Italy is home to many beautiful urban centers, including Rome, Venice, Milan, and Florence. These cities share something in common: a rich and colorful past. Over the course of two thousand years, they all made significant contributions to global development. Even so, Cinque Terre in Italy is the place to go for stunning landscapes, azure waters, quaint seaside villages, peace, and quiet. The cities are cut off from each other by the sea and the mountains.
In 1875, the villages finally connected to one another and the rest of the country after decades of isolation. The area is now one of Italy’s top tourist destinations. They are close, but mountains have kept them apart for centuries, making contact difficult. Each community managed to hold on to its unique traditions. They started out as fishing villages and have since evolved into one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
Places to Visit in Cinque Terre
Since there are five coastal villages in Cinque Terre, you may only want to visit some of them. But this will be a huge mistake. There are different beauties to explore, different delicacies to taste, and other cultures to learn about. Here are the best places to visit in Cinque Terre.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the easternmost village of five towns. It is also the most visited one. This feature makes Riomaggiore the unofficial capital of Cinque Terre. Many tourists swim in the beautiful Mediterranean or walk through hiking paths during the high season. High cliffs and colorfully painted buildings greet you if you arrive in the town from the sea. During your stay in Riomaggiore, you should prepare to climb stairs. Since the city is on a cliff, you will have to climb many stairs to reach the upper side of the city. You can also explore the mouth-watering Italian cuisine specialties in Riomaggiore. There are lots of great restaurants on the main street of the village. But if you expect to lie down on a sandy beach after swimming in the beautiful Mediterranean, there are better places than Riomaggiore, because the sea was rocky and it was a bit hard to swim. Before leaving the town, you should definitely visit the Sanctuary of Madonna di Montenero. It is one of the best viewing points in Cinque Terre, and as you can imagine, it has a magnificent view.
Manarola
Manarola is the oldest village in Cinque Terre. It is located on the northern side of Riomaggiore and is famous for its delicious wines. You can find great seafood restaurants in Manarola. You should also visit the Nativita di Maria Vergine, a Gothic church built in 1338. The church’s bell tower and a watchtower dating back to the 16th century stand directly opposite one another. Even though there are a lot of tourists in Manarola during the summer, you can still see beautiful Christmas decorations and lighting if you go there during the holiday season. Over 10,000 lamps and more than 200 figures are placed on the seaside. Manarola has the most prominent Christmas decorations in Italy.
Corniglia
Among the five coastal towns, Corniglia is the only one that doesn’t have a harbor. The village might be by the sea, but it is more than 185 meters above sea level. Thus, you can’t visit the town by the sea. Unlike others, you can arrive by train and climb the hill towards the sea. Climbing is relatively easy, thanks to the terraced hill. The Church of San Pietro, built in the early 14th century, is on the right side of the summit. Corniglia is one of the smallest, and since there is no harbor, the number of visitors is also lower than others.
Vernazza
Vernazza is the steepest village of all five. Thanks to its beautiful square by the coast, it is also the most photographed one. Vernazza has a feature that you will not find in other Cinque Terre villages. Moreover, the town is less steep than the others. There is a small golden sandy beach in this area. If you visit Vernazza in July, try to be here around the 20th because the Feast of Santa Margherita offers a visual feast with its famous fireworks.
Monterosso al Mare
The Cinque Terre’s last settlement, Monterosso al Mare, faces the sea to the west. It is also the largest village. Monterosso al Mare is more of a beach resort than a fishing community. The town doesn’t have a stunning view or a dramatic look like others, but if you want to swim, it is the only choice because Monterosso al Mare is the only village in Cinque Terre that makes it convenient to swim thanks to its beach. All over town, you can smell the fresh lemons on the trees. A narrow tunnel separates the city of Monterosso al Mare. The oldest part of town is also the busiest. The new part of the city is famous for its wine bars and restaurants. It is also the best village to stay in Cinque Terre.
Best Places to Stay in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is one of the places where it is difficult to find a place to stay in the summer. Because Cinque Terre comprises five small towns, you may find it difficult to find accommodation at first. Because of the region’s challenging geography and the small size of the cities, there are few hotels, and they tend to be smaller. However, this does not imply that there are no high-quality hotels in the region. Here are the best options if you are looking for where to stay in Cinque Terre, Italy. These five destinations are perfect for a getaway that you’ll never forget.
Best Cinque Terre Hotels for Couples
Cinque Terre is one of the places frequented by couples who want to escape from the crowds of big cities, who wish to unwind, or who want to stay together in a dream-like place. It is also the honeymoon center for many newlywed couples. For this reason, there are many hotels for couples in the region. These are the glamorous hotels for couples where to stay in Cinque Terre.
Hotel Porto Roca 🔗
The Hotel Porto Roca in Monterosso al Mare is one of the most popular places for couples to stay. Since Monterosso al Mare is the best Cinque Terre town to stay in, you want to start your vacation from here. The Hotel Porto Roca is in a great location, overlooking the Ligurian Sea. The hotel, which has an uninterrupted sea view, is also one of the most luxurious hotels in the region. The restaurant in the hotel serves fresh fish caught during the day. If you want to explore the area by hiking the Blue Trail, one of Cinque Terre’s most popular hiking trails, it starts very close to the hotel. You can have an incredible journey starting here. Hotel Porto Roca is an excellent place if you ask where to stay when visiting Cinque Terre.
La Vista di Marina 🔗
La Vista di Marina is located in Cinque Terre’s most visited town, Riomaggiore. All of the rooms at this hotel face the ocean, and each one features a balcony where you can enjoy the beautiful view. A stunning seascape will greet you when you first open your eyes in the morning. The hotel, which is 100 meters from Riomaggiore Beach, is one of the facilities couples prefer. Great Italian breakfasts await you in the small bar on site. Riomaggiore is the best village to stay in Cinque Terre, and La Vista di Marina is one of the great options in the town.
Hotel Gianni Franzi 🔗
If you want to stay in the most picturesque town in the Cinque Terre, the right choice is Vernazza. Hotel Gianni Franzi is one of the most preferred hotels by couples. The hotel, which has a restaurant where you can have a great breakfast or spend a romantic night by candlelight, offers an unforgettable view. When you open your eyes to the new day, the narrow streets of Vernazza will be a few steps away from you. If you want to make your Cinque Terre holiday unforgettable, you can do it quickly at Hotel Gianni Franzi. It is one of the best hotels in Cinque Terre with a view.
Best Cinque Terre Hotels for Families
If you visit Cinque Terre with your family, you should make your hotel reservation beforehand. Considering that it is a very crowded holiday route in the summer, you may have some challenges finding a hotel. Due to the region’s steep terrain, Cinque Terre towns do not have large hotels.
Daa Maduneta 🔗
Corniglia might be the smallest town in Cinque Terre, but if you are looking for where to stay in Cinque Terre without a car, it is one of the best options you have. Daa Maduneta is the best place to stay if you like calm and quiet places and enjoy spending time with your family. Daa Maduneta is an excellent option for families looking for a hotel with rooms and beds suitable for children of all ages. Since Corniglia is the least visited town, families can spend time together here. It is the best town to stay in Cinque Terre, for families.
If you plan to stay in Manarola, the place to stay should be La Torretta Lodge. Enjoy an unforgettable family holiday at La Torretta Lodge, with its fantastic view and spacious rooms. You can relax in the hotel’s hot tub on the terrace with your loved ones. Also, the hotel serves free snacks in the evenings and serves a delicious Italian breakfast every morning. It is one of the best places to stay in Cinque Terre for families.
Albergo Suisse Bellevue 🔗
One of the most luxurious hotels in the area, the Albergo Suisse Bellevue, is a great place for big families. In the back, there’s a garden where you and your loved ones can spend quality time together. You can soak up some rays in the garden on one of the sun loungers. Breakfast is served every morning, featuring some of the hotel’s finest Italian specialties. If you are looking for where to stay in Cinque Terre with a car, you should definitely choose Monterosso al Mare. Since it is the largest town in the region, it is easy to drive into town. Finding a parking space is not a problem also in Monterosso al Mare.
Best Cinque Terre Hotels for Backpackers
Tens of thousands of hikers visit the Cinque Terre every year, and it’s not just because of its beautiful coastline and colorful buildings. The region is home to many of the world’s best hiking trails. Backpackers abound on these paths, and for a good reason: the scenery is breathtaking. If you are a backpacker looking for where to stay near Cinque Terre.
Most of the area’s hotels can be found in Monterosso al Mare, the region’s largest town. One of them is the Hotel Baia. Monterosso al Mare is a great place to go hiking because it has many trails. If you want to see the sights, meet interesting people, and have a vacation you’ll never forget, book a room at Hotel Baia. Monterosso al Mare is the best area to stay in Cinque Terre for backpackers.
Scorci Di Mare 🔗
Scorci Di Mare, one of the best hotels in Riomaggiore, offers a dazzling view from its beautiful rooms overlooking the sea. If you want to stay in an 800-year-old building, Scorci Di Mare is the correct address. If you wish to explore Riomaggiore’s nightlife, you can visit the bars around the hotel. The hotel also offers bicycle rentals, so you can get out and see the sights.
Affittacamere Elisabetta 🔗
One of the best hotels for backpackers, Affittacamere Elisabetta, gives its guests a vacation they will never forget. Affittacamere Elisabetta is one of the best places to stay if you want to hike around Vernazza and see its hidden natural beauty. Enjoy your holiday while sipping great Italian wine on the hotel’s terrace overlooking the sea. If you are an explorer visiting Cinque Terre, consider staying in Affitacamere Elisabetta.