Last Updated on March 27, 2024
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There’s no shortage of beautiful places in Italy and Cinque Terre is definitely one the them. The popularity of these once quiet fishing villages went though the roof, making them one of the most visited destinations in Italy. If you are wondering if Cinque Terre is worth the hype, my answer is absolutely. The five towns are popular for a reason, but you definitely need to plan ahead. So if you are thinking of visiting Cinque Terre, there are certain things you should learn and know.
The five towns that make up the area know as Cinque Terre are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. While they appear very similar at first glance, each has its own personality. What they do have in common is that all five are insanely picturesque. Cinque Terre villages are also a National Park and are recognized as a UNESCO Heritage World Site.
Whether you plan to take a day trip to Cinque Terre ( which I actually discourage ) or spend a few days, there are some things you should know before visiting. In this guide I share all the essential information for visiting Cinque Terre, from how to get there, how to get around, where to stay and how to navigate the crowds. Also things to be aware of and tips helping you save time and money. All to make the most out of your time in this beautiful place.
For all the best things to do in Cinque Terre, check out my other post 21 Amazing Things to do in Cinque Terre, Italy
Where is Cinque Terre
The five towns of Cinque Terre are located in Northwestern Italy in the Liguria region, which is part of the Italian Riviera. If you are already in Italy, Cinque Terre can easily be reached from several major cities like Genova, Pisa or Florence by train.
- from Florence – 186 km ( 116 m ) – 3 hours by train
- from Pisa – 113 km ( 70 m ) – 1 hour 15 min by train
- from Genova – 100 km ( 62 m ) – 1.5 hours by train
- from Milan – 227 km ( 142 m ) – 2.5 hours by train
How to get to Cinque Terre in Italy
Flying
There is no airport in or right near Cinque Terre and your two closest options are Pisa and Genoa. Both are more or less the same distance and from both you can get to Cinque Terre by train.
- Pisa – Galileo Galilei International Airport ( PSA ) is one of the closest airport to Cinque Terre. It’s about 50 miles away and travel time will be about 1.5 hrs. First you need to take Pisa Mover, a shuttle connecting Pisa airport with the train station ( costs €5 and takes about 5 min ). Then take a train to La Spezia, which takes one hour. In La Spezia hop on the Cinque Terre Express Train to whatever town you’re staying in ( takes just a few minutes ).
- Genoa – Cristoforo Colombo International Airport ( GOA ) is the second closest airport to Cinque Terre. It’s located 62 miles away ( 100 km ) and from there it will take you 2-2.5 hours to your final destination. First hop on the Genoa Airlink, a quick bus ride to Genova Sestri Ponente train station ( €1.50 ). There is no direct train to Cinque Terre, you’ll have to change 1 or 2 depending on the schedule. Use Trenitalia app to see all train options.
Both options are very similar in timing, so choose whatever the cheapest flight is.
You could also fly to Florence or Milan, but then you are looking at 4 hours minimum to get to Cinque Terre.
Getting to Cinque Terre by train
If Cinque Terre is part of your longer Italy trip and you are coming from another part of the country, taking a train is your best option. Trenitalia runs direct trains from many major Italian cities to La Spezia. From there, you are just minutes away via Cinque Terre Express train to the villages.
Do not forget to validate your ticket!
Best time to visit Cinque Terre
High season in Cinque Terre ( and Italy ) is from May all the way through September, with July and August being the busiest. That’s when you should expect hottest temperatures, biggest crowds and highest accommodation prices.
September is a great month to visit Cinque Terre. The weather is nice without the oppressive heat, but it’s still warm enough for boating and swimming. In terms of crowds, it’s still quite busy, as the high season runs all the way through September these days. You might want to wait until October, if you want it be more quiet.
Visiting Cinque Terre in winter months will be free of crowds and that’s when you can score lower than usual accommodation prices. But I personally wouldn’t recommend visiting during that time. A lot of businesses will be closed, ferry does not run and trains operate on a reduced schedule. And while hiking is free during the off season, you run the risk of trails being closed, if there’s heavy rain. They can also be closed for maintenance.
How long to stay in Cinque Terre
I think 3 days in Cinque Terre is a perfect amount of time to have that full experience. It’s enough time to really explore each town, do a couple of hikes, take a boat trip and simply soak in the atmosphere.
If you have more time, that’s even better. You could easily fill your days with more hikes and also visit Portovenere, which is a gorgeous medieval town in Liguria. It’s just a stone’s throw away from Cinque Terre towns, equally beautiful, but with way less tourists.
Cinque Terre day trip
A lot of people visit Cinque Terre as a day trip, but to be completely honest, I think that is way too rushed. With just one day, you’ll miss out on so many great experiences and you’ll be visiting when the towns are the most crowded. Cinque Terre is definitely at its best in the early mornings and late afternoons/nights.
But sometimes one day is all you have, so if your schedule does not allow more time, visiting Cinque Terre as a day trip is doable. Hopefully it will inspire you to come back for longer next time.
Cinque Terre day trip can be done independently or by joining an organized day trip. With such a limited time, I do think booking a tour is a great idea. Everything will be organized for you and you won’t have to waste time trying to figure things out. Below are some of the high rated and often sold out organized tours to Cinque Terre from Florence and Pisa.
- Florence: Cinque Terre Day Trip with Optional Hike
- From Florence: Seaside beauty day trip to Cinque Terre
- From Pisa: Cinque Terre Small Group Tour
Which town to stay in Cinque Terre
So which of the best town to stay in when visiting Cinque Terre? You really can’t go wrong with any of them, it all comes down to your preference. While they appear very similar at first glance, each town has a different feel to it.
Monterosso al Mare – the biggest of the five villages and the only one with a proper beach. So if staying near a beach is important to you, that’s where you want to be. Monterosso is also pretty flat, so it’s a great place if you have mobility issues or simply want to avoid hills and many stairs, which the other four towns are known for. Monterosso also has the most options when it comes to accommodations.
Vernazza – named one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Vernazza is one of the most popular towns in Cinque Terre. It’s also the most crowded mid day. It’s a great place to stay if you plan on hiking. You can start both of the most popular hikes from here, without having to take a train first. For such a tiny town, there is a decent amount of places to eat.
Corniglia – this is the smallest of the Cinque Terre towns and the only one without a direct access to water. Corniglia sits up on a cliff, so to get there from the train station, you need to hike up 382 steps via a staircase known as Lardarina. Or take a bus that runs from the train station to the village. Keep that in mind when choosing to stay in Corniglia. Because Corniglia is hardest to access, it’s not as crowded as other villages and the quietest.
Manarola – one of the most picturesque villages and a favorite among the photographers. It’s often suggested as the place to choose if you are looking for a romantic getaway. Once the day trippers leave, Manarola is pretty quiet. Not a ton of restaurants either.
Riomaggiore – it’s the southernmost town and the first one you come across coming from La Spezia. It’s known as the best place to watch the sunset. Riomaggiore has plenty of restaurants and generally more hopping than the other villages, especially in the evening.
No matter which town you choose, book your accommodations early! These towns are really small, so the number of places to stay is limited and they book up well in advance. So as soon as you have your travel dates, secure a place to stay!
A lot of people recommend staying in the nearby towns of La Spezia or Levanto, which are bigger, with more and cheaper accommodation choices. And even though, both towns are just a quick train ride away, I highly recommend choosing one of the five villages as your base. Yes, it will cost you a little more, but you will be able to enjoy the towns at their quietest.
Where to stay in Cinque Terre
When it comes to actual places to stay in Cinque Terre, most accommodations are apartments and guest houses ( so called affitacamere ). Not really traditional hotels. And because these towns are really small, your options are pretty limited. So no matter which village you decide to make your base for visiting Cinque Terre, do book as early as possible!
Monterosso
Hotel Marina – one of the best boutique hotels in Cinque Terre, in a great location, a short walk to the beach and hiking trail.
Romeo & Juliette – centrally located apartment, just a short walk from the train station and the beach. Very spacious, with a balcony, AC and well stocked kitchen. Continuously praised for amazing hospitality.
Hotel Porto Roca – if you are looking to splurge, this is one of the best hotels in Cinque Terre. Most of the 43 rooms come with a balcony overlooking the water. There’s also a beautiful infinity pool, a couple of restaurants on site and breakfast is included. The hotel is located up on the hill, so you are guaranteed spectacular views. It’s a short walk to town, but the hotel has a 24/7 free shuttle, if you don’t feel like going up and down the hill.
Vernazza
La Marina Rooms – a collection of several rooms and apartments, some with a terrace overlooking the sea. I stayed 4 nights in Apartment Piazza Marconi, which had no balcony, but there was an amazing view of the Piazza and the harbor. The location couldn’t be better. The apartment was spotless, very comfortable and the entire experience fantastic.
Cristian was the most welcoming and amazing host. He met me at the train station, carried my bag to the apartment and had many great tips and suggestions for my stay in Cinque Terre. His great reputation is well-earned and if you are lucky to score one of his rooms, you will not be disappointed. There is a reason Cristian is mentioned in Rick Steve’s Cinque Terre guide.
Casa Catò – beautiful hotel located near the train station, a short walk to the harbor and Piazza. The hotel sits up on the hill, so you are getting spectacular views of the entire town. Just be aware of the steep climb of stairs to get to it. Not a good choice if you bring lots of heavy luggage or have mobility issues. Otherwise, an excellent choice of a hotel in Vernazza.
Corniglia
Locanda II Carugio – boutique hotel. All the rooms have AC. There is a rooftop terrace, from which you can enjoy beautiful views. Breakfast is included in the room rate.
Affittacamere Le Terrazze – large, comfortable apartments with fully equipped kitchen. Fantastic views from the terrace.
Manarola
Affittacamere San Giorgio – one of the best places to stay in Manarola. Beautiful views from the patio. Rooms are spotless, comfortable and air conditioned. The hotel is located just above the main street, but a bit of a climb, which is typical for Manarola.
II Bordone – apartamento con vista mare – this is a modern, extremely clean and comfortable apartment. The balcony has spectacular views of the village, sea and the vineyards. Well worth the trek up.
Riomaggiore
Scorci Di Mare – this highly rated guesthouse has several rooms with picture perfect views of the harbor and the colorful buildings. You can enjoy the famous Riomaggiore sunsets right from your window or the terrace. The owner gets high praises for amazing hospitality and service.
How to get around Cinque Terre
Train
Best and fastest way to get between Cinque Terre towns is by train. Cinque Terre Express Trains run frequently and take just minutes to reach each town. Slight delays are very common, so allow extra time if you need to be somewhere at a specific time.
Each one way train ride costs €5, but if you plan on using it multiple times in a day, buy the Cinque Terre Treno card instead ( more on that below ). Remember to always validate your train ticket before getting on the train, or you risk paying a pretty hefty fine. Tickets bought online do not need to be validated.
Ferry
Another great way to get between the Cinque Terre villages is by taking a ferry. The only one you can’t get to by ferry is Corniglia, since it doesn’t have a harbor. This service is seasonal and runs from March through November. There might be additional service added past November, if weather cooperates and there’s still a significant number of tourists.
Ferry is not included in the Cinque Terre Card and requires a separate ticket. There’s no need to book it online in advance, you can get it the day of at a booth at a docking station in each town. Ferry service gets suspended when the seas are rough or in bad weather, which is also why I don’t recommend booking ahead of time.
I don’t recommend booking ahead of time also in case the seas are rough or bad weather and ferries If you plan on getting on and off, the best deal is the all day pass for €39. One way ticket between towns range from €8-15.
PRO TIP: The ferry is also the most affordable way to see all the towns and coastline from the water. Buy a one way ticket from Monterosso to Riomaggiore or the other way around, and enjoy the beautiful coastline views for cheap. The only downside is, the ferry can get really crowded.
Hiking
Hiking is not just one of the best things to do in Cinque Terre, but also a way to get between the villages. The trails connect all towns and offer spectacular views of the coastline along the way.
Cinque Terre Card
If you plan on hiking the two most popular trails, you need to buy a Cinque Terre card. There are two types of Cinque Terre Card to choose from:
- Cinque Terre Trekking Card – this card gives you access to the hiking trails and costs €7.50 for one day and €14.50 for two days.
- Cinque Terre Treno – this card gives you access to the paid hiking trails, as well as unlimited use of trains between Levanto and La Spezia, which of course includes the Cinque Terre towns that are between them. You can also use the restrooms at train stations for free. Cinque Terre does not cover the ferry. Starting in 2024, there are three different price categories (A,B,C) and the price of the Cinque Terre card will depend on the time of year you visit. One day card costs €19.50-32.50, two-day card €34-59 and three-day card costs €46.50-78.50.
All the cards are valid until midnight and can be purchased at a Visitors Center and any train station. Make sure to have your ID (not a copy) with you, as you will have to put your name on it. You could also buy your Cinque Terre card online here.
Is the Cinque Terre Treno card worth the money and should you get one? Well, that will depend on what you plan on doing in a day and how many train rides between towns you plan on making. Each one way train ride costs €5, so if you plan on taking the train more than once and also hike one of the paid trails in a day, buy the card. If not, it’s cheaper to buy individual tickets.
Example: if you plan on hiking from Vernazza to Monerosso (€7.50), then take the train back (€5) and that’s it for the day, skip the card and pay for the hike and train ride individually. So basically, decide what you plan on doing and do the math.
Hiking in Cinque Terre
One of the best things to do in Cinque Terre and a great way to experience the area is to hike between towns.
Sentiero Azzuro ( Blue Path ) is a 7 mile ( 11km ) trail, that runs along the coast and has to be one of the most scenic hikes in Europe. Unfortunately, due to landslides in recent years, the only sections currently open for hiking are Monterosso – Vernazza and Vernazza – Corniglia. You can still hike between the other towns via alternative trails. The hikes can be done in either direction.
Monterosso to Vernazza and Vernazza to Corniglia are two most popular hikes and the only ones with the entrance fee ( they are free of charge in off season ). All the other trails in Cinque Terre are free.
- Monterosso to Vernazza – 3.5 km, moderate hike, takes about 1.30-2 hours, depending on how often you stop to rest or for taking pictures. It’s easier to go from Vernazza to Monterosso. If you want to start in Monterosso, there will be many stairs to climb up a steep staricase at the beginning.
- Vernazza to Corniglia – 3.5 km, moderate, similar to the previous hike, usually takes 1.30-2 hours. Right in the middle, there is a great bar Il Gabbiano with lemon slushies ( or something stronger ) and a spectacular view.
- Corniglia to Manarola – 5.4 km via Volastra. Takes 2.5-3 hours. It starts out really steep, but then flattens out. If you start in Manarola, you can avoid that steep climb by taking a shuttle bus to Volastra. Once there, the hike takes you through vineyards and offers spectacular views of the sea and the towns.
- Manarola to Riomaggiore – 1.8 km via Beccara. Takes 1-1.5 hr. While it’s the shortest hike, it is the most difficult one. There is a very steep climb, which make it quite challenging. This hike is an alternative for the currently closed Via dell’Amore.
The famous trail Via dell’Amore, from Riomaggiore to Manarola is currently closed. A very small section of it was open for 3 months in the summer of 2023. There are reports, it might fully reopen in July 2024, so check for updates.
No matter which hike you decide to do, do not expect an easy stroll in the park kind of a hike. A lot of people underestimate the difficulty level of these hikes. While the trails are well maintained, some parts have many stairs, steep inclines and uneven ground. Very few sections have guard rails. I wouldn’t recommend these hikes for anyone with a fear of heights, mobility issues and those who never hiked before.
Proper shoes are also required, either hikers or good sneakers. You will not be allowed to hike in flip flops or any open toe shoes.
Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Cinque Terre and the trails get crowded during the day. Try to start your hike on the early side to avoid that. The trails get quite narrow at times, so I imagine it gets pretty congested later in the day, especially in high season.
I started my Vernazza to Monterosso hike around 7.30 am and passed just a handful of people on my way. By the time I got to Monterosso around 9.30 am, there were quite a few people starting the hike the other way. By starting early, you also avoid the mid day heat.
No matter which hike you decide to do, don’t forget your hat and plenty of water. Proper shoes are required, flip flops and open toe shoes are not allowed. There are check points at a start of both paid trails.
If there is heavy rain, trails might be closed. They may also be closed for maintenance in the off season.
How to avoid crowds in Cinque Terre
In recent years, Cinque Terre became very popular, attracting lots of tourists. It’s estimated, that about 2.5 million people visit the tiny villages each year. Many of them come just for the day, either as a day trip from Florence and Pisa or coming from a cruise ship. It’s safe to say, that with that number of visitors, avoiding crowds in Cinque Terre completely is impossible. But there are ways to navigate it by simply planning ahead and scheduling your day right.
While the villages are quiet and relaxing in early mornings and evenings, during the day they become jam packed with people. Day trippers and tour groups start arriving around 10 am and typically leave by 4-5 pm. During those mid day hours, the main streets, trains and the two most popular hikes become really crowded. Especially in high season, which these days, lasts well into September, the crowds can really become overwhelming. Sometimes to the point, where you can’t even get to the train platform.
That is why I discourage you from visiting Cinque Terre as a day trip, and recommend staying in one of the towns overnight. This way you can take advantage of those quiet mornings and evenings/nights. The difference in experience is huge.
If you plan on hiking, especially the two well-known and most popular hikes ( Vernazza – Monterosso and Vernazza – Corniglia ), head out early, ideally around 7.30-8 am. I left Vernazza heading towards Monterosso at 7.30 am, and passed just a handful of people the entire hike. Another option is hiking in late afternoon. Both times, you not only avoid the biggest crowds, but also the scorching mid day heat.
Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful places in Italy and even though it gets crowded, it’s absolutely worth including in your Italy itinerary. Don’t let the crowds intimidate you and discourage you from visiting. It is possible to avoid the madness and have a really pleasant experience.
Best view points in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is without a doubt one of the most picturesque places in Italy and Europe. There are spectacular views at every corner, you really don’t have to look hard. But there are a few especially beautiful and picture perfect spots you cannot miss.
In Vernazza, there are two famous view points, both beautiful and very different.
First one can be found on the trail heading from Vernazza to Monterosso. It’s about a 10 minute walk from town. This view point is part of the paid trail and is located past the check point, so you’ll need to pay the entrance fee or have the Cinque Terre card to get there.
You can find the other view point at the very beginning of the trail from Vernazza to Corniglia. It’s about a 5 minute walk, or rather climb up many stairs to get there, but totally worth it. It’s right before the popular restaurant La Torre and before the check point, so you don’t need to pay if you don’t plan on doing the entire hike.
One of the best views in Cinque Terre is one of Manarola, with the . To get that view, starts at the harbor, then follow the path to the right and head towards the famous restaurant Nessun Dorma. There is an overlook there, but there are plenty of spots to get that view from that side.
To get the famous view of Riomaggiore, start at the harbor and head up the stairs on the left all the way to the top. This spot is popular and gets very busy, especially around sunset.
Tips for visiting Cinque Terre, Italy
Bring your reusable water bottle – there is no need to keep buying bottled water in Cinque Terre. You can find water fountains in each town and refill your bottle for free. Save money and environment.
Book your accommodations early – the number of accommodations in Cinque Terre is very limited, so if you decide to make one of the five towns your base, which you definitely should, book it well in advance!
Pack light – with the exception of Monterosso, which is relatively flat, all the other villages are very hilly with lots of stairs. Do not overpack and bring a ton of luggage. Unless you want to carry your large suitcases up and down the stairs.
Do not drive to Cinque Terre – Monterosso is the only town with car traffic, all the other towns are car free. If you are road tripping through Italy and Cinque Terre is one of the stops, do plan on parking your car in the nearby town of La Spezia or Levanto for the duration of your stay.
Credit cards/Cash – in most of the places, credit cards are accepted. But some small stores can be cash only, so it’s a good idea to have some on you as well. Ferry tickets bought on the spot are also cash only. Be sure to always have spare change for restrooms ( very common to have to pay for public restrooms in Europe ). Also, you might encounter accordion players on both hikes from Vernazza, so it’s good to have some coins to throw in ther tip bucket.
Don’t forget to validate your train ticket – in Italy and many other places in Europe, you need to validate all paper tickets before boarding a train! If you don’t and they check it, which happens quite often, you will pay a fine. And trust me, they won’t care you’re a tourist and have a ticket in hand. Unless your ticket is validated, it doesn’t matter you paid for the ride.
Make dinner reservations – there are several really popular restaurants in Cinque Terre, where scoring a table without a reservation is not that easy. These places are known for amazing food and often great views. Some of them include Trattoria dal Billy in Manarola, Ristorante Miky in Monterosso, Belforte and La Torre in Vernazza. Be sure to make a reservation!
READ MORE:
- 21 Amazing Things to do in Cinque Terre, Italy
- 2 days in Florence, Italy – the perfect itinerary for your first visit
- First timer’s guide to Venice – 18 best things to do in Venice, Italy
- Things to do in Pisa, Italy in one day
- How to visit Pisa and Lucca in one day – day trip from Florence
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