I’ve visited Cinque Terre six times, spent at least a month across its five villages, and personally stayed in three of them. I’ve wandered these towns in the middle of the day, experienced the quiet mornings and evenings after the day-trippers leave, and learned that choosing the right village can make a huge difference to your trip. This guide for where to stay in Cinque Terre comes from years of visits and personal experience.

This isn’t a guide based on one quick visit. I’m sharing what I’ve personally experienced, where I’d stay again, and which places I’d consider if I were planning a return trip. I’ll also be upfront about the accommodations I haven’t personally stayed in.

A quick note about links: Some links in this guide are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support my blog and allow me to keep sharing travel guides for free. My recommendations reflect my own experiences and research, not paid hotel placements.

Which Cinque Terre Village Should You Stay In?

Quick Comparison Guide of the Five Cinque Terre Villages

Village	Best For	Main Drawback
Monterosso	Beaches, easier walking, a wider selection of hotels, and plenty of restaurants	It feels less like a tiny cliffside village than some of the other towns
Vernazza	Iconic harbor views, charming village streets, and a quintessential Cinque Terre atmosphere	It gets very crowded during the day and has steep streets and stairs
Corniglia	Quiet evenings, a more tucked-away feel, and a slower pace	It’s uphill from the train station, with a long staircase or a shuttle bus ride to reach the village
Manarola	Dramatic coastal scenery, photography, and rocky swimming spots	The terrain is steep, and some travelers may find there are fewer activities to fill a longer stay
Riomaggiore	Restaurants, lively evenings, a larger choice of accommodation, and a bustling village atmosphere	It’s very vertical, and the walk to your accommodation can involve plenty of stairs

What village you should stay in really depends on what you’re looking for out of your trip. So I’m going to give you a little mini breakdown of the villages and THEN tell you where to stay in Cinque Terre.

Monterosso

There are a number of reasons you’d want to use Monterosso as your base for where to stay in Cinque Terre. Personally, this is my favorite base of all the villages. First of all, if you have any kind of mobility issues at all, Monterosso is your best bet. It is the flattest of the villages. Monterosso also has direct train access to a number of other places within Italy so you don’t have to make multiple stops. The only true sandy beach in the Cinque Terre is here in Monterosso. The other villages have rocky swimming areas and coves. There are varied options for hotels and B&b’s here as well as numerous options for dining. Monterosso also has a luxury hotel with an infinity pool.

If you’re interested in basing in Monterosso or just want more information, I have an entire blog post about it! You can check it out here —-> Monterosso: The Complete Travel Guide

Vernazza

Vernazza is the place you’d want to stay if you love the small village feel. This is the type of village that inspired Disneys Luca and it’s so charming. This village is steep and you’ll likely be going up and down a lot if you choose to stay here. This is one of the most crowded villages during the day, but to have it to yourself in the morning & evenings is truly special. There are a lot of beautiful family run stays and operations in this town. There are many wonderful things to do here and some great tours that I recommend. This is your stay if you’re into a less flashy hotel but a more true village feel.

Corniglia

This is the village you have to work for. To get to Corniglia you need to go up 365 stairs from the train station. There is also a small shuttle bus that will take you from the village to the train for a few euro. This means that anytime you want to visit anywhere else you have to make an effort. In my opinion this is a blessing. It keeps Corniglia special and more relaxed and authentic than some of the other villages may feel. But for some people this is a burden and in that case this village wouldn’t be your pick for where to stay in Cinque Terre. We loved staying here and finding so many special and unique hidden spots. We also loved how quiet it was in the evenings when the day trip crowds had left.

If you’re interested in basing in Corniglia I have a post about that too! Check it out here

—> Stay in Corniglia in the Cinque Terre

Manarola

Admittedly, this is the village I’ve spent the least time in. It is one of the most visually stunning of the villages but it is also small. The hike to Manarola from Corniglia is fantastic and one of my favorite parts of the Cinque Terre hiking trails. Manarola is also connected to Riomaggiore by a beautiful and flat coastal path called the Via Del Amore. There are a few really nice things to do here and if you like rocky/cliff type swimming then you’ve found your winner. You can also people watch here as people jump off the rocks and be entertained for hours. This village is also quite peaceful around day trip hours.

Riomaggiore

This village is larger and a bit more bustling than Vernazza, Manarola, and Corniglia. It feels more like a hub and it’s quite lively! There are a large range of types of places to stay here as well as many restaurant options. The town is basically vertical and you can even take an elevator up to the “second level” of the town if needed. Depending on where you’d choose to stay you may need to have some physical fitness to keep going up and down to your stay. The sunset here is famous and the rocky beach is actually quite lovely if you like that sort of thing. This town is vibrant and fun and a great choice for where to stay in Cinque Terre.

If you’re interested in Riomaggiore I also have a guide for this village. You can find it here —-> Guide to Riomaggiore.

Should you stay in La Spezia? My personal opinion

Honestly, my personal opinion is that if you’re going to visit the Cinque Terre you should stay in the Cinque Terre. It is true that La Spezia may have more affordable accommodation but you’re going to be hopping on the train literally any time you want to do anything. You’re going to miss out on choosing a village and getting to see it at it’s most peaceful.

You wont get to skip the day trip crowd because you will BE the day trip crowd. If this is the only option you have for visiting and staying within budget by all means do it. But if you want your experience to be magical, I sincerely recommend picking a village to stay in. If you MUST stay outside the five villages I also think Levanto can be a more lovely choice than La Spezia.

A note about Accessibility

When you are deciding where to stay in Cinque Terre it is important to note that many of these villages could be difficult for those with mobility issues. They are not impossible, but it could be quite challenging. You may notice throughout these posts that I mention stairs often. I just want you to be completely aware of what you’re getting into with some of these villages. They are old and built into the side of cliffs and that doesn’t always make for the easiest transport. While you could access the main pedestrian areas of each village even with mobility issues, going beyond could be very challenging. Getting into some cafes, restaurants, hotels, and even beaches could pose an extreme challenge.

Where to Stay in Monterosso

As I mentioned previously, this is the village I’ve personally based in the most. I have stayed in 3 different properties here and my parents have stayed in a 4th. So I’ve got first hand knowledge of the best spots in Monterosso.

Best for Luxury in Monterosso: Hotel Porto Roca

This place is as fancy as it gets for where to stay in Cinque Terre. The hotel is perched up above the Old Town of Monterosso and is literally ON the famous Cinque Terre hiking trails. You can walk right off the hotel grounds and onto the trails. There is a seawater infinity pool overlooking the vineyards and the ocean. The hotel has a restaurant and a bar so you can get anything you need. It has lovely rooms, many of which overlook the sea. If you’re celebrating something special like a honeymoon, anniversary, promotion, etc. this would be an excellent choice!

To check availability and book this hotel you can click here —-> Hotel Porto Roca

For a genuinely special experience: Buranco

It is important to mention up front that it requires a steep walk to get from the town of Monterosso up to Buranco. If you don’t choose to stay at Buranco, due to the effort it takes to get up and back each time, I would understand. Just promise me you’ll at least go for dinner and wine tasting. IF you’re the type that doesn’t mind a little effort to get where you’re staying, this is basically an oasis within the Cinque Terre.

It’s a beautiful vineyard/b&b complex and it’s one of the most peaceful and beautiful places in the Cinque Terre. Not to mention the food and wine are also some of the best in the whole Cinque Terre. Stay here for a special experience away from it all. I have visited here numerous times but I have not personally stayed here. If you do book, I’d inquire about being picked up from the train station with your luggage.

If you’d like to check availability & book this hotel you can click here —-> Buranco

For the Best Value in Monterosso: Hotel Albergo Degli Amici

This is my favorite stay in the Cinque Terre. It his all the marks. It has an excellent secret garden in the back of the hotel that has views over all of Monterosso. The garden has multiple levels and has grape vines, lemon trees, and views over EVERYTHING. It is the best place to relax any time of day that you need a break. It also makes for a great gathering place if you’re traveling with family or friends.

The hotel has well air conditioned rooms, incredibly kind staff, a very varied and plentiful breakfast, and a nice quiet location. It really wins as the value for money overall pick for the Cinque Terre. I stayed here for the first time in 2023 and I have returned in 2024, 25, and 26.

To check availability and book this hotel you can click here —-> Hotel Amici

For the cute and quiet guesthouse feel: Hotel Villa Acini

I stayed here on a solo trip and it was so perfect for a comfortable stay by myself. I got the room front and center with the little balcony that overlooked the grounds and I felt like it was my own little Italian villa. The room was large and comfortable and the grounds were so peaceful. This spot is tucked away behind the new town in Monterosso. The staff were lovely and kind and if you’re just looking for a simple, peaceful place to stay, this it it.

To check availability and book this villa click here —-> Villa Acini

In the action and still good value: Hotel Margherita

We stayed here on our honeymoon and got a room with a balcony overlooking the little garden on the side of the hotel. It was very lovely. This hotel is centrally located in the old town and is easily walkable to everything. It’s nice quality and nice value. I don’t think there was anything I found incredibly special about it, but it’s a very solid value, comfort, and location stay.

If you’d like to check availability and book you can click here —-> Hotel Margherita

Where to Stay in Vernazza

I have to start by saying I have not yet personally stayed in Vernazza. I always want to be very transparent on my blog and instagram. This does not mean I have skipped researching and learning about Vernazza so I do have some suggestions. Just know these are based on true research and connections but not my personal opinion from staying.

For a beautiful & local apartment: Cinque Terre Vacations

I have been communicating with Ruth on instagram for years now. I haven’t yet had the opportunity and the right timing to stay in one of her apartments, but I KNOW you’d have a wonderful experience. First of all, the apartments are beautiful and well maintained. Second of all Ruth herself is so fantastic and so passionate about the Cinque Terre. You’re basically getting a built in travel agent with the apartment. She knows all of the best things to do and see in Vernazza and the Cinque Terre and would make your stay extra special.

If you’d like to check availability & book you can find the link here —-> Cinque Terre Vacations

A Hotel with sea views : Hotel Gianni Franzi

I get it, sometimes you just want the ease of a hotel. Vacation rentals can sometimes feel daunting with arranging check in and check out etc. This hotel looks really lovely and has some rooms with really nice views. If I’m being honest, I wouldn’t book a room here unless it had a sea view. Otherwise it just looks like any average hotel.

The reviews report really nice views from the terrace and breakfast area as well which sounds lovely. There are also repeat visitors in the comments which always says something to me. People like coming back. I would definitely consider this hotel if I was planning to stay in Vernazza.

If you want to check availability and book you can click here —-> Gianni Franzi

Where to Stay in Corniglia

To feel like a local in an apartment with a view: pan e vin airbnb

This is a place we’ve stayed that I still dream about. The apartments themselves are simple and small, but you don’t need much when you plan to be exploring the Cinque Terre all day! The owners of the airbnb own a small cafe/bakery in town called Pan e Vin and you get breakfast from them each morning as a perk for staying in the airbnb! The view over the town of Corniglia is amazing. You can walk right out your front door and into the town or onto the hiking trail to Vernazza! They have 3 apartments available and personally I’d go for the one with the balcony!

If you’re interested in staying in these spots, you can check availability and book here —-> Pan e vin airbnb

Where to Stay in Manarola

I have not yet stayed in Manarola either. So here are a few places I WOULD stay if I was coming back. Well researched as always.

Apartment with a view: Il Bordone – appartamento con vista mare

This is exactly the kind of place I’d want to book for my stay. Up above the village with views over Manarola and the sea. It is mentioned that it takes some effort to get up to, which if you have mobility issues might limit you from staying here. Otherwise it looks clean and comfortable, has great reviews mentioning how well the AC works, and a lovely balcony overlooking it all! This would be on my short list if I was booking Manarola.

To check availability and book this apartment yourself you can click here —-> Il Bordone Manarola

If location is key: stay at Hotel Marina Piccola

This would be my choice if I didn’t want to be climbing endless stairs to my place constantly. It is worth noting that when you get off the train in Manarola you still have to walk through a tunnel and into the old town to get to the village and your stay. This would be more easily accessible as it is on the Marina and is not up tons of stairs. It looks lovely, it has excellent reviews, and seems like a great and viable option.

If you want to check availability and book this hotel you can do that here —-> Hotel Marina Piccola

Where to Stay in Riomaggiore

All about the views: apartment Villa Caterina

I am obsessed with this stay. I booked it for the terrace and it was everything I dreamed it would be. But what I wasn’t prepared for was how nice the apartment itself would actually be as well. It was super clean, the kitchen was well equipped, the shower was nice, and overall it was such a lovely stay.

This is the kind of place you could book for a week and just relax and take it slow. We loved having coffee on the terrace every morning and watching the sunrise over Riomaggiore. You could see the whole town, vineyard terraces, and the sea from here. I really loved this stay and very highly recommend it if you’re in Riomaggiore. If you have any mobility issues though, this wouldn’t be your spot. Even with the elevator it still involves a number of stairs to get up or down to anything you’d want to do.

To check availability and book this apartment you can click here —> Villa Caterina

Now you’ve decided where to stay in Cinque Terre… what’s next?

I have a number of useful blog posts about the Cinque Terre to help you plan your whole trip!

If you’re looking for dining options in the Cinque Terre check out my post here —-> 13 Amazing Cinque Terre Restaurants: Where I Actually Eat

If you’re looking for more to do in the Cinque Terre —-> My 12 Favorite Cinque Terre Experiences

If you’re looking for practical information —–> 9 Things You Should Know Before Visiting the Cinque Terre

And finally, if you’re looking for a similar vibe but not the Cinque Terre itself —-> If you love the Cinque Terre here are 13 places I think you’ll Love