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Choosing where to stay in Cinque Terre is one of those decisions that’s easy to overthink. I visited Cinque Terre last summer and spent five nights in Vernazza with my husband, two teens. While I absolutely loved staying there, after experiencing the region firsthand, I can honestly say that Monterosso might have been the better choice for our family.
This guide is meant to help you decide where to stay in Cinque Terre based on your travel style, not just which town looks prettiest in photos. Because spoiler alert, they all do, and you can easily see it all on one trip!
If you want a full breakdown of what makes each village unique, I already have a detailed post on the five towns of Cinque Terre. Today, I will focus on where to stay in Cinque Terre and why.
What to Know Before Choosing Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is small, but each town feels fairly different. Yes, the towns are only minutes apart by train, but they feel worlds apart once you’re actually staying in them. Terrain, stairs, beach access, rental options, food choices, excursions, and crowd levels all vary more than most people expect.
But there are a few specifics to note and address before discussing the Cinque Terre towns and which one to stay in.
#1 Cinque Terre Will Likely Be Busy
And I have to point out that they will all be busy on a summer day with day trippers, especially from around 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. With the exception of early Spring and late Fall, Cinque Terre will pretty much always be busy. So, for us, the magic is in the quiet mornings and lively evenings, when you feel part of the communities.
That said, I still think you want to visit Cinque Terre during the warmer months (Spring through Fall) because, as an open-air coastal community, there is so much more to do. We have visited places like Santorini and Malta in the off-season and regret not being there to truly enjoy the water.
#2 Don’t Rush Your Visit to Cinque Terre
This is why I always suggest staying in Cinque Terre for at least a few days. While some people say it’s an easy day trip or a one-nighter, I strongly disagree. We spent a full five nights in Cinque Terre in early June last summer, and it was incredible!
By trying to do it all in one day, you will find yourself deep in the crowds and feeling rushed! We found the midday train trips between cities to be the most stressful part of our Cinque Terre trip.
#3 Pick One Cinque Terre Home Base
I recommend choosing one place to stay in Cinque Terre and making it your home base. Don’t try to split your short stay between multiple towns. Unpacking once and having an easy daily rhythm makes a huge difference.
Additionally, most rentals can’t always accommodate early check-in requests, so you don’t want to spend your days carrying luggage while waiting to check in to your next place.
#4 The Cinque Terre Express Can Be Very Crowded
The trains between the towns of Cinque Terre can be very crowded during the busy, warmer months. You should always allow extra time, especially at midday. Planning to have lunch in another town can take hours, so bake that into your itinerary.
I recommend starting early one day to visit a couple of the towns, and starting later on another day to enjoy dinner and sunset in the other Cinque Terre towns. Then plan your days around the amenities and excursions available near where you are staying.
Short on time? Click here for some top-rated accommodations in Cinque Terre!
Where To Stay in Cinque Terre, Italy
So, where should you stay during your trip to Cinque Terre? Next, I will share my honest, first, and reccomendations based on what you are looking for.
For our Cinque Terre trip, we rented a two-bedroom apartment house. There are fewer true hotels in this part of Italy and many great apartment-style rental options. We found the most unique two-story rental home in Vernazza on Airbnb! But for most trips, we use Booking.com for its more flexible cancellation policies and broader search options. I would start your Cinque Terre accommodations search there first!
If you want to know more about why we love to use Booking.com to find larger rentals for our family in Europe, read this post.
Now, let’s dive into where to stay in Cinque Terre!
Monterosso al Mare — Best Place to Stay in Cinque Terre for Families
If I were planning the trip again with my kids, Monterosso would be my first choice for a few reasons!
Monterosso is the largest and flattest town in Cinque Terre, which immediately makes it more family-friendly. It’s also the only town with true sandy beaches, giving kids and teens a place to relax, swim, and burn off energy. Most accommodations in Cinque Terre don’t have swimming pools, so if you want to spend a lot of time in the water, this is the beach area to be at!
There is also a wider variety of shopping and dining options in both the beachfront and the old town area, which I fell in love with!
Another benefit of staying in Monterosso is that many Cinque Terre tours depart from here. This makes it a great home base if you are looking to get out on the water during your trip to Cinque Terre.
Accommodations in Monterosso are generally ample across all budgets, with more family-friendly options and amenities. Beach access is easy, there’s more space to spread out, and the pace feels more relaxed than in some of the smaller villages with very narrow walkways, often one-way in and one-way out.
So, Monterosso is best for families with kids or teens, beach lovers, and first-time visitors who value comfort and convenience.
Click here to browse accommodations in Monterosso!
Vernazza — All Around Wonderful Place to Stay
Vernazza is where we stayed, and it’s hard not to fall in love with it!
It has one of Italy’s most beautiful harbors, wonderful restaurants, and a lively but charming energy. We were there during a national holiday, and one evening they had a band on the promenade just below our rental. We had the window in our rooms open to hear. They were a local Italian band that covered U2 and Coldplay. Hearing a group of people singing Fix You on a warm summer night was pure magic!
Staying in Vernazza made evening strolls and sunset views feel special, and its more central location is great for exploring the rest of Cinque Terre by train.
At the same time, Vernazza comes with tradeoffs. It’s smaller than Monterosso and often crowded. The beach space is also very limited. Carrying luggage up stairs and navigating busy paths weren’t difficult, but they’re things families should be aware of.
Best for couples, families with older kids, and travelers who prioritize atmosphere over ease. That said, you really can’t go wrong with either Monterosso or Vernazza for most Cinque Terre trips.
Click here to browse accommodations in Vernazza!
Manarola — Best for Views and Romantic Stays
Manarola is especially beautiful in the evenings when the crowds thin out and the light softens across the cliffs. It’s quieter at night and incredibly photogenic.
That said, it’s steep, more compact, and short on family-friendly accommodations. But if you are looking for adventure, there are great opportunities for cliff jumping. Manarola is best enjoyed for its views, dinners, and short stays rather than as a relaxed family base.
Click here to browse accommodations in Manarola!
Riomaggiore — Lively and Well Connected
Riomaggiore is located at one end of the Cinque Terre (opposite Monterosso), with excellent train access and a noticeably livelier nightlife than some of the other towns. It is energetic and social, with plenty of dining options and late-night activities.
It’s less known for traditional beach access and more for its atmosphere, making it better suited to shorter, experience-focused stays. Riomaggiore is best suited for younger travelers, couples, and short trips.
Click here to browse accommodations in Riomaggiore!
Corniglia — Quiet but Less Convenient
Corniglia sits high above the sea and feels calmer and more residential than the other towns. While it has its own charm, and we loved visiting Corniglia, the stairs and location make it less convenient for first-time visitors.
That said, if you are looking for a quiet retreat in Cinque Terre, this is the best option. In my opinion, Corniglia is best for repeat visitors, hikers, and travelers seeking a quieter base. There is a bus shuttle service from the main street to the train station. We took the stairs up and the bus down. We probably should have done that in reverse!
Click here to browse accommodations in Corniglia!
Should You Stay Inside or Outside the Cinque Terre?
Those are the five towns that make up the Cinque Terre, but there are two additional towns along the train route, just east and west of Cinque Terre. These are typically where you would come in if traveling in Italy by train.
Staying in Levanto or La Spezia
We spent a couple of nights in Camogli, Italy, before taking the train to Cinque Terre and coming through the Levanto train station. That said, I really don’t think I would stay in either of those because you really miss out on the magic of staying in Cinque Terre. However, your travel schedule or itinerary may require you to stay in these nearby towns, especially for a short visit.
Additionally, some travelers choose to stay in nearby towns like Levanto or La Spezia to save money or find larger accommodations. These can be good options, especially for shorter trips or travelers who want to save money.
Why Staying Inside the Cinque Terre Is Worth It
For longer stays, staying inside the Cinque Terre towns allows you to experience the villages early in the morning and in the evenings, once day-trippers have left. That quieter pace was something I really appreciated. And, I think this is what made my trip to Cinque Terre so special!
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
There’s no wrong place to stay in Cinque Terre, but there is a best Cinque Terre town for your travel style. I loved staying in Vernazza and would happily return. Still, for families, especially those traveling with kids or teens, Monterosso often makes the most sense. Being larger, it offered more dining and shopping options, as well as a variety of nearby Cinque Terre tours.
Choosing the right base allows you to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and experience Cinque Terre in a relaxed, unrushed way!
- Best for families: Monterosso
- Best for first-timers: Monterosso
- Best for first-timers: Vernazza
- Best beaches: Monterosso
- Best for views: Vernazza
- Best for views: Manarola
- Best for romance: Manarola
- Best for nightlight: Riomaggiore
- Best for quieter stays: Corniglia
Click here to browse all Cinque Terre accommodations!
FAQs About Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
Choosing where to stay in Cinque Terre can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. These frequently asked questions cover the best towns to stay in Cinque Terre, how long to visit, and where families and couples should stay for the easiest, most enjoyable experience.
What is the best town to stay in Cinque Terre for first-time visitors?
Monterosso and Vernazza are the best towns to stay in Cinque Terre for first-time visitors. Monterosso offers the easiest layout and sandy beaches. At the same time, Vernazza provides a more iconic harbor setting and a central location for exploring the other villages.
What is the best place to stay in Cinque Terre for families?
Monterosso al Mare is the best place to stay in Cinque Terre for families. It has flatter terrain, sandy beaches, larger accommodations, and fewer stairs than the other villages, making it especially ideal for traveling with kids or teens.
Is it better to stay in one town or move between towns in Cinque Terre?
It is better to stay in one town and take day trips to the others. The villages of Cinque Terre are very close together by train, and unpacking once makes the trip more relaxing, especially for families or longer stays.
Should you stay inside the Cinque Terre or in nearby towns?
It is better to stay in one town and take day trips to the others. The villages of Cinque Terre are very close together by train, and unpacking once makes the trip more relaxing, especially for families or longer stays.
Are hotels or apartments better in Cinque Terre?
Apartments are often a better option in Cinque Terre, particularly for families and longer stays. Hotels are limited and usually small, especially in the hillier villages.
More Italy Travel Inspiration
We love traveling to Italy, and here at our Little Lifestyle, I have dozens of helpful travel blog posts to help you plan your trip to Italy!
Simply browse the Italy Travel section of my blog to learn all about everything from Colosseum tours in Rome to wine tasting in Northern Italy’s Franciacorta region. We love sharing travel tips, photos, and first-hand experiences to help you travel better!
PIN: Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
