Italy for me From Italy with love
If you love the romance of cozy fishing villages bathed in sunlight and washed by the sea, with breathtaking landscapes, colorful houses stacked atop one another, narrow streets, and friendly locals, then be sure to plan a trip to the Cinque Terre National Park, where the best apartments and hotels are featured in this selection.
Most tourists rush through the five coastal villages in a single day without staying overnight, which is a big mistake.
I recommend spending at least 2–3 days at one of the hotels listed below to truly enjoy the unique atmosphere, watch the sunrise, and see the sunset without the crowds. All the villages are connected by rail and sea, with just a few minutes of travel between them, so choose a small hotel or apartment that suits your taste. Keep in mind that bookings should be made well in advance.
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Appartamento Margherita
Appartamento Margherita is a spacious apartment overlooking the marina and lively promenade in the town of Vernazza, just 7–7.5 miles (11–12 km) from the La Spezia train station and seaport.
The apartment is located on the second floor of a historic 11th-century building and includes three bedrooms, a furnished living room, a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with a dining area.
The main tourist attractions, shops, market, and train station are all just a short walk away. Below the apartment is the popular Belforte restaurant, known for its pleasant atmosphere and excellent Italian cuisine. I recommend booking a table on the terrace in advance. Across the way stands the beautiful octagonal tower of the 14th-century Gothic church dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch (Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Margherita d’Antiochia), adjacent to an ancient palace with covered galleries. Higher up on the mountainside is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Reggio (Santuario di Nostra Signora di Reggio), dating back to the 11th century.
The cost for three nights is €670 for two people or €880 for six.
Nel cuore del porticciolo
The Nel cuore del porticciolo apartment occupies the third floor of a historic building, just 328 feet (100 meters) from the marina and 984 feet (300 meters) from the train station in the commune of Riomaggiore.
Guests enjoy a modern 344 sq. ft. (32 sq. meter) apartment featuring a kitchen, living area, bedroom, bathroom, marble floors, wireless internet, and a beautiful view of the bay. Within a few minutes’ walk, you’ll find local attractions, a small beach, shops, and eateries. Right beneath the windows, there’s the delightful Centrale Di Germani E Giaccio gelateria offering delicious ice cream, and the cozy Rio bistro with a terrace and seafood cuisine.
If you’re tired of fish and seafood, have lunch at La Cantina del Macellaio, where you can enjoy meat dishes and excellent wine. While strolling through the town by day, you’ll see a stunning kaleidoscope of colorful houses, blue sea, lush greenery, passionflower hedges, blooming prickly pears, and date palms. Local religious landmarks include the well-preserved Church of Saint John the Baptist (Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista), the Oratory of the Assumption of Mary (Oratorio di Santa Maria Assunta), and the oldest sanctuary—the Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero.
The cost for two people is €120 per night.
The Sunset Suite Vernazza
The Sunset Suite Vernazza offers comfortable accommodation in exclusive apartments on the top floor of a residential building, just 328 feet (100 meters) from the Vernazza beach.
The modern 753 sq. ft. (70 sq. meter) apartment includes a bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen, and balcony. The interior features a white palette accented with pastel shades. There’s access to the rooftop, which offers a panoramic terrace with a relaxation area and solarium. Free Wi-Fi is provided. All of the town’s amenities are within walking distance.
The town’s architectural landmark is the Doria Castle (Castello dei Doria) with the Belforte Tower (Bastione Belforte), built in the 11th century to defend against pirates. As you climb the steep stairs, I recommend stopping by the small Piadiamo Vernazza café, where they’ll prepare a fragrant piadina (Italian flatbread with various fillings) just for you. For a hearty lunch, head to Il Pirata delle Cinque Terre, a true haven of flavor and calm amid the tourist hustle.
The cost is €340 per night for two people and €415 for four.
Tagliata 51 Apartment
Tagliata 51 Apartment is a scenic apartment located on the top floor of a building near Vignaioli Square and just 656 feet (200 meters) from the Riomaggiore harbor.
The 484 sq. ft. (45 sq. meter) apartment offers four sleeping places, a furnished terrace, a living room with a kitchenette and dining area. Free Wi-Fi is available, and there is private parking. Guests arriving by train are met at the station by the owner, who accompanies them to the apartment while sharing insights into the village’s history and local amenities. From the square, the main street, Colombo, leads to the upper part of the town, lined with cozy trattorias, bars, and artisan shops. At the highest point stands the 13th-century medieval castle (Castello di Riomaggiore) with ancient tower clocks and a panoramic terrace. Just a short walk away is Kepris Pizzeria, a modest spot known for fast service, reasonable prices, and the best pizza in the area.
The cost for two nights for two people is €160.
Appartamento Giovanna
Appartamento Giovanna is located in the upper part of Riomaggiore, between the castle and the Church of Saint John the Baptist.
These private apartments accommodate up to four guests and are fully equipped for a self-catering stay. The rooms are decorated in white, with tiled floors, bright decorative accents, and charming furniture. Notably, the host is known for his care and generosity, offering many extras: a stocked refrigerator, a bottle of Prosecco, beer, excellent coffee, daily replenishment of drinking water, and laundry service. Just a few steps away is the delightful Fuori Rotta restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere and relaxing music.
The cost for two nights for two people is €160.
Stellio Affittacamere
The Stellio Affittacamere guesthouse is undoubtedly one of the best options, boasting an ideal location in the center of Riomaggiore, just steps from the marina.
The property is an apartment converted into two comfortable double rooms with a shared hallway. Both rooms and the balcony offer sea views. The modern interiors feature cozy, soft furnishings and a rustic design with wooden ceiling beams and decorative stone walls. A major perk is the complimentary, replenished minibar stocked with sparkling wine, soft drinks, snacks, and yogurts. There is also a coffee machine and an electric kettle. The hospitable owner offers services such as greeting guests upon arrival, arranging parking, assisting with luggage, providing a brief introductory tour upon check-in, and offering recommendations for local restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Depending on the room, the cost for two people is €195 or €215 per night.
If everything in Cinque Terre is fully booked, you can stay in La Spezia.
MonterossoHome
The MonterossoHome apartment is located in the historic center of Monterosso al Mare, the largest commune in the Cinque Terre National Park.
The two-room, 700 sq. ft. (65 sq. meter) apartment is situated on the second floor of a medieval building, just a 2-minute walk from a small beach and 0.4 miles (600 meters) from the train station. The classic interior is decorated with carefully selected antique furniture and artwork. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, six sleeping places, a living and dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen. A bottle of Prosecco awaits guests in the refrigerator as a welcome gift. For a hearty meal, simply head downstairs to the La Smorfia pizzeria. Nearby, you’ll find shops, restaurants, and a traditional bakery. The town spans two cozy bays, covered with vineyards, blooming shrubs, citrus trees, and olive groves. A charming promenade lined with colorful beach umbrellas connects to the modern Fegina district and its long sandy beach. From here, you can spot two local landmarks—the Genoese Aurora Tower (Aurora Torre) and the 46-foot (14-meter) stone statue of Neptune (Nettuno), also known as Il Gigante.
The cost for two nights is €410 for two people and €565 for six.
Apt. with an exciting view
The spacious Apt. with an exciting view occupies the top floor of a building just 164 feet (50 meters) from the promenade in Monterosso al Mare’s old quarter.
The apartment features two bedrooms, a furnished living room, a bathroom, a compact kitchen, and a large open terrace with a dining area and solarium. The tastefully decorated interior follows a nautical theme. The windows offer beautiful views of the sea, town, and mountains. The favorite time here is cocktail hour, when you can relax on lounge chairs and enjoy the sunset. The promenade often hosts concerts and comedy shows, and there are playgrounds and other activities for children.
Markets, a supermarket, and restaurants of all kinds are within walking distance. Among the nearest, I recommend the La Cantina del Pescatore wine bar, which serves a variety of focaccia, delightful bruschetta with pesto or anchovies, fresh lemon granita, and select local wines.
Between two beaches, atop a hill, stands the ancient Capuchin Friars Monastery with the Church of San Francesco and a statue of Saint Francis—a quiet, peaceful spot offering panoramic views.
The cost for three nights is €790.
Rossi Tramonti sul Mare 3
The Rossi Tramonti sul Mare 3 apartment is located 328 feet (100 meters) from a rocky beach and a 15-minute walk from the train station in the commune of Corniglia.
This 538 sq. ft. (50 sq. meter) studio apartment is situated on the second floor of a house perched atop a rocky cliff. It offers high-speed Wi-Fi, four sleeping places, a living area, a separate kitchen, and a balcony overlooking the sea and sunsets.
There are no tour boat stops, equipped beaches, or heavy tourist crowds here, making it a destination for peaceful relaxation amid beautiful scenery.
Just 164 feet (50 meters) away, you’ll find the charming wine bar La Terza Terra Corniglia with traditional cuisine and a scenic terrace. A little further down an alley, there’s the small Artigianala Un Mare di Yogurt gelateria, serving delicious gelato that rivals offerings from Italy’s famous gelaterias.
The cost for four nights is €355.
La Posada
The La Posada aparthotel is located in the center of Corniglia, near the bus stop and the town’s Church of Saint Peter (Chiesa di San Pietro), which dates back to the 14th century.
The accommodations include three apartments and two double rooms located in three different buildings. The rooms are decorated in a country style and furnished with classic wooden furniture. The apartments feature living rooms and mini-kitchens, and some have balconies. The village is very small, so all amenities are within easy walking distance. Just a 2-minute walk away, you’ll find the cozy Terra Rossa restaurant, where you can enjoy a light lunch on a welcoming terrace—for example, freshly made stuffed focaccia paired with a glass of excellent wine or local beer.
The cost for two nights starts at €115.
If you’re still unsure where to stay in Cinque Terre, feel free to ask your questions in the comments.