When we were planning for our trip to Cinque Terre, one of the challenges was deciding on where to stay. Choosing your accommodation in Cinque Terre depends on several factors: budget, objective of the trip, time of visit, and where you are coming from or heading to.

While becoming a very popular tourists’ destination, Cinque Terre remains traditional and primitive in many ways. There is almost no sign of first world technology, neither should you expect any form of luxury and convenience. But this is precisely what reiterates the essence of Cinque Terre, and every climb to the next terrace speaks of an unadulterated joy that hikers and all other visitors indulge in; the feeling of overlooking the Ligurian Sea that is dotted with colourful villages is a priceless reward, and one experience so humbling that it is little wonder people from all over the world flock to this star of Italy for a vacation. Here is a guide on planning for your stay in Cinque Terre, including the pros and cons of staying at each village.

For a start, Cinque Terre has five main villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. If you are traveling in a big group or with elders, Monterosso is the most tourist-friendly spot because the land is flat, and unlike the other four villages, there are no steep slopes and long stairs.

Monterosso has a resort feel to boast, and if a beach getaway is what you are looking for, go ahead and book a room or apartment here. However, it is also perhaps the most touristy of all villages, and lacks that unspoken Cinque Terre vibe.

Corniglia is perched on the highest ground, and getting there requires you to take a little hike of 365 steps upon exiting the train station before you reach the town. Manarola and Riomaggiore have their fair share of steps too, and though not as physically-demanding as Corniglia’s, these two villages are directly connected to the towns with some stairways and long walking paths.

We would suggest staying at Vernazza. Less the part about it being our favourite among all five villages, it is relatively easier to lug your luggage’s around (as compared to Manarola, Corniglia, and Riomaggoire). After exiting the train station, you would immediately find yourself at the entrance of the town. Accommodations here are much more accessible, too.

Alternatives include staying in Levanto (which comes with an equally gorgeous beach) and La Spezia – where it is significantly cheaper and more convenient without all the crazy climbing. The only hassle is the train frequency – there are mostly only one to two trains every hour. Otherwise, it is a quick 10-minute train ride to the heart of Cinque Terre wherever you crave the magnificent views of the iconic colourful houses perched on the cliffs.

During our trip, we put up at Hotel Punta Mesco – a small property that is just a stone’s throw away from the station. It was nothing luxurious, but was nothing short of comfortable and sufficient. A clean room that is tidied up daily, complete with stable and unlimited wifi, and breakfast is also provided every morning.

A tip for travelers: the peak period is between April and October, so do book your accommodation way in advance to secure a roof over your head. Choices are not aplenty to begin with, and the majority of the hotels are not listed on booking websites. The usual way is to book directly from the respective properties’ websites or to write in for their availability.

If you go during the off-peak season (November to March), expect a sleepy town with limited options for both lodging and food.

Read 18 Reasons why Cinque Terre should be on your bucket list.

Tucked along the northern Italy’s Riviera, Cinque Terre is made up of five small coastal villages - Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. While Cinque Terre may be getting a lot of attention from visitors from all over the world, it stays true to its cultures and beauty.

Here are 18 reasons why Cinque Terre should be on your bucket list.

1. It’s like a postcard, only it is real right before your eyes

Words like gorgeous, stunning, amazing immediately come to mind.

2. The best focaccia can be found in Cinque Terre

This flat oven-baked Italian bread originated from this part of Liguria (the coastal region of North-western Italy).

3. Not one, not two, but FIVE villages to explore

Cinque Terre has five main villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso – and each has something different to offer.

4. Dolce far Niente

Dolce far Niente, the Italians’ art of doing nothing, is perhaps most apt in Cinque Terre.

5. Ligurian seafood is in a different league

Cinque Terre is located along the Ligurian sea, and naturally, it has an abundance of seafood. Lots of fish, prawns and anchovies. If you have never been a fan of anchovies, just wait till you try the fresh anchovies – a local speciality – in Cinque Terre.

6. It is the perfect getaway spot from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Cinque Terre is traffic-free. The roads are super winding, and cars are forbidden to enter the towns.

7. Take a hike along this picturesque part of Italy

One of the ways to explore Cinque Terre, and to avoid the crowd, is to go hiking. There are various hiking trails from town to town, with different difficulty levels. Cinque Terre has one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Italy.

8. If you are too lazy to hike, then take the ferry instead.

Locals and travellers can commute from town to town via ferry, which is a great way to see Cinque Terre. However, do note that the ferries only operate from April until October during the peak season.

9. Or rent a boat to go out to sea and admire Cinque Terre from afar.

The best way to see Cinque Terre is to rent a boat to go out to sea and admire her from afar.

10. Monterosso’s gorgeous beach

During summer, locals and tourists flock to Monterosso for a relaxing beach getaway.

11. If Monterosso is too touristy, stay at Levanto

Levanto is just five minutes away from Monterosso by train, and it offers an equally gorgeous beach, sans the crowd.

12. Dine at Bar La Torre in Vernazza

From Vernazza station, take a short 10-minute hike (towards the Corniglia direction) to Bar La Torre. Once you have reached there, you will be rewarded with a fantastic view of Vernazza and the glistening ocean. It is indeed bringing dining to a higher level – literally.

13. Diving in Riomaggiore

There is an authorised diving centre in Riomaggiore where you can go for diving sessions and spend a day enjoying the marine environment. Finding nemo, anyone?

14. Or go cliff diving

Up for an adventure? Go cliff diving.

15. Or fishing. There is always something to do in Cinque Terre

16. Sample Cinque Terre’s wines.

There are two wines that you must try in Cinque Terre – Scicchetra, a sweet dessert wine; and the Cinque Terre dry white wine, which is great with seafood.

17. Watch sunset across the Ligurian sea

Sure, you can watch sunset everywhere in the world. But trust us, watching the sun set from the vast Ligurian sea is something different and truly special.

18. Every spot is a photo spot

Need we say more? Cinque Terre should be on your bucket list, and if you are planning a trip to Italy, you must include it and explore this scenic part of Italy for yourself.

Read our guide on planning where to stay in Cinque Terre