Whether you're dreaming of a luxury boutique hotel with sea views, a comfortable mid-range guesthouse in the heart of the old town, or a budget-friendly hostel that won't break the bank, this region has accommodation to suit every style and budget.
From the best La Spezia hotels offering convenient city stays to charming Cinque Terre accommodation nestled in the villages themselves, you'll find places that match your travel style.
The key is finding the best accommodation in Cinque Terre for your budget and booking ahead, especially during peak season when this region draws visitors from around the world.
If you have left it too late, don't worry, we have plenty of ideas and alternative options for you.
This part of Italy is compact and easy to move around and in the last decade has developed into a vibrant tourist destination with many accommodation options.
Most tourists are coming here to visit the five towns. But La Spezia also makes a convenient base to explore all of Eastern Liguria (Riviera di Levante).
Additionally, the local transport connections are excellent with trains, boats, and buses linking dozens of towns and cities for a day trip out.
You can also stay in towns like Porto Venere, Lerici, Sarzana, and the seaside town of Levanto.
Planning your Cinque Terre adventure? Browse our curated travel itineraries to make the most of your time in the region. Whether you're staying for a weekend or exploring for a week, we've designed comprehensive guides to help you experience the best of La Spezia and Cinque Terre.
Discover La Spezia Guide for insider tips, local recommendations, and everything you need to plan an unforgettable Italian getaway.
Hi! We are Justin and Lu and we have created La Spezia Guide to help tourists to unlock the secrets of Liguria. This beautiful place is home to the world-famous Cinque Terre, and yet it is still a place to be truly discovered.
We encourage tourists to stay for a few days and hope that our travel guides and insider tips will help pave your way to a stress-free adventure.
Sometimes the choice can get overwhelming, and if you’re new to the city (and surrounds) then it’s not always immediately obvious where to stay in La Spezia.
Before we moved here, we visited the city on more than 9 occasions to get a feel for the city and scout out properties for sale. Over time, we built up a good understanding of the area, and each time we visited, we were able to find better and better accommodation.
In our Insider Guide blog posts, we review different types of accommodation to suit every budget. Using our local knowledge or that of friends and family, we can help you choose the best places to stay to match your needs.
Finding the perfect place to stay in Cinque Terre is a crucial part of planning your trip. Accommodation options in this picturesque region range from charming guesthouses and cozy B&Bs nestled in the heart of the villages to apartments with stunning sea views and some small boutique hotels.
Given Cinque Terre's popularity, booking in advance, especially during peak season, goes without saying.
Keep in mind that each village has its own unique character and atmosphere, so consider what kind of experience you're looking for when choosing where to base yourself. Our essential Cinque Terre travel guide can help you understand what to consider when staying near Cinque Terre.
Looking to maximize your budget? Our guide on finding the best accommodation in Cinque Terre for your budget offers practical tips for getting great value without compromising on location or comfort. And if you're drawn to the stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere of Monterosso, check out our recommendations for the top Monterosso hotels for an ideal Cinque Terre stay.
For more comprehensive advice on accommodation in Cinque Terre, explore our insider tips and detailed guides covering everything from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options.
Looking beyond La Spezia and the five villages? The surrounding area offers some fantastic alternatives that can give you more space, better value, and a different perspective on the region.
Porto Venere is a stunning UNESCO heritage town perfect for those seeking romance and dramatic coastal scenery – it's more upscale and quieter than the Cinque Terre villages, though accommodation comes at a premium.
Levanto, just north of Monterosso, is ideal for families and beach lovers, offering a long sandy beach, excellent restaurants, and easier parking than the villages while still being just minutes away by train.
Lerici appeals to travelers wanting a more authentic Italian seaside experience with beautiful beaches, a charming castle, and fewer tourists – it's well-connected by ferry to La Spezia, Porto Venere, and Cinque Terre.
Sarzana, a beautifully preserved medieval town about 25 minutes inland by train, surprises visitors with its art scene, excellent food, and significantly lower accommodation prices.
For those seeking luxury, the Grand Hotel Portovenere consistently receives rave reviews for its historic elegance and breathtaking views, while budget-conscious travelers will find better hostel options in La Spezia. Each of these towns offers something unique while keeping you perfectly positioned to explore the entire Ligurian coast.
Location: It’s best to find accommodation that is central to the tourist attractions. This will make it easy and convenient for shopping, restaurants, sightseeing and transport. These areas also tend to be flat and pedestrianized.
Luggage: Travel light! Wheelie suitcases are a good option, but Italy has a lot of cobblestones, and many places don’t have elevators. The towns of Cinque Terre and La Spezia are a mixture of flat pedestrian zones and STEEP hills with staircases. If you choose accommodation in the hills and you’re on foot, then be warned, you need to be physically fit and strong.
Parking: La Spezia hotels with parking are few and far between! If you have a car then you’ll need to plan ahead.
Airconditioning: Don’t make the mistake of assuming that your hotel or accommodation will be climate-controlled. During July and August, temperatures can rise to 40oC (104oF). Even with a sea breeze, you’ll be surprised how a hot sleepless night can ruin your holiday. Check for air conditioning (or at the very least a fan) before booking a summertime trip.
City Noise: Cities in Italy don’t seem to enforce night-time noise pollution rules. We live in the hills close to town and can hear train horns and ambulance sirens throughout the night. Unless you’re a real heavy sleeper, you should throw a pair of earplugs in your luggage!
If you’re driving, then look at our posts relating to transport and the best options for parking. There are some free parking options in La Spezia if you’re willing to walk 10-15 minutes to your accommodation. There are even some park-and-ride options with free buses into the city.
While accommodation is important, your experience goes beyond where you sleep. Explore what to do in the area, from boat tours to hiking trails, or discover authentic dining experiences at local restaurants and trattorias.
For more insider tips and travel advice, browse our comprehensive blog covering everything from local restaurants to hidden gems. And if you're interested in exploring where to stay across the region, we have detailed guides for towns and villages throughout the area.
For Cruise Passengers: Arriving by ship? Our cruise passengers' guide provides essential information on making the most of your limited time ashore.
Getting Around: Don't miss our comprehensive Cinque Terre Card guide to help you save money on trains and hiking trails, and learn about all five Cinque Terre villages to help decide which ones to prioritize.
There are several types of accommodation available in the region. Most places are listed on Booking.com or Airbnb, so it’s easy to book a hotel, apartment, or hostel.
There are a few 5-star hotels and a bigger choice of cozy 4-star boutique hotels that create a luxury hotel experience.
In the nearby towns of Lerici and Port Venere and along the coast, you can find sophisticated opulence in some of the finest 5-star hotels. Peak season prices start at around 250 Euros per night.
We have several blog posts to help you choose between the best accommodation and hotels in Cinque Terre, La Spezia, and surrounds.
If you prefer the flexibility of an apartment, then there are many options because of the popularity of online booking apps, this style of accommodation has become very common. Peak season prices start at around 120 Euros per night, but are often more expensive in the popular areas.
Another very popular option in Italy is called ‘Affittacamere’. This is often either a room or a bed and breakfast (B&B) style accommodation. You can see Affittacamere signs up all around the towns to help tourists find their accommodation (often located in apartment buildings). Peak season prices start at around 100 Euros per night.
At the budget end of the scale, there are several cheap hotels, and for a shoestring experience, there are a few very good hostels that are comfortable, clean, and friendly. Peak season prices start at around 60 Euros per night.
The question of how long to stay depends on what you want to experience. If you're primarily focused on seeing the five Cinque Terre villages, two to three nights gives you enough time to explore without feeling rushed.
However, we recommend at least four to five nights if you want to discover the wider region, including Porto Venere, Levanto, or the hiking trails.
Book Early: Accommodation in this region fills up months in advance, especially for peak season (July through August). If you're visiting during Italian public holidays, book even earlier.
Compare Prices: Use multiple booking platforms to compare rates. Sometimes properties offer better deals on their own websites than through third-party booking sites.
Read Reviews Carefully: Pay attention to recent reviews, particularly regarding location accessibility, noise levels, and whether rooms match the photos. For Cinque Terre villages, look for reviews mentioning stairs and luggage handling.
Consider Location vs. Budget: Staying in La Spezia or Levanto often offers better value and facilities than staying in the villages themselves. With train connections taking just 5-10 minutes, you won't miss out on the Cinque Terre experience. Our guide on where to stay near Cinque Terre covers all the important factors to help you decide.
Wondering how much it costs to visit Cinque Terre?
Accommodation will likely be your biggest expense, but with smart planning, you can find options for every budget. Peak season rates can be 50-100% higher than shoulder season, so if you have flexibility with dates, consider visiting in May, early June, or September for better rates and fewer crowds.
Levanto has plenty to offer, including a long sandy beach, a cute historic town, shops, and restaurants serving traditional cuisine.
This itinerary covers a lot of ground. The one-day adventure starts with an (optional) hike from Monterosso, lunch in Levanto, and sightseeing around the historic town.
By mid-afternoon, you’ll have already experienced panoramic lookouts, cultural and historic landmarks, and charming old town streets.
In the late afternoon, there’s an option to enjoy time on the beach before walking the Via dell’Amore (Path of Love) – back in Riomaggiore.
And of course, you’ll have the opportunity to taste Ligurian cuisine at locally selected eateries and enjoy an aperitivo with a view out over the sea.
The itinerary is well-structured so that you know where you need to be and when. And (because everyone is a little different), we’ve included options so that you can customize it to make your own adventure.
Start Time: 9 am
Duration: Full day (12 hours of exploration with a little time for relaxation)
Activity Level: Good walking ability (optional hike requires good fitness)
Portovenere is not to be missed!
This one-day adventure starts with a ferry ride (from either Cinque Terre or La Spezia) and includes panoramic lookouts, historic landmarks, cultural sights, charming old town streets, beaches, and a picturesque harbor.
The day continues with sightseeing, historic landmarks and views, or an optional loop hike from Portovenere, and a stop for lunch with spectacular sea views.
In the afternoon, you can enjoy time on the beach before walking the Via dell’Amore (Path of Love) back in Riomaggiore.
And of course, you’ll have the opportunity to taste Ligurian cuisine at locally selected eateries and enjoy an aperitivo with a view out over the sea.
The itinerary is structured with timings, location information, transport guidance and cultural and historical notes. But we’ve given you options, so you can customize it to make your own adventure. We’ve also included notes on a trip over to Palmaria Island, or an optional, organized boat tour of the Gulf of of Poets.
We’ve crafted a three day self-guided tour of all five Cinque Terre towns (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso), plus Portovenere.
This multi-day adventure includes a little bit of everything (panoramic lookouts, historic landmarks, cultural and historical sights, charming old town streets, beaches, and picturesque harbors) and two optional hikes.
You will have the opportunity to taste Ligurian cuisine at locally selected eateries and enjoy an aperitivo with a view out over the sea.
The itinerary is carefully planned out so that you have enough time at each location to enjoy the best bits and get a feel for each town. Most of the activities are free, but (if you’re looking for something extra special) we’ve selected an optional winery tour, sunset cruise, or pesto-making class that can be slotted into the itinerary!
Start Time: Just after 9 am
Duration: 3 full days (3 x 12 hours of exploration with a little time for relaxation)
Activity Level: Good walking ability (optional hike requires good fitness)
This is a complete self-guided tour of all five Cinque Terre towns (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso) and Levanto.
This three-day adventure includes a little bit of everything (panoramic lookouts, historic landmarks, cultural and historical sights, charming old town streets, beaches, and picturesque harbors) plus two optional hikes.
You will have the opportunity to taste seafood and Ligurian cuisine at local spots, and we’ve included our favorite places to enjoy an aperitivo with a view.
The itinerary sets a nice pace with free activities, but you can choose an optional winery tour, sunset cruise, pesto-making class, or bike tour if you’re looking for something extra special.
Start Time: Just after 9 am
Duration: 3 full days (3 x 12 hours of exploration with a little time for relaxation)
Activity Level: Good walking ability (optional hike requires good fitness)
This is a complete self-guided adventure of all five Cinque Terre towns: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.
This two-day adventure includes a little bit of everything (panoramic lookouts, historic landmarks, cultural and historical sights, charming old town streets, and picturesque harbors) plus an optional hike.
The itinerary includes options to enjoy local food and aperitivo with a view.
The itinerary sets a nice pace with free activities, but you can choose to slot in an optional winery tour, sunset cruise or pesto making class to make it extra special.
Start Time: Just after 9 am
Duration: 2 full days (2 x 12 hours of exploration with a little time for relaxation)
Activity Level: Good walking ability (optional hike requires good fitness)
This is a seamless self-guided adventure through four of Cinque Terre’s most breathtaking villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso.
This full-day journey maintains a good pace and covers four stunning villages. The itinerary gives you a little bit of everything, so you’ll discover panoramic lookouts, historic landmarks, charming old town streets, and picturesque harbors.
There’s also enough time to enjoy a traditional Ligurian lunch, a scenic aperitivo, and a delightful dinner with a view.
The itinerary is jam-packed, but you can also choose to pump the breaks and opt for a winery tour or sunset cruise.
Start Time: Just after 9 am
Duration: 12 hours of exploration with a little time for relaxation
Activity Level: Reasonable walking ability and good stamina are a must!
Make the most of your limited time in Cinque Terre with this specially designed itinerary tailored for cruise passengers and day trippers!
This is a seamless self-guided adventure through three of Cinque Terre’s most breathtaking villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza.
You can expect to experience stunning panoramic viewpoints, historic sites, and charming old town streets. With this easy-to-use plan, you’ll also have enough time to enjoy a traditional Ligurian lunch and an aperitivo with a view.
For an even easier day, you may wish to opt for a short winery tour or boat tour from Riomaggiore!
Start Time: Just before 9 am (adjustable to suit your cruise schedule)
Duration: 8 hours of exploration and time for relaxation
Activity Level: Suitable for anyone with reasonable walking ability
This 3 town itinerary covers the must-see sights in Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Monterosso. Including a walking tour with panoramic lookouts, historic places of interest, and old town shops and restaurants.
A complete full day, that covers good ground but leaves sufficient time for a traditional lunch, aperitivo, and dinner with a view.
For a more immersive experience, we’ve included recommendations for an optional winery tour and sunset cruise.
Start Time: Just after 9 am
Duration: 12 hours of exploration and time for relaxation
Activity Level: Suitable for anyone with reasonable walking ability
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