Is Monterosso a good base for Cinque Terre?


Is Monterosso a good base for Cinque Terre? Monterosso al Mare is the best place to stay in Cinque Terr for the first time. It is the largest of the villages in Cinque Terre. You'll find many hospitality venues, a medieval old town, and the sandy Monterosso al Mare Beach.


Do you have to pay for the beach at Monterosso?

The biggest part of the beach is private and of course you have to pay for the services, but there are some free public beaches as well: in front of the railway station, under the statue of the Giant and at the end of the beach towards Vernazza, near the historical center.


Which Cinque Terre town to skip?

You have to skip Corniglia situated on top of a cliff 100 metres above sea level. If you are limited on time, take the train between the villages.


Is La Spezia a good base for Cinque Terre?

The accommodations are cheaper in La Spezia than if you were to stay in Cinque Terre, and the roads are a lot easier to navigate with luggage! La Spezia makes a great home base for your northern Italy / Cinque Terre adventures!


Which Cinque Terre village is quietest?

Corniglia is the smallest and quietest of the Cinque Terre villages. It is located 100 meters above sea level, on top of a small promontory. Houses are a bit different here, smaller and wider, similar to the houses of the villages inland.


Can you swim in Monterosso?

Monterosso has the largest beach, but as long as you can get in the water off the rocks, you can swim anywhere. Don't expect much.


Is it better to hike Vernazza to Monterosso or Monterosso to Vernazza?

If you want a much easier hike, definitely hike from Vernazza to Monterosso (and not vice versa). The trail is much easier and Monterosso has the best beach of all five villages — so you can relax on the beach after your hike! Be sure to bring water and snacks on your hike!


Which town in Cinque Terre is easiest to get to?

The easiest village to reach by car is actually Monterosso, which also has the cheapest parking. Manarola and Riomaggiore do have parking lots above their towns, but you will need to walk from there to the center. Corniglia and Vernazza are more difficult to reach by car, due to narrow roads and limited parking space.


Is Cinque Terre overrun with tourists?

Overtourism in a fragile area Fabrizia Pecunia, the mayor of Riomaggiore, came up with the new plan for the 3,215- foot-long path to combat overtourism. Last year, about three million tourists visited Cinque Terre, a fragile national park. In contrast, there are fewer than 4,000 residents left in the area.