Catherine - Savvy Family TravelCinque Terre, an incomparable stretch of Italy’s coast, not only lives up to the hype—it exceeds it.
Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands,” is a collection of five historic villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. As a group, they’re considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for terraced vineyards, colorful homes, and stunning views.
But how do you choose the best Cinque Terre towns to visit or the best Cinque Terre towns to stay in? Keep reading to find out!
Discovering the Best Cinque Terre Towns (and Beyond)
Planning Your Visit
Where is Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre sits on Italy’s northwestern coast between La Spezia and Levanto. While it feels remote, the region is surprisingly accessible!
How to Get to Cinque Terre
Getting to Cinque Terre is easy once you know your options. The train is the most popular method, with frequent connections from La Spezia and Levanto. (A high speed train from Rome to La Spezia takes just over 3 hours.)
Driving isn’t recommended due to limited parking, but ferries are an option too.
The closest major airports are in Genoa and Pisa, both offering simple train connections.
When to Visit the best Cinque Terre towns?
Each season brings a unique charm to Cinque Terre.
Spring brings blooming wildflowers to your hikes. In May, catch the Lemon festival in Monterosso.
Summer draws beachgoers, sunseekers, and families on break. This is the BUSIEST time of year in the area and you can expect crowding in the small towns as well as the train.
Fall is a quieter time, with cooler weather and grape harvests.
Winter reveals a peaceful side of the villages, perfect for those who prefer tranquility. In January you can expect highs around 52°F (11°C).
How Long Should You Stay?
Staying 2-3 nights allows you to hike the trails, savor local cuisine, and discover the uniqueness of each village. Stay longer if you truly want to unwind and soak in hidden gems.
Navigating Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre Card is your key to seamless travel, it includes unlimited train rides and access to hiking trails. You can find the latest prices for the Cinque Terre Card, here. They fluctuate by high/med/low season.
Trains connect all five villages in minutes, while ferries and hiking paths offer alternative ways to explore.
Walking is essential, so comfortable shoes are crucial!
Which are the Best Cinque Terre Towns for you?
Connected by a train line and multiple paths, a stop at each of the towns is highly recommended. If you have limited time though, you may be wondering how to prioritize them. Here are our thoughts:
What are the best Cinque Terre towns to explore?
Choosing the best Cinque Terre towns to prioritize for your visit depends on your style.
Monterosso al Mare
Looking for beaches? Head to Monterosso.
Stroll along the promenade, enjoy fresh seafood, and relax on the sand.
The northernmost of the Cinque Terre towns, Monterosso, is the largest and most spread out. Arriving by train, you will find yourself on a beachfront boardwalk that runs right into the historic center.
It is worth stopping for the Foccacia at Il Massimo della Focaccia.
The trail between Monterosso and Vernazza winds along the cliff face and the hour hike leaves you with one of the most stunning views overlooking the town of Vernazza.
Vernazza
Arguably the most picturesque. Winding alleys, a natural harbor, and castle ruins.
The train station stops right at the top of the main street and the hiking path takes you into the heart of the town square.
There are wonderful seafood restaurants perched on the cliffs that offer great views of sunset.
There are also a number of small shops that offer fresh fruit and drinks if you want to have a casual bite along the harbor.
The hike in and out of Vernazza offers the best view points postcard worthy photos.
Corniglia
Quaint vibes and panoramic coastline views.
Perched high above the sea, Corniglia offers a quieter experience. Its panoramic views and winding alleys make it rewarding stop for those who don’t mind a bit of a climb.
You’ll find the best views of this town on your hike from Vernazza so make sure to take pictures as you approach from afar.
While in town, be sure to try Wonderland Bakery or Panifico Focacceria! We had our best croissant in Corniglia (after 3 months traveling through France and Italy).
If you plan on making the hike to Manarola next, don’t make the mistake of going down the stairs to the train station. The path starts at the top of town and continues along the cliff. If you arrive in the town via the train you can hope the shuttle is running, or you will be forced to follow the line of people staggering up the 300 steps to the city.
Manarola
Best for terraced vineyards and magical sunsets.
Manarola feels like stepping into a painting.
Manarola was the second most picturesque village, in our opinion, after Vernazza. For the optimal viewpoint, climb the hill just outside of town and go into the cemetery. Be respectful, of course. You’ll find a spot to frame your shot with beautiful flowers.
We had an incredible dinner at Il Porticciolo and tried some of the local wine and had walnut and truffle pizza.
Riomaggiore
Best for getting great value out of your accommodation and unbeatable sunsets.
The southernmost village is vibrant with colorful houses stacked above a tiny harbor.
The last town in the line-up makes for a great finale. A short walk from the train will take you to the main harbor where the best vantage point for a photo op can be found when you scramble over the large breakwater boulders to get a shot of the harbor and the town.
You can find stunning Airbnbs here for under $200 per night! (More details below.)
What are the best Cinque Terre towns to stay in?
Now that you know which towns you wish to spend the most time in on your visit, you need to decide the best Cinque Terre towns in which to book lodging.
Here are the key benefits of staying in each town:
- Monterosso – This is the most resort-like of the villages. Easily access the beach from your resort’s property and you’ll find more dining options as it is the biggest of the five villages.
- Vernazza – This is the only of the Cinque Terre towns that you can easily hike in either direction. With Monterosso being not too far north and Corniglia just to the south.
- Corniglia – This is the quietest of the villages. It feels especially quaint in the evenings.
- Manarola – For romance and sunsets, Manarola is unbeatable. Wonderful live music options to fill your nights.
- Riomaggiore – If you have a longer stay – Riomaggiore is one of the best Cinque Terre towns to base yourself for exploration beyond the five villages. For example, catch the ferry down to Porto Venere or a quick train to La Spezia. (More day trip ideas are listed below.)
Note: If you stay at the top of the hill in Riomaggiore you’ll be rewarded with stunning views but will also be reliant on an elevator to get down to the waterfront and the train.
Our vote: We absolutely loved basing ourselves in Vernazza. We felt central to anything we wanted to do and because Vernazza gets so crowded during the day, it was beautiful to feel like we had it to ourselves in the evenings.
They’re all fairly close together – so if you’re swooning over a particular lodging option, that may make your decision for you! There is not a WRONG choice.
Top Experiences in Cinque Terre
Hiking the Best Cinque Terre Towns
Hiking is a must in Cinque Terre. Even if you choose the shortest trail.
A Trail Pass is required to use the hiking trails. If you bought the all inclusive Cinque Terre Card mentioned above, you’re all set.
We recommended starting your hikes early in the morning to avoid the large crowds of tourists, see the sun rise over the sea and get some great photos during our peaceful hike.
We felt the overall best Cinque Terre towns to hike between were Vernazza to Corniglia. It is the longest of the hikes so it is best to do it while you are fresh and it isn’t hot out.
The hike between Monterosso and Vernazza gives you the most rewarding view though. As you approach Vernazza you will have a majestic lookout that is the postcard picture of what you would expect the Cinque Terre to be.
If you have the opportunity, hike the iconic Via dell’Amore (path of love), a short yet scenic path between Riomaggiore and Manarola. This coastal trail was closed due to rock slides then wave damage for over 10 years! It reopened in July 2024 with controlled (paid) admission, but at the time of writing this post, it has closed again for maintenance. In order to hike this segment, you will need a pass which costs €7.50 for the day. You can also get a family pass for 2 adults + 2 kids for €19.50.
Cultural and Historical Attractions
Explore centuries-old churches, climb to ancient castles, and immerse yourself in the local traditions that make each village unique.
Festivals, like Monterosso’s Lemon Festival, are a unique way to experience the community here.
Food and Wine
From fresh pesto to Sciacchetrà, a sweet dessert wine, the local cuisine is unforgettable.
Each village offers its own specialties, from Monterosso’s anchovies to Corniglia’s rustic trattorias.
We had a great time creating our own “Five Course Dinner” which we started at about 3pm with Aperitivos in Monterosso and worked our way south using our Train Card having small plates and dessert one city at a time.
Beaches and Relaxation
While Monterosso’s sandy beach is the most famous, hidden spots like Vernazza’s rocky cove are a great place to unwind at the end of the day.
Unique Experiences
Stay in a vineyard farmhouse, join a cooking class, or take a boat tour at sunset!
Tips for Visiting the Best Cinque Terre Towns
Packing for Cinque Terre
Pack layers for unpredictable weather and sturdy shoes for the steep paths.
- Cash (ATMs are rare and many places expect / prefer Cash)
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Easy to carry luggage (wheeled bags are hard to drag over the cobbled, hilly streets)
- Multiple layers of clothing
- Sunscreen
- Hiking shoes
- Swimsuit if you plan to jump in
- Camera
- Power brick for your cell phone
- Basic picnic supplies – we’ve started traveling with a tablecloth to use as a thin picnic blanket, a corkscrew, and basic eating utensils to turn any meal to a scenic picnic.
Sustainable Tourism
Cinque Terre is feeling the pinch of over tourism. Do your part to support the local economy by staying in family-run accommodations and respecting the environment.
Carrying reusable bottles and reducing waste go a long way in preserving the best Cinque Terre towns.
Safety and Accessibility
Be mindful of the rugged terrain and plan accordingly. For those with mobility challenges, Monterosso is the most accessible village.
Overall though, this destination is not wheelchair or stroller friendly. There are steps to get on the train, steps for most restaurants and churches, steep hills, and narrow gangways for the ferries.
Beyond Cinque Terre
Nearby Destinations
Levanto (15 minute train ride), a surfer’s paradise.
Portovenere, with its charming streets and castle, is a 35 minute ferry ride from Riomaggiore and costs under 20 euros.
La Spezia
If you find yourself getting through the villages quickly you can take the Cinque Terre train to its last stop. La Spezia is a bigger city where the cruise ships dock and the train station serves as the transfer point for the day trippers from other parts of Italy.
Best Day Trips from the Best Cinque Terre Towns
Explore Tuscany (especially Florence), or venture to Lerici and Tellaro for even more coastal beauty. These options make Cinque Terre an ideal base for discovering northern Italy.
Genoa, only a 1 hour 15 minute train ride, is one of our favorite underrated Italian cities. They have a striking history, culture, and incredible cuisine for an easy day trip by train.
Pisa (1 hour 44 minute train ride)
The Leaning Tower, what else? Pisa is not a large city and if it weren’t for its famous tower, most people would simply roll right by this place.
With that said, it is something that you should see in your lifetime. How it is still standing is simply amazing. If you arrive by train it is about a 25 minute walk to the tower. You will cross over the river Arno and notice the Santa Maria della Spina church. For a suggested 2€ donation you can have a peek inside this gothic church from the 13th century.
Save This Article on the Best Cinque Terre Towns For Later
Cinque Terre’s five villages each offer something unique and together they create an experience unlike any other. Pin this for future trip planning!
Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”