The best town to stay in the Cinque Terre

One look at a photograph of Cinque Terre is usually enough to make travelers dream of visiting this spectacular corner of Italy. The name Cinque Terre means “five lands” in Italian, referring to the five colorful coastal villages that make up this famous destination. Once you decide to visit, another question quickly appears: which Cinque Terre village is the best place to stay?

This is a question I have considered many times, along with which village is my personal favorite. For me, the answer to both questions is the same: Vernazza.

However, each of the five villages has its own special charm. They are all small, beautiful, and connected by convenient train services, making it easy to explore the entire coastline no matter where you choose to base yourself. My biggest advice is not to spend too much time worrying about finding the “perfect” village. Every town offers something memorable.

That said, each village has a different atmosphere, and understanding their individual personalities can help you decide which one best matches your travel style.

I have included accommodation suggestions for the three villages where I have personally stayed, along with two additional options in La Spezia and Levanto for travelers who cannot find suitable accommodation inside Cinque Terre itself.

Wherever you decide to stay, make reservations as early as possible. The villages are small, the most desirable accommodations often disappear months ahead, and many properties require minimum stays during the busiest periods.

Riomaggiore

Best for:

Panoramic scenery

Sunset views

Delicious pizza

Located closest to La Spezia and Pisa, Riomaggiore is the first village visitors usually encounter when arriving in Cinque Terre from the south.

Some travelers describe Riomaggiore as a lively party destination, but based on my own stays there, I find it to be one of the quieter and more relaxed villages. The waterfront becomes lively around sunset, and the main street fills with outdoor restaurants during dinner hours, but the atmosphere usually becomes peaceful again later in the evening.

Although Riomaggiore is extremely charming, it does not always receive the same attention as famous favorites like Vernazza or Manarola. Personally, however, I think it is one of the best villages to stay in.

If you can find accommodation higher up the hillside with a balcony, you may wake up to breathtaking views of colorful houses, vineyards, olive terraces, and small boats drifting across the calm Ligurian Sea. Few experiences compare to starting the day surrounded by that scenery.

One of the best ways to enjoy Riomaggiore is to spend the late afternoon walking uphill to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montenero. The viewpoint offers incredible coastal panoramas and uninterrupted sunset views. Afterwards, you can walk back down through the vineyards while the village lights begin to sparkle below.

The walk is steep and requires some preparation. Make sure your phone has enough battery so you can use its flashlight on the way down if needed. End your evening with takeaway pizza from Kepris Pizzeria, which I consider one of the best pizza spots in all five villages.

Where to Stay in Riomaggiore

Cinqueterre Residence is located high above Riomaggiore, offering sweeping views over the village and the sea. Run by Davide and his family, the property pays attention to every detail.

Guests can enjoy a panoramic terrace, a relaxing hot tub, and breakfast outdoors in the morning. One particularly useful feature is the luggage lift from the village center, which saves you from carrying bags up the steep hillside.

The property has a four-night minimum stay, but this fits well with the ideal length of a Cinque Terre visit.

Manarola

Best for:

Food lovers

Beautiful viewpoints

Relaxing by the sea

If you have seen photographs of Cinque Terre before, there is a good chance you have seen Manarola. This village has become one of the most recognizable images of the region.

Travel writer Rick Steves once mentioned that Manarola was a place people overlooked until suddenly everyone wanted to visit. Today, much of its popularity comes from its reputation as a destination for food enthusiasts.

A major reason is Nessun Dorma, perhaps the most famous dining spot in Cinque Terre. Visitors often hear that they must eat there, and the recommendation is understandable. The menu is simple but excellent, featuring local favorites such as cheese, cured meats, and focaccia.

Because reservations are not accepted, visitors often wait in line, sometimes under the intense summer sun. At first, it may seem surprising given that the restaurant serves uncomplicated food. However, after experiencing their pesto-making class, I understood the attraction. The owner Simone’s passion for local ingredients and traditional preparation creates a truly special experience.

I would recommend visiting, although I personally would not wait longer than 30 minutes. Even better, consider joining the pesto-making workshop, which provides a guaranteed table with one of the best views in the restaurant.

Despite its beauty, Manarola would not be my first choice for accommodation. It is often among the most expensive villages, and because it is so compact, it is easy to visit without staying overnight.

The hiking route to Corniglia remains closed until at least 2029, but the famous Via dell’Amore path connecting Manarola and Riomaggiore has reopened. This is the easiest and flattest section of the Cinque Terre trails, taking around 20 minutes. Visitors now need timed reservations, which can actually benefit those staying in Manarola because early access may mean enjoying the route with fewer people.

Corniglia

Best for:

Authentic atmosphere

Excellent gelato

Peace and quiet

Longer stays

Many visitors skip Corniglia when exploring Cinque Terre. The main reason is its location. Unlike the other villages, Corniglia sits high above the sea, requiring either a shuttle bus ride or a climb of more than 350 steps from the train station.

Although this sounds inconvenient, I believe the effort is worthwhile. I personally prefer walking from the station because the route takes about 15 minutes and offers wonderful views.

Corniglia’s slightly difficult access is exactly what makes it special. Away from the busiest tourist crowds, it feels more authentic and peaceful than the other villages.

It is also home to what I believe is the best gelato in Cinque Terre. I personally tested this by spending an entire day visiting each village and trying the available gelato options.

However, Corniglia is not necessarily the best base for travelers with only a short amount of time. Its location means fewer trains stop there, and reaching the other villages requires more careful planning.

For longer stays and travelers seeking a slower, more traditional experience, Corniglia is an excellent choice. If you visit, be sure to stop at Alberto Gelateria for homemade gelato — and perhaps order more than one.

Vernazza

Best for:

Fantastic breakfasts

Easy viewpoints

Hiking access

Swimming

Vernazza is my personal favorite village in Cinque Terre, and I know I am not alone in that opinion. It is often considered the most beautiful and popular of the five villages, and it is easy to understand why.

The village has a natural harbor, two swimming areas, charming restaurants and bars, and several viewpoints that are easy to reach while offering spectacular photo opportunities.

Because of its popularity, Vernazza can become extremely crowded during the daytime. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy the village after the day-trippers have left and experience its quieter side.

For hikers, Vernazza is especially convenient. It is currently the only village where you can easily walk in both directions to nearby towns, heading north toward Monterosso or south toward Corniglia. Staying here also allows you to begin hikes early before large crowds arrive.

During your stay, enjoy breakfast pastries and granita at Il Pirata. For a memorable meal with sea views, Belforte is a wonderful choice.

Vernazza is also a great place to learn how to make pesto, one of Liguria’s most famous foods. The pesto-making class here is one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had in Italy.

The workshop takes place inside a charming wine bar in the heart of the village, making it a perfect activity even on rainy days.

Where to Stay in Vernazza

Camere Giuliano Basso is one of the standout accommodation options in Vernazza. The owner personally built the property using traditional dry-stone construction techniques similar to those used in Cinque Terre’s vineyard terraces.

Located on the hillside above the train station, it offers a peaceful escape from daytime crowds while remaining only about five minutes from the harbor square.

The family welcomes guests at the station and helps with luggage, which is especially helpful given the village’s steep paths. With only four rooms available, early booking is essential.

Monterosso al Mare

Best for:

Beaches

More accommodation choices

Starting hiking routes

Nearby wineries

Monterosso is the largest of the five Cinque Terre villages and has a different atmosphere from the others. With its wide sandy beach, colorful umbrellas, and seaside resort feeling, it feels less like the traditional Cinque Terre image.

For travelers who love spending time by the sea, Monterosso is likely the best choice.

The coastal hike from Monterosso to Vernazza is one of the most beautiful routes in the region. Since it is open and popular, staying in Monterosso allows you to begin the walk early before the trails become crowded. Be prepared, however, because the route includes many steep sections and stairs.

Wine lovers will also appreciate Monterosso because there are nearby wineries that can be reached on foot, offering beautiful views while tasting local wines.

Where to Stay in Monterosso

Locanda Il Maestrale is a charming six-room bed and breakfast located in a restored 18th-century building in the old town. It is only a few minutes from both the beach and the train station.

Owners Stefania and Giovanni provide wonderful hospitality, with breakfast served on the terrace featuring fresh orange juice and made-to-order cappuccinos.

One practical detail to remember is that check-in ends at 8 pm, so contacting the owners before arrival is recommended.

Alternative Places to Stay Near Cinque Terre

If accommodation inside the five villages is unavailable, or if you prefer somewhere quieter and more affordable, La Spezia and Levanto are excellent alternatives.

Both are connected to Cinque Terre by frequent trains, with journeys usually taking around 15 to 20 minutes.

La Spezia is a larger port city with more hotels and transportation connections, while Levanto offers a relaxed seaside atmosphere with a long beach and pleasant evenings.

Staying in La Spezia

Hotel Firenze e Continentale is located directly opposite La Spezia Centrale Station, making it extremely convenient for travelers planning daily trips into Cinque Terre.

The hotel occupies a historic central building and offers breakfast, a gym, and a downstairs bar. The atmosphere feels more like a traditional city hotel rather than a seaside retreat, making it better suited for travelers who value convenience.

Staying in Levanto

Hotel Carla is located about six minutes from the train station and ten minutes from the beach. This modern three-star hotel offers complimentary bicycles and helpful staff who can assist with restaurant reservations and train schedules.

Levanto is a wonderful place to return to after spending a busy day exploring Cinque Terre. Enjoy dinner at La Picea or take a pizza to the beach and relax by the water.

No matter which village you choose, Cinque Terre offers unforgettable scenery, coastal charm, and the chance to experience one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.