The 8 Best Cinque Terre Hotels of 2023

Cinque Terre, a group of five coastal villages on the Italian Riviera, is one of Italy’s most-visited destinations. But, because there are so many hotels in the area, searching for the right one can be overwhelming. Although you won’t find many five-star stays or large hotel groups here, what you will find are family-run properties with a whole lot of charm—plus, stunning views of the centuries-old town buildings and the sea.

To make planning your trip to Cinque Terre as easy as possible, we rounded up nine of the best hotels in the region, from a family-friendly stay to a hotel perfect for couples, with romantic stone archways and lush gardens. Read on for our favorites.

Best Overall: Hotel Pasquale

Located in Monterosso al Mare, the westernmost of the five towns in Cinque Terre, this excellent hotel makes for a great base for exploring the other four locales; it's also close to the ferry. Guest rooms here are spotless, and each offers stunning views of the sea and beach below; other amenities include an LCD TV, free Wi-Fi, and a safe to store your valuables. Pro tip: have your breakfast, which is included, on the terrace that overlooks the water—or have a glass of wine there in the evenings after a long day of exploring. At night, dine at the property's on-site restaurant, which serves traditional Ligurian cuisine. The hotel also offers a pesto-making demonstration. And, if you want to venture into town, there’s no shortage of food to choose from—several top-rated places are within a two-minute walk, including an excellent wine bar.

Best for Families: Hotel Villa Steno

Managed by the same group that oversees Hotel Pasquale, Hotel Villa Sterno is another gem in Monterosso al Mare. It's also a great choice for families, thanks to the variety of room types it offers. All 16 rooms have been remodeled recently, and all but two have a private balcony or small garden outside its doors. Family-friendly options include triple rooms (king size and single bed, or three single beds) or quads (king size bed and two single beds, or four single beds), and each has amenities that both adults and kids will appreciate at the end of a long day of hiking: a kettle for tea and coffee, free Wi-Fi, a fridge, satellite TV, and air conditioning. Breakfast is served on the hotel’s outdoor terrace, and there's always a variety of hot and cold dishes to enjoy while looking out over the town toward the sea.

Best Boutique: Hotel Stella della Marina

Although there’s no shortage of boutique hotels in Cinque Terre, the family-run Hotel Stella della Marina stands out thanks to its wonderful staff and great accommodations. It's also located in one of the oldest buildings in town, dating back to the 17th century. It has just 10 rooms, each of which is immaculate and comes with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Furnishings are simple, but the tranquil tones in each are soothing after a day of trekking; also, two are suite-style, with living room areas and jacuzzi showers. It’s close to the town square, where you can find the town’s excellent restaurants and bars, and guests won’t have to walk far to get to the beach, either—it’s only a few steps from the shore. Of course, all of this makes for excellent views: two of the rooms look out on the old stone clock tower set against the turquoise water, while the others overlook the old town or a charming streetscape. Get fueled up for exploring in the mornings with the fully stocked continental breakfast, which is included in the room rate.

Best for Romance: Il Giardino Incantato Bed and Breakfast

This hotel, whose name translates to “the magic garden,” lives up to expectations. Located in a 16th-century building in Monterosso al Mare, its pink exterior looks lovely surrounded by lush Ligurian plants. There are just four rooms in this property, and even though it's been renovated recently, signs of its past are still visible, including stone archways and exposed beams, plus stone floors and elaborate iron headboards in the rooms. It also has glamourous touches, which make it our pick for romance—including gold chandeliers, antique furnishings, a lemon tree-filled garden, and homemade limoncello served in the evenings. Eat breakfast downstairs in the morning, surrounded by potted flowers. The beach isn't far, either; it’s just a five-minute walk to the sand, passing restaurants and bars along the way.

Best for Nightlife: Pietre di Mare

You won’t find nightclubs in Cinque Terre—the closest are in La Spezia and Sestri Levante—but the region has plenty of charming little bars, particularly in Monterosso al Mare, where Pietre di Mare is located. This hotel surrounded by several restaurants and a few bars that stay open later than most others in the area; it's less than a one-minute walk from more than a dozen. The property itself is a beautiful place to sleep in after a night out; exposed beam ceilings and stone walls are fixtures in the rooms, which also have homey touches like quilted bedspreads. And, despite its proximity to bars and restaurants, you’ll still sleep well: online reviewers report that rooms stay quiet at night. The property also has free Wi-Fi, and breakfast is included.

Best Luxury: Hotel Porto Roca

Even though there are no five-star hotels in Cinque Terre, there are some lovely luxury stays. Our favorite is Hotel Porto Roca, where vines with bright flowers cascade down white wrought-iron balconies and pink walls. Its 43 guestrooms have wonderful views of the sea, but the best place to take in the scenery is from the rooftop swimming pool. The rooms, most of which have balconies, are the picture of Italian elegance, with floral curtains and tufted headboards. There are also a variety of room types, from simple single-bed options to large suites. The hotel also has a restaurant serving fine Italian cuisine including homemade pasta. It’s all about Italian hospitality here, too—the owners offer complimentary taxi service to and from the train station.

Best View: La Scogliera

Located in Riomaggiore, La Scogliera boasts stunning views over the village's harbor, complete with fishing boats bobbing in the water. The stairs up to the hotel are, admittedly, a little difficult to climb—especially with a large suitcase—but once you’re there, it’s worth it. Its two rooms are well-equipped, with amenities like kitchenettes, air conditioning, bidets, and private balconies. There is also free WiFi. The private balconies offer you the opportunity to take in beautiful ocean views. No matter which room you choose, though, we suggest sleeping with your windows open to catch the sound of the surf. Plus, expect the owner to drop by once in a while with local treats like limoncello or a lemon tart. One thing to note: the hotel is cash-only, so be sure to have enough Euros on hand.

Best Holiday Apartment: Aria di Mare

Some of the best vacations are ones that make you feel like you're really living in the place you're visiting. Renting an apartment, like the one at this property in Manarola, is a great way to have that experience. It has a private terrace, equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers, that looks out over the village and the water. Inside, decorations are simple but tasteful, and amenities include air conditioning, a Nespresso machine, a safe, free Wi-Fi, and a clothesline so you can do laundry if you’ve been on the road for a while. It also has a well-equipped kitchen, which is perfect if you're in the mood to shop at local grocery stores and cook up a feast at home. Lastly, if you’re passionate about wine, be sure to talk to the property's owner, who’s an expert in local varietals.