Cinque Terre is a region made up of five small villages along the Ligurian coast of Italy, on what’s often called the Italian Riviera.
These five fishing villages have become incredibly popular over the past few decades, and today they’re one of the top travel destinations for visitors to Italy.
And with good reason, because few places in Italy offer the same mix of authentic charm, relaxed atmosphere, stunning views, and that classic Italian feel as Cinque Terre.
As one of my personal favorite places in Italy, I’ve written several articles covering everything you need to know about visiting.
Ready to travel to Cinque Terre?
Here are some quick tips on what to book before your trip to Cinque Terre:
Best places to stay:
Best things to do:
In this post, we’ll look at a common question: Which is the best Cinque Terre town: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, or Monterosso al Mare?
Town or village? Technically, all five places in Cinque Terre are villages. But since many travelers refer to them as towns in English, I use that word throughout the article too. Just so you know, whether I say town or village, I’m always talking about the same five places.
Each town has its own character, strengths, and downsides, so choosing the best one really depends on what you’re looking for.
Whether you want to stay overnight, relax on the beach, go hiking, enjoy a great meal or wine, watch the sunset, or something else entirely, this guide will help you figure out which Cinque Terre town suits your trip the best.
First, I’ll share a short summary based on my personal opinion. Then I’ll go through each of the five villages one by one, followed by answers to some of the most common questions about planning a trip to Cinque Terre.
So let’s start with my personal thoughts on the five Cinque Terre towns.
Which is the best Cinque Terre town? My personal opinion
If I had to choose personally, I’d say the best Cinque Terre town is Manarola.
It has the most romantic sunset views, the most iconic photo spots, great local food and wine tasting options, and some exciting hiking trails too.
So in my opinion, out of the five towns, Manarola has the most to offer.
Which Cinque Terre town should you choose? Pros and cons of all 5 towns
Choosing the best Cinque Terre town really depends on the kind of trip you want to have, and what matters most to you while visiting.
Are you into photography? Food and wine? Boat tours? Romantic views? Family-friendly activities?
Each Cinque Terre town is a little different.
That’s why in this part, I’ll go through each town in detail: what makes it special, why you might want to choose it, and what you should know before visiting.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the southernmost village in Cinque Terre and one of the most colorful.
The small harbor is surrounded by steep cliffs and rows of colorful buildings, creating a perfect scene for photos.
It’s a great place if you enjoy walking along rocky paths and want beautiful sea views. You can explore the harbor area, relax on the rocks, or climb up to the Castello di Riomaggiore for a stunning view over the village.
The famous Via dell’Amore, a scenic path carved into the cliffs, also starts here and connects Riomaggiore to nearby Manarola.
The main street, Via Colombo, runs through the center and is full of local shops, restaurants, and lively bars. It’s the perfect place for a walk, picking up some souvenirs, or sitting down to enjoy an Italian specialty.
Riomaggiore also offers some of the best sea-view hotels in the region, making it an ideal base if you want atmosphere, views, and easy access to the rest of Cinque Terre.
Riomaggiore is the best:
- If you’re looking for really colorful places
- If you want to walk and take photos along dramatic rocky cliffs
- If you want the best hotels with sea views
Manarola
Manarola is often considered the most picturesque village in Cinque Terre, and even in photos, you can already see why. Built on a rocky cliff above the sea, it offers some of the most breathtaking views in the region.
It’s the perfect place to enjoy a romantic sunset, especially from the scenic viewpoint near the harbor or while enjoying a delicious Italian dinner at Nessun Dorma, one of the most famous spots in town.
Manarola is surrounded by terraced vineyards, and the local white wine is something you definitely shouldn’t miss. If you’re looking for a fun local experience, you can also join a wine tasting tour or take part in a pesto-making class.
The village is small and easy to explore, making it ideal for a relaxing walk, stunning photos, and simply soaking in the magical atmosphere.
Manarola is the best:
- If you want the best views in all of Cinque Terre
- If you want to try local wines
- If you want to see the most beautiful sunset in Cinque Terre
Corniglia
Corniglia is the only village in Cinque Terre that isn’t directly by the sea. It’s built high on a hilltop, with open views over the coastline and the surrounding vineyards.
To reach it, you’ll need to climb more than 380 steps from the train station, or take the shuttle bus. Because of this, many visitors skip Corniglia, so it often feels a bit less crowded than the other villages.
There’s no beach and no harbor, but that’s part of what makes it different. The narrow streets, small piazzas, and local bars give Corniglia a less touristy vibe.
It’s a great choice if you want to see a quieter, more authentic side of Cinque Terre.
Corniglia is the best:
- If you want a village that’s less crowded
- If you’re coming by car and don’t mind lots of stairs
- If you prefer a more unique and less touristy place
Vernazza
Vernazza is one of the most iconic villages in Cinque Terre. With its small harbor, colorful houses, and a castle on the hill, it offers some of the best views in the area.
It’s also a great choice if you like hiking. The trail between Vernazza and Monterosso is one of the most popular, with amazing views over the sea. You can also hike to Corniglia for more great scenery.
For one of the best viewpoints in town, climb up to Doria Castle. From there, you get a wide panorama over the harbor and the coastline, especially beautiful at sunset.
Vernazza can get busy, but it’s busy for a reason. If you want classic Cinque Terre views, breathtaking landscapes, and great hiking, this is the place to be.
Vernazza is the best:
- If you’re looking for the most iconic photo spots in Cinque Terre
- If you enjoy hiking
- If you want amazing sea panoramas
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso is the westernmost village in Cinque Terre and the best choice if you want to spend time by the sea. It has the longest stretch of beach in the region, with sunbeds, umbrellas, and good places to swim.
It’s also the easiest Cinque Terre town to reach by car, with more parking available than in the other villages. That makes it a good option if you’re driving to the area.
Monterosso probably has the largest number of hotels, restaurants, and cafés, so you’ll have plenty of options for food and places to stay. The village is flatter than the others, which makes it easier to walk around, especially for families or travelers who want to avoid lots of stairs.
The old town still keeps its traditional charm, while the beachside area has a more relaxed feel, perfect for a slower day by the water.
Monterosso is the best:
- If you want to go to the beach in Cinque Terre
- If you’re arriving by car
- If you want many choices for restaurants and places to stay
Common questions about visiting Cinque Terre
Here are a few more things I think you should know before visiting the towns of Cinque Terre:
How to get around Cinque Terre
There are basically three ways to get around Cinque Terre:
- By car
- By train
- By boat
As I mentioned earlier, driving is not the best option. The villages are connected by narrow, winding mountain roads that are hard to drive on. Parking is also very difficult.
The train is the best way to get around. Trains run regularly from both La Spezia and Levanto, and it only takes a few minutes to travel between the villages.
You can also buy a Cinque Terre Card, which comes in two types:
- Cinque Terre Trekking Card: gives you access to the hiking trails only
- Cinque Terre Treno MS Card: includes both the hiking trails and unlimited train travel between La Spezia and Levanto
If you buy the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card and explore the villages by train, I think this is the best choice.
If you arrive by car, it’s best to leave your car in La Spezia, Levanto, or maybe Monterosso, and then take the train to visit the villages.
The boat is also a nice option, because seeing the villages from the sea is a special experience and great for photos.
But it’s more expensive and less convenient than the train, so I don’t recommend it as your main way of getting around.
Where to stay in Cinque Terre
You can stay either in one of the five villages of Cinque Terre or farther away in another nearby town.
If you want accommodation in one of the five villages, here are my recommendations:
- Miramare love nest 5terreparco: A pleasant apartment with a sea view in the center of Riomaggiore
- Ca’ D’Andrean: A three star hotel in Manarola that offers good value for money
- Madüneta 5 Terre: Guest house in the center of Corniglia with a beautiful sea view
- MADA Charm Apartments Terrace&Carugio: It offers apartments in the center of Vernazza with sea views
- Roca Du Ma Pasu: Guest house in Monterosso al Mare right next to the beach
If you prefer to stay elsewhere and visit the villages as day trips, La Spezia is the best choice.
Here are some good places to stay in La Spezia:
- Elegant Apartments 5 terre la spezia: It offers stylish apartments in the city center
- Real Rooms: A more affordable place to stay near the train station
Best time to visit Cinque Terre
The best time to visit Cinque Terre is spring and autumn.
I especially recommend April, May, and September. During these months, the weather is usually pleasant, and there are fewer tourists compared to the busy summer season.
Summer can be very crowded, and walking around the villages can feel uncomfortable because of the heat. So visit in summer only if you want to enjoy the beach or if Cinque Terre is part of a longer trip through Italy.
I don’t recommend visiting in winter, because it often rains, and many restaurants, shops, and hotels are closed during the winter months.
How many days to spend in Cinque Terre
You can explore Cinque Terre in just one day if you’re ready for a full and somewhat tiring day. In that case, one day is enough to see all five villages.
If you want a more detailed visit with more activities, I recommend spending 2 or 3 days in Cinque Terre. With 2–3 days, you can explore the villages more thoroughly, have time for different activities, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings without rushing.
I only suggest spending even more time in the area if you plan day trips to places like La Spezia, Portofino, Levanto, or Pisa.
Best things to do in Cinque Terre villages
I mentioned many of these earlier in the article, but here’s a quick summary of the best things to do in Cinque Terre:
- Walk around the five villages
- Hike the Blue Trail between the villages
- Go on boat trips
- Try water sports
- Join wine tasting tours
- Take a pesto-making class
Conclusion: Which Cinque Terre town is the best?
There’s no single “best” town — it really depends on what you want from your trip.
- Riomaggiore is great for photos, cliffside walks, and sea-view apartments.
- Manarola is perfect for views, sunsets, and wine.
- Vernazza offers the most iconic scenery and great hiking.
- Corniglia is quieter, more local, and feels a bit different from the rest.
- Monterosso is best if you want to spend time at the beach and have more parking, food, and hotel options.
If it’s your first time and you want something truly special, I personally recommend Manarola: it’s romantic, beautiful, and has a little bit of everything that makes Cinque Terre unique.
But honestly, you can’t go wrong. All five villages are worth visiting, and each one has its own charm.
That was my full guide to the five towns of Cinque Terre. Each village is a great choice for its own reasons, and I’ve explained what makes each one special, whether you’re looking for a place to stay, eat, take photos, hike, go to the beach, or just enjoy the views.
I hope this guide helps you decide which village fits your trip best.
And if you’ve already made your choice, don’t wait! Book your accommodation, grab your tickets, and get ready for your next adventure in Cinque Terre.
