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The five once-sleepy villages that make up the Cinque Terre have now become some of the most desirable seaside escapes on the Italian Riviera, but still hold true to their roots as a rugged coastal community. That applies to their accommodations, too—instead of luxury resorts, you can expect quaint, locally run boutique hotels with welcoming hosts. And we’ve found the very best in each village.
Our editors share their favorite little hotels from Monterosso al Mare to Riomaggiore, plus exceptional accommodations to the north and south (including luxury stays on the Italian Riviera) of this incredible part of the world.
Where To Stay In Cinque Terre
Each of the Cinque Terre’s colorful towns showcases something unique, so you’ll have to select your lodging based on your interests. With a regularly scheduled train running between the villages, any of the towns would make a great home base. No matter what you choose, you can still take in the lemon-scented air, absorb the region’s quiet charm, and hike spectacular trails (purchase the required Cinque Terre Trekking Card if you’re hiking between the first three villages).
Here’s everything you need to know to discover which Cinque Terre village to pick:
Monterosso al Mare: The northernmost town is easily accessible by car and provides the most modern amenities. Monterosso al Mare boasts the largest beach in the Cinque Terre, Spiaggia Fegina. At beach club Bagni Eden, you can stretch out in the shade beneath the town’s famous green-and-orange-striped beach umbrellas.
↓ Jump to the best stays in Monterosso al Mare
Vernazza: Although difficult to reach by car, Vernazza bustles with tourists during the day and quiets down at night, so guests who stay here get an evening retreat sans day visitors. Explore the artisan shops in the old town, take a pesto-making class while sipping wine at Cinque Sensi, and dip in the water off the sandy harbor beach.
↓ Jump to the best stays in Vernazza
Corniglia: Leave the car in La Spezia or Manarola to take the train to the most remote (and least commercial) of the villages, perched on an ancient Roman cliffside surrounded by vineyards. While there is no water access, the views looking out to the Ligurian Sea are gorgeous, especially when enjoyed with a glass of local Sciacchetrá wine.
↓ Jump to the best stays in Corniglia
Manarola: Most often the village that comes to mind when picturing Cinque Terre, Manarola is where you’ll find a series of iconic buildings that enliven the cliffside surrounding the marina. There’s no beach here, but tourists can bask on the cement ramp or dive into the water from the rocks around the Palaedo. The world-famous Via dell’Amore makes this town a favorite among hikers, though it requires a reservation to walk the Way of Love.
↓ Jump to the best stays in Manarola
Riomaggiore: Tight alleys and steep inclines are a signature of Riomaggiore, where you’ll find romance around every corner (after all, it’s at the other end of the Via dell’Amore). As one of the few villages with restaurants and bars open into the evening, Riomaggiore has no shortage of spots to take in sunset views, complemented by evening strolls through the street lamps’ glow.
↓ Jump to the best stays in Riomaggiore
Best Hotels in Cinque Terre
Small hotels with rustic charm and simple elegance form the cornerstone of the Cinque Terre hospitality industry. Here, accommodations consist mostly of 3- or 4-star boutiques and small, independently run hotels. Both a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cinque Terre seeks to retain its old-world nature without the footprint of large resorts or chain hotels, so you might see somewhat limited amenities.
But warm hosts and quilted comforts, all tucked away within timeless retreats, are part of Cinque Terre’s charm. With this in mind, our editors have selected the best stays in every village, starting with Monterosso al Mare.
Best Hotels In Monterosso al Mare
On par with some of Italy’s best beach-side stays, many of the hotels in Monterosso al Mare come with modern amenities, a rarity for the area. Plus, the village is the most car-accessible in all of Cinque Terre.
Hotel Porto Roca
An impressive infinity pool and terrace bar overlook the sea at the 4-star Hotel Porto Roca. The hotel’s defining feature, however, is its suave exclusivity — sunbathe on the hotel’s private beach, breathe in the salty air from a private balcony, or head out on a hike via a private entrance to the Blue Trail. End your day by dining on local fish specialties, freshly made pasta, and photo-worthy desserts at the hotel’s bay-facing restaurant, La Terrazza.
Address: Via Corone 1
Instagram: @hotelportoroca
Rooms: From $334 per night
Book Through: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Hotel la Colonnina
In the historic center of Monterosso, Hotel la Colonnina is distinguished by much more than its prime location. This sustainability-focused hotel has earned the Environmental Quality Label from Cinque Terre National Park and also provides a top-notch guest experience, as staff will assist with everything from the train schedule to arranging cooking lessons. Between sightseeing excursions, you can relax on the rooftop terrace and in the garden by the hotel entrance, or catch village views from one of the terraces overlooking the historic district.
Address: Via Zuecca, 6
Instagram: @hotel_la_collonina
Rooms: From $185 per night
Book Through: Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Missanega
Set behind Monterosso on the hillside, the agro-tourism hotel Missanega is a true farm-to-table experience. The farmhouse meticulously displays the original stone walls and chestnut-beamed ceilings, keeping a uniquely fresh character in each of the five rooms. Stroll through the estate’s lemon orchards and olive groves (the fruit producers for the restaurant’s Riviera di Levante DOP Oil and Limoncino liquor), or enjoy a picnic lunch (featuring local produce from the Vara Valley) between dips in the sea-view pool.
Address: 19016 Monterosso al mare
Instagram: @agriturismo_missanega
Rooms: From $315 for two nights
Book Through: Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Best Hotels in Vernazza
With its picturesque harbor, Vernazza sees the highest number of day tourists in the Cinque Terre, but you can stay overnight for a much more tranquil experience. Make sure to snap some photos of the imposing Doria Castle before returning to your hotel.
Santa Marta Rooms & Suites
Santa Marta Rooms & Suites provides modern rooms, lofts, and suites at two side-by-side locations in the heart of Vernazza. Book the terrace suite for views of Doria Castle, then head to Vernazza Beach, just a short walk from the hotel.
Address: Via Roma, 23 | Via Del Santo, 25
Instagram: @santamartarooms_vernazza
Rooms: From $163 per night
Book Through: Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
La Polena
Fairytale views and superb hospitality are La Polena’s signature. When booking your stay, you can choose from apartments within the village and suites along the cliffs. Those who stay in the Sapphire Suite can see both the seascape and village from the room or head upstairs to La Polena’s rooftop terrace for 360-degree views.
Address: Via San Francesco, 32
Instagram: @la_polena_la_ripa_vernaza
Rooms: From $147 per night
Book Through: Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Best Hotels in Corniglia
Corniglia peeks out from terraced vineyards in the middle of Cinque Terre. Since it’s often overlooked in favor of the more popular towns, this cliffside location has more affordable stays and incredible vistas without the crowds.
Amare il Mare
Originally a family villa, Amare il Mare has been redesigned with nods to the owner’s childhood memories in the house, which dates to the 1800s. Self-check-in is available 24 hours a day, so you can get settled in to your sea-view room and sip a complimentary welcome drink at your leisure.
Address: Via Fieschi, 5
Instagram: @amareilmare.5terre
Rooms: From $218 per night
Book Through: Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Il Carugio di Corniglia
The star of Il Carugio di Corniglia is its rooftop terrace, which affords sweeping views of the sea, the town, and the surrounding vineyards. Three generations of the Carugio family have operated this accommodation (and its sister property, Locanda il Carugio) for over 20 years, adhering strictly to the national park’s eco-sustainability regulations.
Address: Via Fieschi, 145
Instagram: @locandailcarugio
Rooms: From $153 per night
Book Through: Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Best Hotels in Manarola
A rainbow of building facades scaffold the Manarola cliffside, looking down on a tiny marina. Stay here for hiking with picture-perfect views, relaxed evenings at neatly renovated hotels, and swimming at the Palaedo, a quintessential Cinque Terre experience.
La Torretta Lodge
Within an ancient tower in the middle of Manarola, La Torretta Lodge offers stylishly modern rooms with vineyard or sea views (or both). To help you reach La Toretta’s doorstep, book complimentary luggage transfers from the local parking garage right to the lobby.
Address: Vico Volto, 20
Instagram: @latorrettalodgemanarola
Rooms: From $435 per night
Book Through: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
AMAnarola
One of the most refined hotels in the five villages, AMAnarola is situated in the middle of Manarola, minutes from the train station, dock, and car parking. The hotel’s chic rooms attend to even the smallest of details, with modern designs featuring private balconies and stone accent walls.
Address: Via Antonio Discovolo 148/B
Rooms: From $147 per night
Book Through: Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Hotel Marina Piccola
Since its inception in the 1970s, Marina Piccola has been a stalwart of the village’s hospitality scene. Recent room renovations have given the hotel a bright, thoroughly contemporary atmosphere, and Marina Piccola’s charms are multiplied by its convenient location near the dock and car park.
Address: Via Renato Birolli, 120
Instagram: @hotelmarinapiccola
Rooms: From $147 per night
Book Through: Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
For more stays in Manarola, consider the B&B Da Baranin overlooking the vineyards or Ca’ del Monica, located close to shops and restaurants on the main street.
Best Hotels in Riomaggiore
Forming the southern boundary of the Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore tends to draw a younger crowd to its flagstone streets. Visitors can catch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea and grab a late-night drink before retreating to one of the town’s many exceptional accommodations.
The Sunset Line
The contemporary rooms of The Sunset Line guest house, all featuring private jacuzzis and sea-view terraces, provide a peaceful escape from Riomaggiore’s popular hotspots. Upon arrival, you’ll notice bonuses like on-site parking, welcome aperitifs, and sleek in-room appliances (including Nespresso machines), all here to make your stay effortless.
Address: Via Tracastello, 23
Instagram: @thesunsetlinecinqueterre
Rooms: From $296 per night (2-night minimum stay)
Book Through: Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Cinqueterre Residence
Located in upper Riomaggiore outside the village center (but still easily reached by the area’s minibus), Cinqueterre Residence is an oasis for anyone looking to get lost in Cinque Terre’s natural beauty. With eco-friendly policies to conserve water, reduce its carbon footprint, and serve organic produce, the property offers an environmentally conscious stay with prime views of the whole town.
Address: Via De Battè, 67F
Instagram: @cinqueterre.residence
Rooms: From $174 per night
Book Through: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Crêuza De Mä
The simple, yet elegant rooms of the boutique hotel Crêuza De Mä come with bathrobes, slippers, and panoramic ocean views. Take in the sunset on one of the five terraces or in the outdoor hot tub, with a complimentary bottle of Prosecco DOC by your side.
Address: Via San Giacomo, 147
Rooms: From $294 per night
Book Through: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Luxury Hotels Near Cinque Terre
Outside the Cinque Terre, hotels are considerably more lavish. Without the regulations of the national park and UNESCO, towns like La Spezia and Portofino offer luxury, amenity-packed stays catering to Cinque Terre tourists. You can easily take a day trip to the villages from the north or south, utilizing the ferries and trains.
To get as close to the Cinque Terre as possible, stay in Levanto. For more affordable hotels with facilities a step above the villages, stay in the south around La Spezia. And for world-class luxury, stay in the north — the place to see and be seen on the Italian Riviera.
Stays South of Cinque Terre: La Spezia, Portovenere, and Lerici
From March through November, ferries run from La Spezia, Portovenere, and Lerici to Cinque Terre, making it an easy day trip. Stay in La Spezia for the convenience of a direct train to the villages (but be prepared for more tourists as a result), or venture to the quieter Portovenere or Lerici, which get fewer tourists, but require a bus, ferry, or car to reach the villages.
The Poet Hotel
La Spezia’s Poet Hotel blends modern amenities with a storybook-perfect setting. The hotel’s richly designed rooms will appeal to casual vacationers and business travelers alike, while the staff is ready to attend to your every need, be it luggage storage, room service, or dinner reservations at Osteria della Corte.
Address: Via Roma, 139, (La Spezia)
Rooms: From $214 per night
Book Through: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Piccolo Hotel Del Lido
Piccolo Hotel Del Lido was made for relaxing by the sea, and each of its 12 elegant rooms features a private balcony overlooking Lerici’s Gulf of Poets. After a day at the guests-only white sand beach, dip in the hydrotherapy tub before heading to dinner at Il Fico Trentacareghe.
Address: Lungomare Biaggini, 24 (Lerici)
Instagram: @piccolohoteldellido
Rooms: From $283 per night
Book Through: Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Grand Hotel Portovenere
Modern comfort meets old-world charm at the 5-star Grand Hotel Portovenere, a restored 17th-century monastery with spectacular views of the mountains and sea. Staying at this Dimora Storica, or historic residence, will get you access to exclusive excursions, convenient parking, and a private beach club.
Address: Via Giuseppe Garibaldi 5 (Portovenere)
Instagram: @ghportovenere
Rooms: From $437 per night
Book Through: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Torre a Mare
Completely renovated to feature clean, modern lines throughout its interior, Torre a Mare is located within a historic naval tower built in the 16th century. Guests can enjoy breakfast in their rooms or on the little terrace, where Portovenere meets the sea. Meanwhile, the menu at on-site Trattoria Tre Torri is a reflection of the hotel, perfectly harmonizing tradition and quality.
Address: Piazza Bastreri, 1 (Portovenere)
Rooms: From $175 per night
Book Through: Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Levanto, Italy: The Best Home Base Outside Cinque Terre
North of Cinque Terre is Levanto, arguably the best place to stay just outside the villages. Accessible via ferry (operating March through November), car, or the regional express train, the town is known for its laid-back, Italian Riviera vibes and affordable, yet opulent accommodations.
Hotel Palazzo Vannoni
A restored 17th-century palace set in the middle of Levanto, Hotel Palazzo Vannoni warmly greets guests with a salmon-pink and yellow-accented exterior. The high-ceilinged rooms prominently display the hotel’s past, with antique decorations, refined furnishings, and elegant frescoed ceilings. Palazzo Vannoni’s staff also make it easy to experience the best of Levanto, whether you want to rent a sun lounger on a private beach or bike around town. They’ll even pack you a picnic lunch for your outings.
Address: Via Marconi, 4
Instagram: @hotelpalazzovannoni
Rooms: From $142 per night (3-night minimum stay)
Book Through: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Park Hotel Argento
Relax in 4-star luxury at the Park Hotel Argento, tucked away in the hills of Levanto. Enjoy spacious rooms with modern furnishings, a state-of-the-art spa, and an on-site restaurant focused on sustainability, all within the well-designed grounds. Notably, Park Hotel Argento has also taken measures to improve access for guests with limited mobility.
Address: Via Sant’Anna sn
Instagram: @park_hotel_argento
Rooms: From $229 per night
Book Through: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
La Sosta di Ottone III
Boutique hotel La Sosta may be tucked away in the medieval village of Chiesanuova, but it is primed for experiencing the Cinque Terre. This historical home’s staff includes a “day designer,” who works with guests to create their ideal schedule — be it private cooking class, olive oil tasting, or village exploration by bike or boat. Regardless of how you design your day, end it under the wisteria at the hotel’s Michelin-rated restaurant.
Address: Località Chiesanuova 39
Instagram: @lasostadiottone
Rooms: From $202 per night
Book Through: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Luxury Stays in Villages North of Cinque Terre: Sestri Levante & Lavagna
Within an hour’s train ride north of Monterosso al Mare, you’ll reach Sestri Levante and Lavagna. While both towns bustle with boutique stores and restaurants serving delectable Genovese cuisine, visitors can avoid many of the Riviera’s crowds without going too far from the Cinque Terre itself.
Villa Domus 1938
Built atop an oceanside hill in the 1930s, Villa Domus 1938 reminds guests exactly why the Ligurian coast draws so many visitors. When you return to the villa after exploring the Cinque Terre, you can spend hours taking in the sun and sea from your suite’s terrace. Then, cool off in your room’s tub, downstairs at the sparkling turquoise pool.
Address: Via Penisola Levante 39
Instagram: @villadomus1938
Rooms: From $1,955 per night
Book Through: Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Stays on the Italian Riviera: Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Portofino
The towns of Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Portofino all lie more than an hour north of the Cinque Terre by train or car, and vacationers in search of the Italian Riviera’s chic vibe will find it here. These three towns feature some of the highest-rated resort stays in the area, plus upscale shopping, dining, and opportunities to soak up la dolce vita.
Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast
In Rapallo, the Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast has catered to the jet set for more than a century. As the only 5-star luxury hotel on Portofino’s coast, this hotel has hosted plenty of noble guests over the years. Today, the Excelsior Palace will make you feel like royalty with balcony hot tubs, two infinity pools with ocean views, and stone therapy massages at the health and fitness center. Consider their sister property, Hotel Helios, in Santa Margherita.
Address: Via San Michele di Pagana 8
Instagram: @excelsiorpalacehotel
Rooms: From $143 per night
Book Through: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Grand Hotel Bristol
A short walk from the Museo del Merletto and some of Rapallo’s best beaches, the prestigious Grand Hotel Bristol consists of 80 rooms, including 11 suites — unusual in an area where most hotels offer only a few rooms. Elsewhere on the expansive Grand Hotel Bristol grounds, guests can embark on a multisensory wellness journey at Erre Spa, book a surfing or snorkeling experience with hotel staff, and sip sommelier-selected wine at roof garden restaurant Le Cupole, where you’ll also find miles of mountain views.
Address: Via Aurelia Orientale, 369
Instagram: @grandhotelbristol
Rooms: From $184 per night
Book Through: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
BluDiTe House
Rooms at the BluDiTe House come in a variety of different sizes and styles, but you’ll feel right at home in any of them thanks to vintage elements and locally sourced decor. While the rooms have simplistic designs, the BluDiTe rooftop pool forms the crown jewel of the hotel, with exclusive access (reservations required, even for guests). At the secluded spa, meanwhile, you’ll be pampered from head to toe with a diverse treatment menu that includes pedicures, hair compresses, and face rituals, all using Davines Spa products.
Address: Via Favale, 30
Instagram: @bluditehouse
Rooms: From $250 per night
Book Through: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Grand Hotel Miramare
Grand Hotel Miramare stuns guests with its alluring location (just across the street from Santa Margherita Ligure’s sandy beaches) and its history as a hotspot for high society. Facing the sea or the property’s lush garden, the chic rooms retain the glamor of the French and Italian Riviera’s golden age through plush upholstery and crystal chandeliers. In the evenings, grab a nightcap and browse photos of past celebrity guests at the Barracuda Piano Bar, named after the hotel’s legendary midcentury bathing beach and nightclub.
Address: Via Milite Ignoto 30
Instagram: @grandhotelmiramare
Rooms: From $438 per night
Book Through: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Splendido, A Belmond Hotel
Luxury hotels in the Italian Riviera are typically close to the Mediterranean Sea, but Splendido hosts guests high above the waves in the Portofino hills. Guests get their fill of ocean views between negronis at La Terrazza Bar and Dior-branded massages at the pop-up terrace spa. If you prefer a room closer to the water, head down to the harbor for a stay at Splendido Mare.
Address: Salita Baratta 16
Instagram: @belmondhotelsplendido
Rooms: From $1,672 per night
Book Through: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Eight Hotel Portofino
Between Turkish baths, private hot tub ensuite terraces, and free parking with electric vehicle charging, Eight Hotel Portofino covers everything vacationers desire. Once you are ready to venture beyond the hotel’s cream-colored walls, you’ll find yourself just a few minutes walk from Portofino’s famous Piazzetta. Staff is at the ready to arrange boat cruises and point the way to the private beach.
Address: Via del Fondaco 11
Instagram: @eighthotels
Rooms: From $739 per night
Book Through: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
