The Cinque Terre is one of the most spectacular spots on the Ligurian coastline, known for its naturally dramatic landscape and collection of five remote fishing villages — reached only on foot. These pastel-coloured hamlets, with an incredibly colour-changing sea beneath them, and misty, purplish hills behind, have been Heritage Listed since 1997, so accommodation within the towns is limited, but out Gurus have found plenty of contenders for their list of the best places to stay in the Cinque Terre in the hills and valleys surrounding the towns. They like a couple of agriturismos, converted farmhouses and villas, a couple of traditional Italian charmers, and some more contemporary picks.
Now that the Cinque Terre is car-free, the only way to reach the villages and their surrounds is along spectacular trails on the clifftops, or on the train which cuts through the mountains. The train starts in La Spezia, and finishes in Levanto. La Spezia is one of the best places to stay in the Cinque Terre if you’re looking for a larger base, with a cobbled old town, and museums and sights of its own. The first of the towns you reach from La Spezia is Riomaggiore, the largest town, and a great base for walkers. It’s very steep, with a charming main street and a pretty marina.
Manarola is only 852 metres away from Riomaggiore, so many people walk through it without stopping, so it’s our pick if you're looking for peace and quiet — in the evenings you’ll have the place to yourself. Corniglia is next, 100 metres above the sea and surrounded by vineyards, then it’s Vernazza, the steepest of the villages, and a fantastic choice for photographers. Vernazza has the best fishing port of the villages, so it’s also ideal for foodies. Monterosso is last, the grandest of the towns, with resort-style hotels, the best beaches, and the easiest car access. Levanto is at the other end of the train line, and with its sandy beaches and great facilities, it’s the town our Gurus find themselves recommending most often as the best place to stay in the Cinque Terre for families.
