FAQs about Best Places to Stay in Cinque Terre

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Welcome to my Frequently Asked Questions about the best places to stay in Cinque Terre, you can see more about where to stay in Cinque Terre in this guide 8 Best Areas to Stay in Cinque Terre.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinque Terre

Where To Stay In the Cinque Terre Without A Car?

It’s easier to stay in the Cinque Terre without a car, as there is very limited parking and the villages are pedestrianised (although there is some parking at each village).

Instead, it’s best to get around using the trains and ferries that connect the villages or enjoy some of the beautiful hiking trails.

This means that you don’t need to pick where to stay based on the fact that you don’t have a car – it is easy to travel from village to village without one.

Where To Stay In the Cinque Terre With A Car?

If you do bring a car to the Cinque Terre, it’s best to stay in Corniglia or Monterosso, as it’s possible to drive through some areas of these villages.

There is parking available at the other village entrances from which you can walk into the main village as well.

The cheapest village to park in is Corniglia, at €10 per car per day. Monterosso is more expensive at €25 per car per day, but there is a car park in both the old town and the new town, so you can park closer to your accommodation.

You should avoid driving to Vernazza altogether, as the roads have been badly damaged by floods and the drive is treacherous – it’s best to visit this village via public transport or on foot.

Where To Stay In the Cinque Terre With Family?

The two most family-friendly villages in the Cinque Terre are Monterosso and Manarola. 

The new town of Monterosso has plenty of seaside restaurants and hotels, plus a private beach where you can rent a spot for a reasonable price – or you can enjoy the stretch of public beach on the north of the town. There is a playground by the seafront, and the old town has a lively market and many more local restaurants 

Manarola has plenty of affordable food options and plenty of picturesque views, and there is a hidden playground just at the top of the hill.

Where To Stay In the Cinque Terre In Winter?

If you still want to experience bustling village life during the winter it’s best to stay in Riomaggiore, which is the busiest of the five villages.

If you’re hunting for peace and quiet, then Corniglia might be the village for you. Its tranquil perch at the top of the steep hill makes it hard to reach, and especially quiet in the winter when there are fewer visitors.

Alternatively, staying in Manarola – the oldest and arguably most beautiful village – is recommended at any time of year, and going in winter may allow you to enjoy the picturesque views in peace.

Stay In the Cinque Terre Or Day Trip?

It is possible to explore all of the Cinque Terre in one day, but it will be a bit of a whistlestop tour. 

The five villages are connected by trains which run regularly so it’s easy to simply hop from one village to the other. You can also book a guided day tour to make sure you don’t miss anything.

If you’re simply going for the views and some food, this may be perfect – but if you want to explore more deeply, you should stay for longer than one day.

If you do opt for a day trip, Manarola is a wonderful place to watch the sunset, so you should end your day here.

If you want to explore each village in more depth and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area, it’s recommended to stay in the Cinque Terre for two full days (three nights) or longer.

Where Is The Best Town To Stay In the Cinque Terre?

The best village to stay in depends on what you want from your trip.

If you’re looking for fun, then Riomaggiore is the village for you – it even has a cliffside bar with stunning views – and for the adventurous amongst us, there is also a scuba diving school. 

If you’re looking for hustle and bustle without the noise of nightlife, then Vernazza is always throbbing with crowds.

If you’re simply looking to enjoy the city’s picturesque views, head to Manarola; if you’re after peace and tranquillity then hard to reach Corniglia is the perfect destination.

Finally, if you’re looking for a good old fashioned beach holiday, head to Monterosso.

Where To Stay In the Cinque Terre On A Budget?

Luckily, the day to say costs if public transport in Italy is quite low, and budget-friendly.

The most budget-friendly village is Riomaggiore; its lively atmosphere and proximity to La Spezia tends to attract the student crowd and keeps prices down.

Corniglia can also be cheaper than the other villages depending on what accommodation you pick because of its lack of access to the sea. Each village also has a small but decent selection of budget accommodation, such as hostels and dorm rooms.

How Long Does It Take To Walk The 5 Villages Of the Cinque Terre?

The entire route between the five villages can be walked in about six hours including short breaks, but it’s generally more enjoyable to split the hike over two days so it can be savoured at a strolling pace – this way you can enjoy the villages along the way.

Some parts of the hike are challenging, so if you aren’t a seasoned hiker it’s better to stay nearer the Riomaggiore end where the trails are wide and/or paved.

How Long Should I Stay In the Cinque Terre??

To enjoy each of the villages in the Cinque Terre properly, you need at least three full days to explore  – perhaps spending a morning or afternoon in each.

If you also want to hike the whole trail, this takes a full day in itself, and there are plenty of hidden gems surrounding the Cinque Terre to explore.

One such hidden beauty is the nearby town of Portovenere, sometimes referred to as the sixth town of the Cinque Terre. With its beautiful scenery and excellent cuisine with less of the tourist hubbub, it’s a beautiful place to spend another afternoon or evening.

Although you can explore the whole of the Cinque Terre in one day if you’re short for time, to soak up all this beautiful region has to offer, 4-5 days is ideal.

What Is The Best Time To Visit the Cinque Terre?

The best time to visit the Cinque Terre is between the summer rush and the winter cold. The months of September and October or the spring months are a good time for the same reasons.

For those unaccustomed to the heat, both spring and autumn offer lower temperatures and less crowded trails, making for a less stressful experience.

On a budget, it’s always good to visit in the winter since accommodation rates drop at this time – however, bear in mind that some shops and restaurants will be closed, and the weather may be poor.

What Is the Cinque Terre Famous For?

Aside from its picturesque views, the Cinque Terre is most well known for its exquisite seafood. Anchovies are a local delicacy, particularly in Monterosso, and should certainly be tried at least once during your visit. The village of Corniglia is known for a signature gelato made from local honey. The Cinque Terre is also known for its wine and limoncino, and the wider region of Liguria in which the Cinque Terre is situated is known for its delicious pesto.

Which Is A Better Amalfi Coast Or the Cinque Terre?

These are two of Italy’s most popular coastlines, both offering beautiful views and traditional cuisine, and sweet seaside villages – it’s difficult to choose between the two.

One big difference is the location; the Cinque Terre is on the north-west coast, whereas the Amalfi coast is in the south. Not only does this mean the Amalfi coast will be hotter, but it also means that one will likely be far quicker to get to based on your starting point.

The Amalfi coast is near Rome and Naples, whereas the Cinque Terre is nearer Florence, so if you also want to explore some of Italy’s famous historic cities you should choose based on which is nearer.

If you’re looking for sightseeing and day trips, then the Amalfi coast is for you, whereas if you’re looking for hiking and exploring then you will prefer the Cinque Terre.

What Is The Most Beautiful Town In the Cinque Terre?

Manarola is considered the most beautiful of the five villages; with its traditional picture-postcard multicoloured houses clinging to the rock and waves rocking the equally multicoloured fishing boats in the harbour, Manarola is as picturesque as it gets.

That said, you’d be hard pushed to find a place in the Cinque Terre that isn’t beautiful.

A particular beauty spot is the Lardarina in Corniglia. After climbing up 382 steps which zigzag precariously across the face of the mountain, you reach the only viewpoint from which you can see across all five beautiful villages of the Cinque Terre.

Is the Cinque Terre A Tourist Trap?

The five picturesque villages can certainly be a tourist trap, especially at certain times during the year; the hiking trails can get so crowded as to be impassable.

The quaint, storybook appearance of the Cinque Terre gives it the impression of being something of a hidden gem. This is not the case and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, becoming almost unbearably crowded during peak season.

It’s advisable to visit this beautiful stretch of coastline outside of the summer months when it is much less busy.

What Is Better, the Cinque Terre Or Portofino?

The choice between these two depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for.

Portofino is a stunningly beautiful town, with a picturesque bay to boot – and it’s also great for swimming, with a sandy beach and plenty of hotels with pools.

If you’re looking to explore vineyards, soak up some authentic cuisine and traditional lifestyle – not to mention beautiful ocean views – then the Cinque Terre is the destination for you. It’s also worth noting that the Cinque Terre is a significantly cheaper destination than Portofino.

How Far Is It From Portofino To the Cinque Terre?

Portofino is 45km (28.1 miles) northwest along the coast from the Cinque Terre as the crow flies.

There is no direct line linking the two destinations, but it is possible to get from one to the other via ferry, bus and train in under three hours.

Alternatively, you can drive; the route is about 75km and the journey takes around an hour and a half.

That’s my  Frequently Asked Questions about the best places to stay in Cinque Terre. See more about Greece travel here:

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