vernazza, where to eat in corniglia & vernazza, best things to do in monterosso, where to eat in monterosso, best hotels in riomaggiore, best hotels in manarola, best hotels in corniglia, best hotels in vernazza, best hotels in monterosso, best hotels in la spezia, best hotels in levanto.

What We Spent in Cinque Terre (per person*)

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Hiking in Cinque Terre

Tuscany 5-day itinerary, lombardy 7-day itinerary, emilia-romagna 8-day itinerary .

I recommend visiting Cinque Terre in early spring (April) or late autumn (November) . That’s when it is the least crowded and prices are not too high. The weather can be unpredictable though.

We visited at the end of May and Cinque Terre was already pretty crowded. There were long lines at the train stations and restaurants. Even the hiking trails were packed with throngs of tourists.

Cinque Terre gets extremely crowded in summer, peak travel season in Europe. It’s also really hot (temperatures rising to 86°F or 30°C) and not ideal for hiking if you intend to do that. Winter is cool and uncrowded but heavy rainfall can result in landslides and unsafe hiking conditions. Restaurants and hiking trails close around end of November and open on 1st April.

cinque terre itinerary - manarola most picturesque cinque terre town

Cinque Terre is extremely popular with day trippers — you can do a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre; but we don’t recommend doing a day trip here as Cinque Terre definitely merits more time than that.

We had 4 days in Cinque Terre and still wished we had more time. If you are visiting Cinque Terre with kids (like we did), then I suggest spending a week here as kids need to travel at a slower pace.

If you do want to hike the Cinque Terre trails, then I suggest having 1 week in Cinque Terre to slowly explore the area on foot. More details below on hiking in Cinque Terre.

riomaggiore, one of the five cinque terre towns

Most of the Cinque Terre villages (except Monterosso) are tiny, so you can see each of them in 1 day. If you are wondering what to do in Cinque Terre, refer to my detailed itinerary below to get an idea. Which is the best Cinque Terre town? Check out my guide on where to stay in Cinque Terre .

Your starting point depends on where you’re staying. This Cinque Terre itinerary is designed for those staying in Riomaggiore or La Spezia (outside of Cinque Terre).

Day 1: Riomaggiore
Day 2: Manarola
Day 3: Corniglia and Vernazza
Day 4: Monterosso al Mare

If you are staying in Monterosso or Levanto (outside of Cinque Terre), just reverse the Cinque Terre itinerary.

Day 1: Monterosso al Mare
Day 2: Corniglia and Vernazza
Day 3: Manarola
Day 4: Riomaggiore

Cinque Terre Itinerary: Things to Do in Cinque Terre

Itinerary day 1: riomaggiore.

The first stop on our Cinque Terre itinerary is Riomaggiore, the first village you’ll find if you’re coming from La Spezia.

You can choose to hike or take the Cinque Terre Express train to get around Cinque Terre: it only takes 4-6 minutes to get from one village to another. Scroll to the end of this Cinque Terre itinerary for more details on how to get around Cinque Terre.

cinque terre express train - how to get around cinque terre

In my opinion, Riomaggiore has the most romantic setting. Despite having the biggest population, it feels surprisingly tiny. After you leave the train station, head straight to the waterfront as that is the most picturesque part of Riomaggiore.

Snap photos of the pastel-colored buildings, sit on the steps with a gelato in hand, or meander all the way up the slopes to the left of the harbor (when facing the sea) for the best views. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also cliff jump from here.

Then walk all the way up to the higher end of Riomaggiore where the beautiful Church of San Giovanni Battista stands and enjoy the panoramic views. Alternatively, sign up for this 3-hour food and wine tour in Riomaggiore to delve deep into the culinary scene here and try some of the best Italian food in Cinque Terre.

the first stop on our cinque terre itinerary - riomaggiore

A Pie’ de Ma’ — Simple and traditional, this rustic restaurant has a romantic ambiance. You can also enjoy aperitifs and wine while you watch the sunset behind the cliffs.
Dau Cila —Dishing up Liguarian classics, this Michelin-starred restaurant is one of the most respected places in Cinque Terre. We had the best meal on this trip here. Definitely book a table in advance!
Trattoria La Grotta — This family-run restaurant serves fresh-from-the-sea dishes and high quality local produce. Don’t miss the anchovies and steak tartare.

fresh pasta with shrimps - 4 days in cinque terre

Itinerary Day 2: Manarola

For me, this is hands down the most beautiful town in Cinque Terre. If you’ve seen a photo from Cinque Terre, it was probably taken here. 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.

I recommend staying in Manarola, so you can spend your evenings sitting on one of the benches overlooking the waterfront. You’ll have the whole place to yourself!

The town’s train station is located on the flat part of town, surrounded by shops, gelato stalls, and restaurants. Take your time to admire the narrow alleys and piazza before continuing towards the waterfront.

Follow the coastal loop that brings you up to Nessun Dorma , the most famous restaurant/bar in Cinque Terre, before ending at Punta Bonfiglio . It’s a short uphill hike, with fabulous views and a playground. In the evenings, many locals and tourists gather here to catch sunset.

Manarola is most famous for wine production. You can even hike up to the grapevines on the slopes above the town. Sign up for this wine tasting tour to sample wine made in Manarola and visit its vineyards.

itinerary cinque terre - swimming by the harbor in manarola

Il Porticciolo — A hot favorite in Cinque Terre, this seafood restaurant has a great selection of pasta dishes and to-die-for desserts. Highly recommend the tagliatelle frutti di mare, one of the best dishes to try in Italy .
Ristorante Marina Piccola — This is my favorite restaurant on this list, with perfect views of the sunset and flavorful wine wine mussels.
Nessun Dorma — Perched on the waterfront hills above Manarola, this cafe is probably the most famous in Cinque Terre. It has an open terrace with literally the best views in Manarola. Sadly they don’t take reservations and lines to dine here are long.

view from nessun dorma - things to do in cinque terre

Itinerary Day 3: Corniglia and Vernazza

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 of Scalinata Lardarina to get there from the train station. There’s also a free bus that will bring you up, but it’s often crowded.

For most, Corniglia lacks the coastal appeal that draws so many to Cinque Terre. But that also means it i s the most authentic and least crowded of them all , and prices of hotels are the most reasonable here.

corniglia - one of the least popular cinque terre towns

Corniglia is the smallest of the Cinque Terre towns, characterized by tangled alleys, hilly terraces and bohemian cafes. This is the most authentic town with the least tourists.

Have an Aperol Spritz at one of its many outdoor bars, scour the vintages stores or visit the Oratorio dei Disciplinati di Santa Caterina church . For the best views, hike up to Santa Maria panoramic terrace and see the whole town from above.

cafes in corniglia, one of the five cinque terre villages

From Corniglia, catch the train over to Vernazza, centrally located in Cinque Terre. The main square is located right by the harbor, flanked by multi-hued buildings and dome-roofed chapels. I found this town to be the most crowded as it’s the hot favorite among travelers.

The town has a marina and a small beach where you can catch a boat or take a dip in. Visit Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church by the beach before climbing up the steps to the watch tower of Doria Castle for panoramic views of Vernazza.

Il Pirun — This is a small, slightly hidden enoteca that serves delicious, local fare with dishes such as fried anchovies, gnocchi con pesto , paccherri pasta with shrimp and zucchini, spaghetti and mussels.
Il Pirata — A local fixture, Il Pirata is run by two Sicilian brothers. Food is authentic and delicious: think bruschetta with pesto, baked calzoni, sausage rolls, arancini , panini and many other baked specialties.
Vernazza Winexperience — If you’re keen to go wine tasting, this is the best spot in Vernaaza. The location will blow you away, as this patio deck sits a couple of hundred feet above a pounding surf. Enjoy local cheese, sip locally produced wine and take in the breathtaking views.

view of vernazza from tower - one of the best things to do in cinque terre

Itinerary Day 4: Monterosso al Mare

On your last day in Cinque Terre, I recommend hitting the trails to experience the backcountry of Cinque Terre and get a sense of how people used to get from one village to another.

The hike from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza (2hours) is considered one of the most difficult sections of the famous Trail #2: Blue Trail (or Sentiero Azzurro) due to the uphill walks – but it’s also considered one of the most rewarding, particularly the views of Vernazza from above.

After your hike, reward yourself with a refreshing dip at the beach. Monterosso al Mare (commonly shortened to Monterosso) is the best town in Cinque Terre for beach lovers and families. It is the only village that has a proper strip of beach, which was beautiful and surprisingly empty during our visit in May.

From the beach, walk into the old town and visit the famous Church of San Francesco , then continue wandering through the maze-like alleys filled with produce shops, restaurants and souvenir stands. Take the back streets such as Via Zuecca, Via Gioberti, Via Milite Ignoto and Via Buranco.

Be sure to eat here as Monterosso has the best restaurants! If you’re not in a post-lunch coma yet, sign up for a kayaking tour of Cinque Terre . Monterosso is the best place to do this.

top things to do in cinque terre - beach at monterosso

L’Osteria — One of the most famous restaurants in Cinque Terre, this place has huge portions of fresh pasta and seafood. Don’t miss the walnut ravioli pansotti!
Gastronomia San Martino — We stumbled upon this small, unpretentious diner along a narrow alley and were surprised to find outrageously good food! I had the best lasagna of my life here, as well as ravioli and clams.
L’Ancora della Tortuga — Excellent place for fine dining next to the sea! This is definitely the place to go if you’re celebrating something special, or simply because you want to spoil yourself.

fresh seafood - famous in italy cinque terre

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

Refer to my post on the best Cinque Terre hotels for detailed descriptions. Here is a rough list:

Who should stay here? Honeymooners looking for an extra bit of romance. Riomaggiore is very small and has a more chilled-out atmosphere. It is also the closest town to the gateway La Spezia.

Budget: L’Arcobaleno Affittacamere
Midrange: Agave Room Rental
Luxury: Crêuza De Mä

wandering around riomaggiore - cinque terre italy

Who should stay here? Photographers or those who want to have the best photos should stay here, so they can spend their evenings taking timelapse images of Manarola’s harbor without crowds.

Budget: Cà de Angelo
Midrange: Luxury Apartment Manarola
Luxury: La Toretta Lodge

how many days in cinque terre - manarola

Who should stay here? Corniglia is the least popular village, but it is also the most authentic and least crowded of them all. Those looking to experience Cinque Terre without the crowds should stay here.

Budget: Affittacamere La Torre
Midrange: La Torre Apartments
Luxury: Attic Outstanding View

Who should stay here? The best section of the popular Blue Trail that connects all 5 villages passes through here. I recommend hikers to stay here. The town has a marina and a small beach where you can catch a boat or take a dip in.

Budget: Affittacamere Tonino Basso
Midrange: Hotel Gianni Franzi
Luxury: Tedea Apartment

visiting cinque terre - vernazza from above

Who should stay here? Monterosso al Mare (commonly shortened to Monterosso) is the best Cinque Terre town for beach bums and families . It is the only village that has a proper strip of beach, and the village with the least steps and slopes. It also has the widest range of accommodation choices.

Budget: La Casa sul Mare – Monterosso
Midrange: Hotel Villa Adriana
Luxury: Hotel Porto Roca

Alternatives Outside of Cinque Terre

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. You can easily travel to Cinque Terre on day trips from there.

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 best hotels in Cinque Terre.

La Spezia is the best place to stay near Cinque Terre for the budget conscious. 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.

Budget: Lia Apartment
Midrange: Affittacamere Casa Dane’
Luxury: Hotel Firenze e Continentale

la spezia - best place 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.

Budget: Creuza de Legnà
Midrange: The Hotel Nazionale
Luxury: Al Terra di Mare

levanto - best place to stay near cinque terre

How Much Does this Cinque Terre Itinerary Cost?

Cinque Terre is not a cheap destination in comparison to the rest of Italy, especially in high season. However, it is still affordable for many and that’s why the crowds keep pouring in.

Expect to pay around $150-250/night for a midrange hotel or apartment in Cinque Terre. Food is affordable in simple taverns and cafes, with meals around $8-15. But seafood restaurants are of course more expensive, with a fried seafood platter for around $20-30.

If you’re just doing a day tour from Florence to Cinque Terre , then expect to spend around US$100-150 for the day tour.

What We Spent in Cinque Terre (per person* )

Flights — $150 for return flights to Florence from Amsterdam
Car rental — $180 for 5-day rental
Train pass — $60 for 4-day train passes
Accommodation — $500 for 4 nights
Meals — $180
Boat tour — $110

TOTAL: $1180

*Note that the prices are based on per person. Car rental and hotels are cheaper when split between two.

How to Get Around Cinque Terre

There are a few ways to get around Cinque Terre. Here’s an overview, comparing the amount of time to get from one village to another via different transport modes. I will elaborate on each transport mode below.

Visiting Cinque Terre by train is the best way to visit the five villages. The Cinque Terre Express train is regular, fast and efficient, taking only minutes to get from one village to another.

The train runs daily every few minutes and it’s very easy to navigate. A single ticket costs € 4 per adult and € 2 for kids below 12 years old. You can get the ticket at the train station or on the Trenitalia app.

But if you plan to take more than four trains in a day or go hiking, the best option is the Cinque Terre train card . You can buy it at the stations. It includes unlimited train rides and access to the hiking trails. It lasts one day (16 €) or two days (29 €).

I would not recommend driving around Cinque Terre due to the lack of parking space and proper roads. The Cinque Terre villages are mostly pedestrianized with very few roads.

We drove to Cinque Terre, but parked our car there and explored the villages by train instead. We booked a hotel in Cinque Terre that had a parking garage, but the garage was located at the main entrance of town (near the highway), a 15-min steep walk from the apartment. It cost 15euros/day.

An alternative is to park your car near the train station in La Spezia or Levanto (closest town to Cinque Terre and just a 10-min train ride away).

Visiting Cinque Terre by boat is another option, especially for those who want to get away from the crowds. But the boats only operate from April 1 to November 1, 2020.

The boats depart from La Spezia and visit Portovenere, Levanto and the five Cinque Terre towns. An unlimited ticket for 1 day in the Cinque Terre costs 27 €. Tickets are sold only on the spot and only for the current day. Check the boat schedule here.

A network of hiking trails weave their way along the coast and up the hills overlooking the Cinque Terre villages. For centuries, they were the only way to get between the Cinque Terre villages .

They still are the best way to get around Cinque Terre, though the trails are often packed with tourists these days. Skip to the next section for more details on how to go hiking in Cinque Terre.

hiking cinque terre - things to do in cinque terre

Hiking in Cinque Terre doesn’t require a high level of fitness, but you do need to have comfortable walking shoes. (Hiking in flip flops is prohibited here.)

To walk the trails, you will need to buy the Cinque Terre Trekking Card , which is slightly different from the train card. It is cheaper, at €7.50 for one day or €14.50 for two days. But it does not include unlimited train rides.

The most popular (and busiest) hiking trail in Cinque Terre is Trail #2: the Sentiero Azzurro, or “Blue Trail” . It is made up of four individual paths along the coast that brings you to all five villages. You can walk the entire route in about six hours —although many prefer to spread the route out over a few days.

Cinque Terre Hikes and Distances:

Riomaggiore – Manarola: 1.2 miles (2km); 40 minutes to walk.
Manarola – Corniglia: 1.2 miles (2km); 1 hour 15 minutes to walk.
Corniglia – Vernazza: 2 miles (4km); 1 hour 45 minutes to walk
Vernazza – Monterosso: 1.8 miles (3km); 2 hours to walk (most difficult!)

hiking in cinque terre - top things to do in cinque terre

Combining this Cinque Terre Itinerary with Other Parts of Italy

With the ease of train travel, it’s convenient to visit other parts of Italy from Cinque Terre. If you want to tag on more days to this Cinque Terre itinerary, I recommend going to Tuscany, Lombardy or Emilia Romagna which are all within a 4-hour train ride from Cinque Terre.

Here is a table I created with the distance and time taken to get to other parts of Italy from Cinque Terre. If you don’t mind traveling further, consider doing a Puglia road trip which will bring you to a spectacular but less-visited part of the country.

Below are some sample itineraries that you can add on to your Cinque Terre trip.

This Tuscan itinerary is perfect for those who want to explore the backcountry of Italy. You’ll spend your time wandering through little rural villages, wine tasting and eating cheese at farms, and staying in townhouses made for the romantic at heart. I did this itinerary on my first ever trip to Italy 15 years ago and I fell in love!

2 days in Florence
1 day in Siena
1 day driving Val d’Orcia
1 day in Pisa

For those who have been to Italy and are seeking new alternatives, visit the fashion capital Milan and then spend your days lounging at Lake Como in the company of celebrities and millionaires. If this is good enough for George Clooney, it sure is good enough for me.

2 days in Milan
2 days in Bergamo
3 days in Lake Como (visit Como, Bellagio, Varenna)

Food lovers and active trekkers might be interested in this lesser-known region of Italy. I combined my Cinque Terre trip with a hike on the Path of Gods (from Bologna to Florence) and absolutely loved it. Emilia-Romagna is a beautiful province and is famous for the regional foods and picturesque landscapes.

2 days in Bologna
1 day in Parma and Modena
3 days hiking in the Apennines
2 days in Ravenna

With that, I ending this Cinque Terre itinerary with a thank you note. Thanks for reading all the way! I hope you’ve found this Cinque Terre itinerary useful. If you have any questions for me, leave them in the comments field below.

Inspired? Pin it!

cinque terre itinerary - things to do in cinque terre - 4 days in cinque terre

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Over the years (and traveling to 140+ countries), I’ve learned a thing or two about travel planning. I’ve put together this list of travel resources that I personally use to find the best deals and book travel! For more details, check out my travel tips resource page .

Booking Flights : Kayak is brilliant for finding the best dates to fly as it allows you to search for the lowest airfares within a 3-day period. Then I use Skyscanner as they’ve consistently given me the lowest airfares.
Accommodations: I always use Booking.com to book hotels, mainly because of the flexible cancellation policy and good customer service. You can also find short-term rental apartments there (I prefer not to use Airbnb due to the extra charges).
Travel Insurance: It’s important to have travel insurance, regardless of whether you’re traveling for a few days or months. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers any healthcare expenses I may have worldwide. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
Health Advice: I always refer to the travel guides on the CDC website for recommended medications and vaccines. You can get them at your travel doctor’s office or a walk-in pharmacy.
Tours: If you’re looking for all-encompassing tours, I recommend small-group adventure tour outfitter, G Adventures . I’ve traveled with them to Antarctica, Mongolia, Svalbard, and Nepal, and loved every single trip. For day tours, I always book with Viator and GetYourGuide ; they have easy booking systems and free cancellations.
Car Rental: I always book car rentals on Discover Cars , as they’ve consistently given us the best rates and customer service (with free cancellations). We’ve used them in Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Peru, and Mexico.
Transportation : Whenever possible, I book local transportation online using Bookaway and Busbud . They’re more reliable than many local transport websites and cover trains, buses, and car hire.
Restaurants: TripAdvisor is my go-to resource for restaurant reviews and bookings. I also make restaurant reservations on OpenTable .
Travel WiFi: I always travel with my Travel WiFi Sapphire 2 device; it’s the most convenient way to get internet data on the go. Instead of getting a local SIM card in every country I travel, I get an internet data package online and the device works immediately when I land.

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. She is a book author and Lonely Planet guidebook writer. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Follow her travels on her Facebook and Instagram .

10 Excellent Restaurants in Cinque Terre

Heading to Cinque Terre? You're guaranteed to eat well in these ten restaurants.

While restaurants in Cinque Terre abound, the status of the “five towns” as a tourism darling renders it a tricky place to eat. The UNESCO-protected national park in Liguria , the coastal region of northwest Italy between Tuscany and the French Riviera, comprises five pastel fishing villages nestled into the cliffs, all connected by hiking trails, trains, and long and winding roads. The stunning backdrop served as the inspiration for the Disney and Pixar film Luca .

Upon arrival, you find yourself enchanted by a sea that sparkles with shades of aquamarine, turquoise, teal, and emerald, extending all the way to the azure sky on the horizon. Given all the fish swimming in that vast blue expanse, you would think it's a sure bet that you'll be feasting on local seafood. Yet, this is where eating gets tricky — in an effort to keep costs down, several restaurants in Cinque Terre purchase frozen seafood from China and Ethiopia and pawn it off as straight from the Mediterranean. This is unfortunate considering that the waters of Monterosso teem with anchovies, the silvery swimmers nicknamed pan du ma (bread of the sea). So, there’s that.

Plus, you arrive in Liguria with the idea of digging into a big bowlful of pesto pasta front of mind, then you find yourself intrigued by restaurants offering up inventiveness alongside the Ligurian classics . Alas, you're torn between satisfying your craving (that glorious trenette al pesto !) or dabbling with adventure.

So, on that note, here’s a list of restaurants in Cinque Terre (and one beyond). You're either going to love or hate me for compiling this when you find yourself struggling to narrow down your choice as you contemplate the menu at any of these spots. I’ve been spending a good part of my summers in this craggy, turquoise haven since 2015, so I know you’ll eat well at these 10 establishments.

The restaurants are listed in no particular order. They simply start in Monterosso and end in Riomaggiore. The last one is just a little further afoot in Framura. Lastly, I just want to clarify that if a restaurant isn't on this list, it doesn't necessarily mean it serves seafood from afar; it could just mean I haven't been there yet or it's not on my radar.

1. Ristorante Miky, Monterosso A Monterosso mainstay, Ristorante Miky has been serving some of the five towns' finest, most flavorful seafood-centric fare since 1980. Chef Miky De Fina works the kitchen while his wife Simonetta and daughter Sara oversee the dining room. Located in Monterosso's New Town, the restaurant offers passers-by a glimpse of the day’s catch in a sawn-off-ship-turned-ice-bed outside, which empties out as the day goes on. It’s impossible to order wrong here, but you'd be remiss to pass up the L'Acciugata alla Monterossina, an anchovy spaghetti preparation. De Fina's homage to Monterosso, the dish evokes his childhood memories, from the fishing boats arriving on the shore to the terraces covered with caper plants to the wind-blown olive trees. Follow it with the salt-baked whole fish, which changes according to market availability. website

Image may contain: Spaghetti, Food, and Pasta

L'Acciugata alla Monterossina, photo: Ristorante Miky

2. La Cantina di Miky, Monterosso The sister restaurant to Miky overseen by De Fina's son Manuel and his wife Christine, La Catina di Miky, also located in the New Town, is pure joy. The flavorful cuisine ranges from classics like pasta al pesto and their own version of spaghetti all'acciugata coupled with ever-changing innovative dishes like spinach bavette with a tartare of purple shrimp from Santa Margherita Ligure (a town near Portofino), mantis shrimp broth, and hazelnuts from the nearby town of Chiaveri, a Slow Food product. Kick off the meal aperitivo-style with the anchovy tasting, a sampler presenting the fish six ways — lemon-cured, in carpione (pickled), salted with butter, fried, grilled, and stuffed — alongside one of the cocktails, such as the KM0 with Gin Onde (made with botanicals from Cinque Terre collected by hand), egg white, local lemons, and Basil di Prà DOP before moving on to one of the options from the wine and beer list, which showcases dozens of local producers. website

Image may contain: Food, Lunch, Meal, and Dish

Grilled local octopus, cream of local potatoes from Pignone and Tuscan saffron, “pesto” of green radicchio from Monterosso, local Chioggia marinated in local citrus, and pancetta crumble. Photo: Cantina di Miky

3. Agriturismo Missanega, Monterosso This hilltop garden of Eden reveals a more rustic side of Cinque Terre, one that’s higher up and further inland. Agriturismo Missanega is the realized dream of owners Alessandro Rossignoli and Daniele Betta who, along with their wives Francesca and Tatiana respectively, have curated one of the five towns’ most heartfelt destinations. If you’re not staying in one of the five rooms, just catch the hourly shuttle from Monterosso to head up into the hills for a meal. The menu showcases the organic garden's bounty in dishes like pappardelle with leeks and sausage from Pignone, an inland province around seven miles away, and gnocchetti with baccalà, Taggiasca olives , cherry tomato confit, and toasted pine nuts. Don’t leave without treating yourself to a bottle of the exceptional DOP olive oil and/or a jar of lemon confiture. Plus, the view will leave you breathless. website

Image may contain: Food, Dish, Meal, Cutlery, Fork, and Plant

Gnocchetti with baccalà, Taggiasca olives, cherry tomato confit and toasted pine nuts, photo: Agriturismo Missanega

4. Causa Persa, Monterosso Though its name translates to “lost cause,” Causa Persa's vision couldn't be more precise. Located in the Old Town's Piazza Garibaldi, Causa Persa is a newer addition to the Cinque Terre dining scene, having opened in August 2020. Chef Paolo Sanvitale’s innovative menu draws inspiration from Italian classics, which he then juxtaposes with a Monterissino flair. Dishes include mussels alla pizzaiola , a classic Campania preparation, and bottoni stuffed with cacio e pepe topped with caramotte shrimp crudo and finished with the shrimp broth. It's so ridiculously delicious, I had to restrain myself from ordering a second helping. Request a bottle of the Selvadolce Crescendo, a bright and sunny white wine made from the Pigato grape, to sip alongside the meal. website

Cacio e pepe–filled bottoni with caramotte shrimp crudo and their broth. photo: Jaclyn DeGiorgio

5. L’ancora della Tortuga, Monterosso Located in a World War II bunker nestled into the cliffside, L’ancora della Tortuga has a sea view that's the perfect backdrop for the traditional Ligurian fare. The seven-course tasting costs €35 (about $41 US), otherwise, order à la carte — the spaghettini with anchovies is always a win. Should you be feeling carnivorous, the restaurant has a generous selection of meat, including a beef filet with lardo di Colonnata. website

Image may contain: Spaghetti, Food, Pasta, Dish, Meal, and Noodle

Spaghetti is mixed with anchovies, capers, cherry tomatoes, and garlic bread crumbs. Photo: Jaclyn DeGiorgio

6. Osteria a Cantina de Mananan, Corniglia This charming 20-seat spot justifies the 382 stair-climb from the train to the town. The menu includes plenty of fish specialties, but you’ll also find dishes that reflect Ligurian's inland traditions like pansotti (ravioli filled with greens and cheese) with walnut sauce , testaroli al pesto, and Ligurian-style rabbit. Bring cash; Corniglia’s sole ATM machine is usually empty, so don't bank on withdrawing when you're in town. Facebook

7. Da Aristide, Manarola Located beside the fabled Via dell’Amore, Da Aristide is 57 years young. At this family-run institution, Grazia Andreotti is the padrone della casa , and her cuisine reflects downright good and flavorful casalinga-style cooking. The house-made pasta is excellent when coupled with fish, and preparations of note include frutti di mare with tagliatelle, spaghetti with squid ink, cuttlefish, tomatoes, and lemon zest, and a top-notch fritto misto. Facebook

Image may contain: Animal, Seafood, Food, Sea Life, Lobster, Spaghetti, Pasta, and Plant

Spaghetti ai muscoli (cozze) alla Spezzina (Spaghetti with mussels from La Spezia) photo: Da Aristide

8. Rio Bistrot, Riomaggiore Book a table on Rio Bistrot's terrace. It overlooks the town’s quaint harbor and you feel like you've been transported to another era. Just you, the sea, occasional passersby, and chef Luca Tonelli’s bold seafood-based cuisine. Think succulent scampi and spaghetti with pistachio pesto, almonds, calamari, and plankton bread crumbs while sipping one of the wines on the list curated by owner Manuel Germani, who’s also the man behind the top-notch service. Facebook

Image may contain: Food, Pasta, Plant, Dessert, Ice Cream, Creme, and Cream

Raw scampi gel with mandarin and burnt onion; Popcorn-crusted shrimp Jerusalem artichoke and licorice sauce; Sea bass with chickpea mayonnaise, mashed potatoes with red turnips; Cuttlefish 58 ° pea cream with peanuts and hazelnuts; Calamarata pistachio pesto with squid and bread crumbs; peach bread and red wine, photos: Rio Bistrot

9. Fuori Rotta, Riomaggiore Cinque Terre's newest restaurant, Fuori Rotta in Riomaggiore, boasts excellent Mediterranean fare infused with a touch of creativity. Guests can choose a five-course tasting menu for 40€ ($48 US) or opt to order à la carte. In addition to seafood dishes like shellfish and ricotta-stuffed squid with fresh tomato coulis, burrata, and basil, and calamarata with garlic, oil, chili, and local shrimp cruditè, the menu dips inland as well, presenting meat-centric dishes like spaghetti alla chitarra with white rabbit ragout with pecorino fondue and Cinta Senese (boar) with panissa (chickpea fritters), fontina, and its jus. website

Image may contain: Animal, Seafood, Food, Sea Life, Lobster, and Plant

Triglia with mashed potatoes from Pignone, Taggiasca olive cream, and sautéed baby spinach. Photo: Christine Mitchell

A little further afield (but vale la pena!):

10. Agave, Framura East of the Cinque Terre, Framura lies just three stops from Monterosso on the local train — no schlepping necessary as Agave is just a short walk from the station. Owned by Marco Rezzano, a sommelier who happens to be the Presidente dell’Enoteca Regionale della Liguria, the restaurant is known for a wine list that touts the vines of Liguria . I had no idea the town of Sestri Levante produced metodo classico wines (sparklers made via the Champagne method) until I tasted the Baia delle Favole here. The excellent fish-centric menu usually has no more than three appetizers, first courses, and entrees, and changes almost daily, though the fritto misto is a mainstay. It’s served with an apple cider vinegar reduction that happens to be my favorite dipping sauce of all time. Dinner’s great, but lunch is especially exquisite as the view of the ever-blue Mediterranean and crystal clear harbor stuns. website

Image may contain: Food, Dish, Meal, Pasta, and Macaroni

Fiorellini with mussels and saffron, photo: Jaclyn DeGiorgio

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Restaurants in Liguria With a View

Liguria Travel Dispatch

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The Discreet Wines of Liguria

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Ligurian-Style Stuffed Anchovies

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Panissa aka Ligurian Chickpea Fritters

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Staying in corniglia: my favorite cinque terre town.

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Cinque Terre isn’t one place. This famous destination consists of five small villages located on the rugged Italy coast. These cliffs overlook the aqua Ligurian sea as if hiding out from the modern world. In Cinque Terre, you’ll find pesto, hikes, sea food, and charm.

So, unsurprisingly, these rainbow-splashed towns are immensely popular with both tourists and locals alike.

Now, to tell you the truth, I thought a lot of the tourists were quite … unthoughtful toward the fragile surroundings of Cinque Terre. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one destination where I saw the sad reality of “over tourism” in action.

However, I don’t want to spend this post preaching at you. Furthermore, these five villages need tourism to survive considering just how many small B&Bs, tour companies, and restaurants rely on vacationers’ incomes to stay afloat.

Ultimately I wanted to see Cinque Terre, to experience all those gorgeous photos that I had previously seen on Conde Nast, but I still wanted to avoid the crowds if possible.

So I chose to stay in the most remote village out of the five: Corniglia.

And, guys? Staying in Corniglia was an amazing experience.

A. Maz. Ing.

Corniglia was the perfect choice for me because the village fit my own “laid back” style of traveling. It was by far the best spot for traveling Cinque Terre alone.

Not to mention, staying in Corniglia made me feel like a Romantic poet taking a European Grand Tour. In the evenings, I was even inspired me to do some creative writing.

I highly, highly, highly recommending staying in Corniglia if you’re coming to the coastal area of Liguria, even though climbing the stairs to this town is … rather rough on the legs. Prepare for a work out!

homes in corniglia are colorful and beautiful

Table of Contents

Why I Loved Staying in Corniglia

Haha, to tell you the truth, I loved Corniglia so much that I wanted to dedicate an entire post to the town’s most attractive qualities.

Corniglia was a relaxing and peaceful place for spending two days in Cinque Terre – especially after a hectic day of sightseeing among all the tourists.

Below, are the main reasons that I chose this village for my base.

Read on to find out if Corniglia is perfect for your own Italian adventure! Brighter days ahead!

Corniglia is SMALL

Corniglia’s size was an absolute blessing for me.

How small is Corniglia? Well. Only about 150 people reside here. As someone from hectic New Jersey, I’m always shocked that such small populations exist!

By staying in Corniglia, I would wake up early in the morning, walk the hush narrow lanes, listen to the birds, and see the delivery men drop off the produce for the day.

Corniglia was cozy. Safe.

I especially recommend Corgnilia for solo female travelers in Italy who might feel a bit nervous about visiting the country for the first time. Corniglia’s “pocket size” will make you feel right at home.

The Sea Views are Spectacular

Corniglia is the only village in the Cinque Terre not located directly on the sea.

In other parts of the Cinque Terre, such as Monerosso al Mare, you’re able to dedicate plenty of time for chilling on the beaches. And sure, this is a great option in the summer. I promise I’m not belittling the beach.

However, Corniglia has the prettiest views of the sea, because you’re high in the cliffs. I was fine not having the beach in exchange for the perfect blue and distant waters that I saw out of my window every evening.

Not as Many Tourists in Town

To make things even better, due to the town’s limited size, not nearly as many tourists stayed here as the neighboring villages.

Personally, I advocate for staying in the Cinque Terre villages rather than Genoa or La Spezia. The late afternoons are gloriously empty as the day trippers return to their big hotels in much bigger cities. You’re only able to enjoy the quiet later in the day.

And Corniglia? Was the most peaceful place of all.

I would have never guessed I was in a major tourist destination as soon as dinnertime struck the clocks.

Location, Location, Location

Corniglia is smack in the middle of the Cinque Terre.

I mean that literally.

Two towns located on either side of Corniglia.

Corniglia’s prime location makes it easy to split up your visit, especially if you’re a leisurely traveler and staying in the area for more than one day. As for me, I spent my first day exploring Vernazza and Monerosso al Mare and my second day seeing Manarola and Riomaggoire.

Believe me, I was a busy lady. Staying in Corniglia helped me effectively sightsee without too much trouble. … except for the crowded trains. We won’t talk about that.

You’ll Feel Like a Local

Last but not least, you’ll feel like you’re part of the social fabric staying in Corniglia.

Now, I know saying that “you feel like a local” is a cliche phrase that travelers love to throw around when they stay in small rural areas. I get it. Travel blogger use this phrase a lot.

But it’s so true!

Since Corniglia’s so small, you’re bound to strike up a conversation with local residents. I traveled alone and had casual chats at the cafe all the time.

Tips for Staying in Corniglia

I want you guys to enjoy Corniglia as much as I did.

So I have a few suggestions for staying in Corniglia that I also included in this post. I feel like every region in Italy is so different and should be handled as separate countries if that makes sense.

Bring Your Best Walking Shoes

You’ll walk a lot in Corniglia. A lot.

If you’re brave, you’ll take the stairs from the small station to the town. A bus also runs between the town and train station on a regular basis, but I guarantee you’ll be doing some walking even if you take advantage of public transportation.

Merrell makes my favorite hiking shoes in the world. They are well-made and comfortable and will last you years. Highly recommend bringing a pair to Corniglia so you’re able to enjoy all the epic walks without any of the blisters!

Oh, and you may want to bring comfortable moisture wicking socks to keep your feet safe.

staying in corniglia italy and enjoying a meal

Stay in a Family-Run Bed and Breakfast

Honestly, you don’t have much of a choice except staying in a small bed and breakfast in Corniglia. Like I said, no big hotels exist in Corniglia.

If you’re a five star luxury traveler, you need to be prepared to adjust your expectations, but I personally think the accommodation here is delightful and warm.

Not to mention, by staying in a small family-run place, you’ll have a chance to truly feel like you’re part of the community.

My host family was so insanely kind to me on my visit to Corniglia. They gave me tons of tips, made sure I had a hearty breakfast early in the day, and offered their own suggestions for the area. They even gave me free water so I wouldn’t feel too thirsty!!

I know I said this a bunch of times, but feel the words bear repeating: I traveled alone to Cinque Terre, but I never once felt isolated.

staying in corniglia with views of the sea

Brush Up on Your Italian Speaking Skills

Corniglia attracts a lot of travelers, especially during the mid-afternoon. You’ll encounter plenty of English speakers.

However, I think it’s always polite to learn a few snippets of the local language. Speaking some Italian will set you apart from everyone else. Not to mention, who doesn’t love learning new languages?

Don’t forget to practice and learn a couple of words.

Wake Up Early or Explore Late

I know I mentioned that mid-afternoons are rough when it comes to tourist crowds. Luckily, it’s possible to entirely avoid these groups if you play your cards right.

I recommend waking up early in the morning for breakfast and strolling through Corniglia at its most serene. You won’t feel like you’re in one of the most popular regions in all of Italy!

At this point, I want to make a note to say that no major attractions exist in Corniglia. Sure, you can walk and see Scalinata Lardarina , which is the staircase with pararomic sea views, as well as reflect on life inside Chiesa Di San Pietro , which is the town’s small chapel.

But the beauty of Corniglia comes with just … existing, taking in all sounds and smells, and going slow through the small streets. No rushing.

Still bring your guidebook , though! You’ll want to do research on places to eat and stay, after all.

Corniglia Accommodation

I want to reiterate that you shouldn’t expect lavish hotels in Corniglia.

Actually, I don’t think Corniglia has any chain hotels. I personally love this about the town!

Below, I’ve included some recommendations to help you plan your trip!! Have a great time.

Places to Stay in Corniglia

Bed and Breakfast Le Terrazze: A charming guesthouse that is located only 9 minutes from Corniglia’s train station! Perfect location! (from TripAdvisor.com or Booking.com ).
il Magàn: Located 1 km from Corniglia, this guesthouse has a path that goes down to a marina that overlooks the Ligurian Sea. (from TripAdvisor.com or Booking.com ).
Sandra Villa Rooms: Small renovated rooms in a rustic building. (from TripAdvisor.com or Booking.com ).

staying in corniglia for gorgeous gelato

I hope you enjoyed reading about staying in Corniglia Italy. Definitely consider this gorgeous village on your next visit! What are your favorite places in Italy?

staying in corniglia | staying in corniglia italy | what to do in corniglia | corniglia cinque terre

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

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On Location: How Disney and Pixar’s ‘Luca’ Recreated the Iconic Cinque Terre

By Meredith Carey

Disney and Pixar's 'Luca' Recreated Spots on the Italian Riviera

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you've been missing the Italian coast —any part of the nearly 5,000 miles of stunning Mediterranean coastline—you'll want to mark June 18 on your calendar. It's the day Luca , Disney and Pixar's latest release, set in a fictional town in the Italian Riviera, hits Disney+. The story follows two teenage sea monsters who magically appear human when they dry off and explore Pontorosso, a fictional animated town created using “the best parts of every one of the five real towns” in Cinque Terre, says production designer Daniela Strijleva. It's a love letter to the Liguria region, highlighting the iconic colors, food, and architecture that makes Cinque Terre a must-visit for so many travelers.

We sat down with Strijleva to hear all about her scouting trips to the region with the movie's director, Genoa-born Enrico Casarosa, who grew up traveling to the rocky beaches of Cinque Terre and its surroundings. From the real life Italian towns that served as inspiration for Pontorosso's design to her favorite blink-and-you-miss-it details, here's the scoop on Luca.

Watch Luca on Disney+ starting June 18. All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The town you created, Portorosso, screams Cinque Terre from the moment it appears on screen. Had you visited the area before you were scouting for the movie?

No, the wonderful thing is I got to go with Enrico [Casarosa] for my first time. I got to learn the place through his eyes. He had been going there since he was a kid and we got to watch him almost become a kid again, just diving in the water, being so happy and in his element.

On my first trip, in 2016, we were a little bit off-season. We went in the fall and already the colors and the water were changing. That trip was really rich in conversations with fishermen and other folks, taking in the towns, and we learned a lot. It was all about noticing the little details. They have these stone mosaics that are very particular to Liguria and in front of almost every church there's a mosaic, so we were capturing things like that and saying, we have to have that in our town square somewhere. So you'll see in front of our church, we have an homage to typical Ligurian mosaics.

I actually went back with my own family on a semi-vacation that August, where I was taking tons of photos in the summertime as well. You have to capture it when the sun is directly shining into the water in the summer, because the colors change [each season], and we had to capture that beautiful emerald green and blue of the water [in summer].

When I went back with my family, we stayed in Monterosso and I got to enjoy it a little bit more. But you know, sometimes I would be like, “You guys go enjoy the water, I'm gonna go climb this hill and take 5 billion photos of what vegetation grows here” or I’d spend time just taking photos of my feet with tiles so that I could remember their size. But it was amazing. I felt like I couldn’t make this movie without going in the season that we were filming.

On that first trip with Enrico, were there any aspects of Cinque Terre that you knew had to make it into the movie ?

We visited every single town in the Cinque Terre and we always knew that we weren't going to set it in one of the real towns. Our movie setting is an amalgam of that beautiful era, the ‘50s, ‘60s, but it's also a fictional town. And I have to tell you, after four years of building this town of Pontorosso, which is almost like the best parts of every one of the five real towns, I sometimes feel like this is a real place. Myself and our art director Don Shank, we’re like, that's a real street, this is a real piazza—but they’re all combinations of real places.

Of course, Vernazza is one of the most iconic places [in Cinque Terre] and the piazza in Portorosso is inspired by the Vernazza piazza, the geography of it. But there are so many other details. We loved Manarola , the way that it's kind of draped over the hills. And I have to say, in the spirit of our movie, I'm always like a fan of the underdog. I loved Corniglia, the middle town. Because of its geography—it doesn't have sea access and it's harder to get to—it's like the most preserved and, while they're all famous and full of tourists, it's a little bit more off the beaten track. It has a super, super tiny little town square with the church and just seeing like, three benches full of older folks sitting down, was super inspiring to us. They come out after dinner, and they sit down and just spend time there. It was just wonderful.

How did the real people of these towns play a role in your research?

A lot of our trips had to do with meeting the people that live there. We went on a fishing trip in both the Cinque Terre and Sicily to get to know these old, kind of grumpy fishermen and to learn about them and their fathers. Since this is a period film, we also wanted to know what it was like to grow up there and to be a kid in the ‘50s or ‘60s and what their fathers told them about going out to sea with more traditional boats.

Another highlight was obviously tasting the food, eating focaccia col formaggio, especially in Camogli . We went to a few other towns [outside of Cinque Terre] like Camogli. It's really beautiful even though it's a little more fancy and has bigger architecture. It inspired our film and our buildings a lot. We found some old ‘50s photos from Camogli and there are these buildings that are centered around the harbor of the town and they were one of the biggest inspirations for our buildings and colors.

The production design team took inspiration from Vernaza for Portorosso's fictional, waterfront piazza, seen here in concept art for the film.

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It seems like you had your eyes on half of Italy. How did you keep track of everything you wanted to incorporate into Luca ?

We come back with what feels like 20,000 photos between all of us. Now, I know them by heart and I would go back weekly and look through the photos [while we were designing.] Throughout three years of design, if I was working on a church, I go back and look at all the churches . So the system was really to be persistent and to study the material and to be selective about what makes this region so specific and different from the rest of Italy. I really do believe the same thing that Enrico said [before], which is that the more specific you make a place, the more true, the more believable it becomes to the audience. And when it's believable, then it becomes universal. So I think it's important to get across that it’s really of that place. It's not an amalgam of all of Italy, but it is inspired by the five towns in the Cinque Terre, this small region.

Color is obviously such a huge part of those towns. How did that play into the architecture that you built in Pontorosso?

From day one, we knew we had to capture the color . What we tried to do is make the palette a little bit more harmonious to be more like the ‘50s, so that it feels like it comes out of your memory or like you've stepped slightly into the past. But the buildings are still extremely colorful in the film, just like they are in real life. Italy, in general, is very strict about what colors you can use in a certain part of a town, and here, [in Cinque Terre], they are restricted to something like 10 colors. To this day, I don't know who the authority on that is. Who do you ask for permission to paint your house green, if you want that? But color played a huge role; we wanted to capture the vibrancy. It's also a very warm palette, and it speaks to summer. In filmmaking, putting a big shadow on a wall that has so much texture and life to it makes you feel like it's a hot day. So we really wanted the audience to experience visually what they're seeing, but also to feel with all their senses, almost like they can smell the sea, and part of that is through the vibrancy of the color.

Obviously so much of the film’s design pulls from Cinque Terre. Where else in Liguria inspired Luca’s design?

In the town of Riomaggiore [is part of Cinque Terre but] at the very end of the town, there's a mini-harbor where the boats pull up and there's an iconic red building on the edge of it. That was inspiration for Julia’s house, which is one of our important sets. They repaint that building, in real life, sometimes it's really bright red, sometimes it's a more subdued color.

There's another beautiful town, which is actually not one of the five but it's called Tellaro and it’s near La Spezia. It has similar architecture, and there's a beautiful octopus mosaic on the ground there and a little church, which were both really inspiring. Another stunning town is Porto Venere, which has a wall of buildings right against the water. The buildings sometimes are so narrow and tall, that they just have one set of windows. We actually went inside one of those houses, we met this wonderful woman who told us a lot about the history of the area. But each of these towns was a little gem that we pulled from.

Cinque Terre has, in recent years, faced overtourism problems . Was it hard during your trips to see through the crowds and imagine the Portorosso that you created?

We were able to study films, photos, and architecture from the ‘50s, which meant it wasn’t hard to see it [come to life] in the movie. It's not like we have to shoot on location. But we did have to imagine a bit what it used to be like, how they were quieter towns, and not completely overrun with tourists. But the towns themselves are very timeless. We were seeing pictures from the 1950s—and the same buildings are there. It's just that they're more colorful now and more maintained. And even the people, the old ladies in the piazza today, they look like they're from the 1950s. They're wearing the same style dresses, the same aprons, as the women in the photos from 70 years ago. In that way, I looked to a lot of the older folks there because I know they're the locals, they carry the traditions and the history of those towns. And while I hope that they don't get too overrun, they are beautiful to see and people should go.

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The most beautiful villages around Portofino and the Cinque Terre

Riomaggiore

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The New York Times

Travel | 36 Hours

1. The Path Less Traveled , 3 p.m.

2. Cliffside Cocktails , 6 p.m.

3. Fresh Catch , 9 p.m.

4. Good Morning , Vernazza, 9 a.m.

5. Fantastic Voyage , 10 a.m.

6. Island Lunch , 1 p.m.

7. Portovenere Products , 4 p.m.

8. Seaside Sips , 6 p.m.

9. Ligurian Kitchen , 9 p.m.

10. Beach Bliss , 9 a.m.

11. Local Lunch , Noon

12. Taste Test , 2 p.m.

Flying from your area .

More on NYTimes.com

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Cinque Terre Itinerary

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