Places to Stay

You’re confirmed for the workshop - woohoo! Now let’s get your accommodations sorted and you’ll be all set. We strongly recommend that you book as soon as possible. Although there are five towns to choose from, in the summer months rooms sell out quickly.

The workshop is going to be held in Riomaggiore, so it would be most convenient for you to find a room there. If you can’t find something you like that’s available, or if you fall in love with a place in one of the other towns, that’s totally fine too. Trains run regularly between all five from early morning to at least 11pm and it takes just minutes to get from one town to the other.

Below is a list of our faves in each town, including a few Airbnb options we like. If you’re into the idea of staying at an Airbnb, by all means, choose one of our picks. But we also recommend you have a look yourself too -- new properties pop up all the time, so you never know what you might find.

A little recap on the towns: Riomaggiore and have a similar look -- think one long main street climbing a steep hill from the marina up to the parking area, so lots of challenging inclines and steps everywhere. Manarola is the quieter of the two towns, with more of an “adult vibe” than Riomaggiore, which tends to have more of a nightlife in the high season. is the most difficult to get to of the five towns (365 steps to climb from the train station to the town itself) and is the only one not directly on the water, so it tends to be quieter, less busy and more traditional. is the favorite of most guidebooks -- it’s incredibly picturesque, so it gets more inundated with tourists in the high season than the others. The main drag and piazza are relatively flat, but expect lots of steps here too to reach any room you’ll be staying in. Monterosso is the only real “flat” town. It’s also the biggest, and the only one with a really long stretch of sandy beach, which is beautiful. It’s the most “riviera” of the towns. Don’t stress too much about which town you should stay in though. Each is special and lovable in its own way.

Riomaggiore

Airbnb:

Una finestra sul mare a Riomaggiore https://www.airbnb.it/rooms/6003886

Mia Modern Studio in Riomaggiore https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2150072

New Deluxe Double Room in Riomaggiore https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6343274

Riomaggiore Centro, Parco 5 Terre in Riomaggiore https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/5528115

Bright Light in Riomaggiore https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6860612

Room Rentals/Hotels:

Casa Lorenza http://www.casalorenza.it/index.php/en/ Lorenza, one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, bends over backwards to please her guests and make sure they have the stay of their lives. She has two rooms and an apartment on Via di Loca, one of the most desirable areas in town. You feel like you’re in another world in this quiet, residential neighborhood, despite being just off the main drag -- a huge plus in the summer months when the center can be crowded and noisy. The apartment even comes with a little garden with sweeping views of the village and sea.

I Limoni di Thule http://www.limonicamere.it/limonicamere.it/Home.html Run by our great friend Christina and her family, I Limoni di Thule is another off-the- beaten-path choice for those who prefer retreating to their own little oasis after a day of sightseeing and activity. Nestled in a garden of flowers and with an unobstructed view of the sea, I Limoni is the perfect little place to sip prosecco and watch the sunset in peace. Christina is always going the extra mile for her people and she has a special scene going on. (If you’re on a budget, ask for her “Lydia room” -- it’s not in her main place, so lacks the sea view, but it is el cheapo.)

Allo Scalo dei Mille http://www.alloscalo.com/index.php/en/ Owned by Denise, who was raised in New York by her Riomaggioresi parents and moved “back home” to the Cinque Terre in adulthood, Allo Scalo dei Mille’s initial draw is that it’s located right smack in the middle of the picture postcard shot of the marina that epitomizes these five towns. What gets it the great reviews (besides its three beautifully restored sea-view rooms) is the helpfulness and service you can expect from both Denise and her Girl Friday, Lorraine (another New York transplant).

Alla Marina http://www.allamarina.com Run by brothers Sandro and Andrea, Alla Marina continues to rule the Trip Advisor charts thanks to its great position in the marina of Riomaggiore, breakfast served every day in your room, and above-and-beyond service (these guys will meet you at the train station and carry your bags to the room themselves). Choose from four newly refurbished rooms or an apartment with terrace -- all of which include free wifi -- in a centuries-old building.

Affittacamere Le Giare http://www.roomsinriomaggiore.com New to Riomaggiore, Le Giare is another option in the quiet Via di Loca neighborhood if Lorenza’s rooms are booked. Immaculate rooms and breathtaking views. Request the room with the terrace!

Cinqueterre Residence http://www.cinqueterreresidence.it/home.php This is the place we book for the guests on our tours every year -- Carla, Davide and Piero are practically family to us now! The views from up here are spectacular, and enjoying them from the terrace jacuzzi with a glass of at the end of each day is pure heaven.

Riomaggiore Reservations http://www.riomaggiorereservations.com/rrcms/?lang=en Our good friend Amy runs this room rental with her husband, and is the area’s American expert on all things Cinque Terre. These are great places to stay if you like the idea of renting an apartment next door to where the locals live, and feeling like a true Riomaggiorese. She has a nice selection.

Budget:

Ciao Bella http://www.ciaobellacinqueterre.com As eclectic and fun as its owner, Stefano, Ciao Bella is a B&B with shared bathroom for those who want to spend a little less but not skimp on customer service. Located right in the middle of town.

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Manarola

AirBnb:

Davide’s Seaview Apartment - Apartments for Rent in Manarola https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6325974

Room Rentals/Hotels:

Da Baranin B&B http://www.baranin.com/en/ Sara and Silvia are two lovely sisters who run this B&B, located at the top of Manarola. Don’t be surprised if you find homemade goods like lemon and apple cake served for breakfast, baked by Sara herself. Served on a beautiful terrace, Da Baranin’s colazione is a great way to start the day.

La Torretta Lodge http://www.torrettas.com Chic decor, attention to detail and breathtaking views is what La Torretta is all about. They have great customer service too, picking guests up from the train station in a golf cart to transport them to their rooms -- a very nice touch in this straight-uphill town!

ManarolaVistaMare http://www.manarolavistamare.it/Inglese/index.html The views from the rooms here are out of this world -- think colorful Cinque Terre buildings, a sweeping sea view and multicolored sunsets right in the heart of Manarola. Gualtiero and Nicoletta have such a reputation for being warm, helpful and welcoming, you may just feel like family by the end of your stay.

Hotel Cà D’Andrean http://www.cadandrean.com Cà D’Andrean is a newly renovated historic building right in the center of Manarola. The rooms are stylish and modern, and breakfast served under the lemon trees in the garden every morning is to die for. Room #10 is a favorite amongst guests -- worth requesting when you make your reservation.

Hotel Marina Piccola http://www.hotelmarinapiccola.com/hotel/en Wake up to the smell of baking croissants and the sound of the sea at Marina Piccola, located right at the bottom of Manarola’s marina, literally two steps from the sea. The family’s restaurant by the same name is a Michelin Guide pick.

Budget:

Hostel 5 Terre http://www.hostel5terre.com Hostel 5 Terre is a cheap and cheerful alternative for travelers who want to visit the Cinque Terre but pay as little as possible. They have private rooms as well as dorm rooms, and the option of adding breakfast.

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Corniglia

AirBnb: sea view, fresh breakfast, balcony - Houses for Rent https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1203038

Il Carugio -Stanza privata con Park - Houses for Rent in Corniglia https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1638150?s=-bS06tB2 appartamentino tipico nel centro in Corniglia https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/2488854

Room Rentals/Hotels:

Corte del Gallo http://www.cortedelgallo.com Just outside the center of Corniglia, Corte del Gallo feels like a hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle of the busier towns. Claudia and Roberto are wonderfully charming hosts who make you feel right at home, and the sea views from the terrace will leave you breathless.

Affittacamere Le Terrazze http://www.eterasse.it Whimsical decor and attentive hosts are what set Le Terrazze apart from the rest -- Mariangela works hard to make sure your stay is fabulous. Just steps away is a stone staircase that takes you right down to the water for a refreshing swim.

L’Agave Cinque Terre http://www.cinqueterre-holiday.com/lang1/home.html Getting to L’Agave takes some navigation along narrow laneways and stairways, so avoid booking here if you have any mobility issues or too much luggage. If you don’t, it’s worth the effort! Immaculate and clearly cared for by owners Antonella and Paul, it’s an informal guest house with stunning sea and hill views from a private rooftop terrace.

Budget:

Ostello di Corniglia http://www.ostellocorniglia.com Another low-budget hostel option -- basic, clean, safe. Nice touches: the lockers are big and have locks provided, and they have a washing machine too, so you can do some laundry after a day of hiking. …………………………………………………………………………………………………...

Vernazza

AirBnb:

Room in Vernazza historical centre - Apartments for Rent in Vernazza https://www.airbnb.it/rooms/891680

Room with a view in Vernazza - Houses for Rent in Vernazza https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/610880

The Pinta house on the sea Vernazza - Houses for Rent in Vernazza https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1339397

Room Rentals/Hotels:

La Malà http://www.lamala.it/en/index.html Bright and modern, the rooms at La Malà are tucked away at the end of a quiet street, overlooking the sea. There are only four, so sharing stories and enjoying the view with the other guests on the communal terrace is part of the intimacy and fun. One of the fancier places in all of the villages.

MB Sisters Glam Rooms http://www.mbsisters.com/english/room-n-15.html MB Sisters Glam Rooms are located right on the main street in town. They’re within easy walking distance of everything, but they don’t have a reception, so make sure you have their phone number ready to call them when you arrive.

Casa Catò http://www.casacatocinqueterre.com/en/Default.aspx Casa Catò doesn’t have a room without a stunning view, and attention to detail down to the soundproofing is excellent. The walk up can be tough on anyone with mobility issues, but you can make arrangements with owners Lisa and Lorena for help with your luggage from the train station.

Affittacamere Da Nicolina http://www.camerenicolina.it Not all of these rooms have views, but the ones that do are spectacular (ask for the Camere Nicoletta in Piazzetta, probably the best rooms in Vernazza). People go crazy for the linens they use too. The Italians who stay here call it un angolo di paradiso -- a slice of heaven.

L’Eremo sul Mare (The Hermitage Over the Sea) http://www.eremosulmare.com/e/ Picture ivy crawling up the stone walls outside, the place dripping in greenery and flowers, and a huge terrace with sea view. This place is a bit of a hike towards Corniglia, so ditch your suitcase for a backpack if you can. Once you get there though, you’ll love that you have your own little retreat away from the high-season crowds.

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Monterosso

AirBnb:

The best see [sic] view in town!!! - Bed & Breakfasts for Rent in https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/8255169?s=xiHpJibi

Monterosso in front of the beach - Apartments for Rent in Monterosso Al Mare https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1207923

Room Rentals/Hotels:

Bellambra http://www.bellambra5terre.com Located above the oldest wine shop in Monterosso, Bellambra has four rooms and an apartment, all of which are charmingly decorated and spotless. Owner Hedda is a fountain of information about Monterosso. Ask her for restaurant recommendations -- she won’t steer you wrong!

Il Portico https://www.bedandbreakfast.eu/bed-and-breakfast/monterosso-al-mare/il- portico/464925/ This apartment is big, has a washing machine, and is positioned right in the middle of the Old Town, just two minutes from the beach. A plus for those traveling with animals: pets are allowed. Just let owner Francesca know in advance.

Pietre di Mare https://www.bedandbreakfast.eu/bed-and-breakfast/monterosso-al-mare/pietre-di- mare/890238/ Pietre di Mare is right in the center of the Old Town. Owner Moreno has a bottle of chilled wine waiting for his guests when they arrive, and serves a delicious breakfast at his restaurant (and one of our favorites), San Martino, just across the way.

B&B Il Parco http://www.ilparco.com/ilparcobeb.php B&B Il Parco’s only drawback is that it’s located about ten minutes above Monterosso, so getting back to your room every day requires a bit of a hike. If you don’t mind that, you’ll love this place. Ask for a room with a garden terrace from which to admire a sweeping view of the coastline. The grounds in general here are immaculately maintained, as is the small but beautiful pool.

Affittacamere Zia Letizia Bed and Wine https://www.bedandbreakfast.eu/bed-and-breakfast/monterosso-al-mare/zia-letizia-bed- and-wine/1032495/ The two terraces on the top floor are a great place to relax after a day of hiking and take in the view of Monterosso, and Mario and his family are super friendly and helpful hosts. Those who have chosen Monterosso because of mobility issues, however, should beware that there is quite a steep stairwell to reach these rooms.

Porto Roca http://www.portoroca.it The decor at Porto Roca is a little tired, but it remains the only hotel right in town with a pool and offers fab sea views from the upper rooms in the front. Little extras like a complimentary taxi ride from the train station and room service from the restaurant menu add an element of luxury unavailable elsewhere in the Cinque Terre.

Still stuck? Email us :) ciao (@) italianfix.com