Where to Stay in Cinque Terre (2026)

The Cinque Terre’s five villages each have a slightly different feel, so where you stay makes a difference. Monterosso al Mare is the best bet for a beach holiday, with the area’s longest sandy beach, plenty of restaurants and the biggest choice of hotels, including some good family-friendly options. Vernazza is arguably the prettiest, centred around a tiny harbour with colourful houses, seafood restaurants and the ruins of Doria Castle; it is particularly good for charming guesthouses and boutique hotels. Manarola is a favourite with couples, thanks to its dramatic cliffside setting, swimming spots and excellent sunset views, with some lovely small hotels. Riomaggiore has a more lively, local feel, with steep lanes, wine bars and access to the famous Via dell’Amore, making it a good choice for a fun, informal stay. Corniglia is the quietest village, surrounded by vineyards and hiking trails, and suits anyone in search of peace and great views rather than nightlife. Accommodation throughout the Cinque Terre is mostly small and characterful, from simple rooms and family-run guesthouses to stylish boutique stays, rather than large luxury hotels.

Monterosso Al Mare

Vernazza 

Vernazza's tiny harbour, colourful houses and steep hills make it one of the most photogenic Cinque Terre villages, with various cafes and restaurants spilling onto the waterfront. Climb up to Doria Castle for stunning sea views, visit the pretty Santa Margherita di Antiochia church or set off on the coastal hiking trail towards Monterosso. It’s small and easy to explore on foot, with a lovely atmosphere in the evenings once it quietens down. Hotels here are mostly small boutique stays, charming guesthouses and rooms in historic buildings.

Manarola

Manarola tumbles down the cliffs towards the sea, with colourful houses, a tiny harbour and some of the best sunset spots in the region. Wander the narrow lanes, swim from the rocks, walk along the Via dell’Amore or head into the surrounding vineyards for a taste of local Sciacchetrà wine. It’s small and steep, but very atmospheric, especially once the day-trippers have left. Accommodation mostly comprises small boutique hotels, stylish guesthouses and rooms with sea views, rather than large hotels or resorts.

Riomaggiore 

Riomaggiore is a great base for couples, hikers and travellers who like a livelier atmosphere after dark. The colourful village stretches up the hillside above a rocky harbour, with narrow lanes, seafood restaurants and wine bars to explore. Wander up to the 14th century Church of San Giovanni Battista, watch the sunset from the harbour or head out on the coastal trails. It’s also the southern gateway to Cinque Terre and a convenient base for exploring the other villages by train. Hotels here are mostly small boutique properties, guesthouses and self-catering apartments, with a few stylish stays offering stunning sea views.

Corniglia