Cinque Terre is the kind of place that looks like it walked straight out of a postcard—five tiny villages, clinging to rugged cliffs, with bursts of pastel houses and turquoise waters below. It’s a dream destination, but it doesn’t have to come with a nightmare price tag. If you plan well, you can soak in every sun-drenched view, enjoy the fresh seafood, and even try the region’s famous wine, all without blowing your budget. This guide is here to show you exactly how.
Getting to Cinque Terre on a Budget
If you’re coming from the UK, your best bet is flying into Pisa or Genoa—both have budget-friendly flights, often as low as £40 return if you book ahead. Pisa is usually the cheapest option, and from there, you can hop on a train to La Spezia for around €8. Once you hit La Spezia, you’re basically there—just a short, scenic train ride away from any of the five villages.
You can fly to Pisa from major UK airports including London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh, often with low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet.
Genoa is another option, with direct flights available from London Gatwick and seasonal routes from Manchester. Milan and Florence are also options, but they’ll add a couple of extra hours to your journey.
If you’re feeling adventurous, buses can sometimes be cheaper, but they take much longer. For most, the train is the best value for money, especially if you grab a Cinque Terre Train Card (€18 per day), which gives you unlimited rides between the villages.
When to Visit Without Spending a Fortune
Peak season (June–August) is buzzing with tourists, higher prices, and packed hiking trails. If you’re looking for the best balance of good weather and reasonable prices, April-May and September-October are perfect. You’ll still get sunny days and swimmable seas, but with fewer crowds and slightly cheaper accommodation.
Winter (November–March) is the cheapest time to visit, and while some trails and restaurants close, you’ll have the place almost to yourself. If you don’t mind trading hot sun for crisp sea air, this is the time to get the best deals.
Where to Stay: Best Budget, Mid-Level & High-End (Yet Affordable) Accommodations
Accommodation in Cinque Terre can be pricey, but there are solid options for every budget. If you book early, you can snag a great deal—even in the pricier spots.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Ostello Tramonti (La Spezia) – A great hostel with dorm beds starting at €25, ideal for backpackers.
- Apartemente Edi (Riomaggiore) – Simple but well-located guesthouse rooms starting at €60.
- Camping Acqua Dolce (Levanto) – Just outside Cinque Terre, with tent spots for €15 per night.
Mid-Level Options
- Hotel Marina Piccola (Manarola) – A charming mid-range hotel with sea views, starting at €100 per night.
- La Mala (Vernazza) – Stylish boutique rooms with modern amenities from €110.
- Locanda Il Maestrale (Monterosso) – A cozy family-run guesthouse with breakfast included, from €90 per night.
High-End but Affordable Choices
- La Torretta Lodge (Manarola) – Stylish boutique guesthouse with sea-view rooms starting at €130—expensive but an absolute steal for the quality.
- Hotel Porto Roca (Monterosso) – A proper luxury hotel with stunning sea views, often with off-season deals under €180.
- Villa degli Argentieri (Monterosso) – Elegant rooms for around €140, with a breakfast spread that makes it worth every cent.
Stay Just Outside Cinque Terre for Huge Savings
While accommodation inside Cinque Terre is pricey, staying in La Spezia or Levanto can save you 30-50% on room rates. Both towns have excellent train connections (La Spezia is just 7 minutes from Riomaggiore, while Levanto is 4 minutes from Monterosso), and you can get an unlimited Cinque Terre Train Card for €18 per day—which is still cheaper than staying in the villages themselves.
Where to Eat: Budget, Mid-Level & Worth-the-Splurge Options
Eating well in Cinque Terre doesn’t mean you have to spend big—unless you want to. There are plenty of affordable options for delicious local food, but also some high-end spots that offer amazing value.
Budget Bites
- Panificio Rosi (Riomaggiore) – Grab a fresh slice of focaccia for just €3 – just check it’s open.
- Il Frantoio (Monterosso) – Pesto pasta for under €10 that’ll ruin all other pesto for you.
Mid-Level Dining
- Trattoria Gianni Franzi (Vernazza) – Traditional Ligurian dishes with seafood specialties, mains from €15.
- Ristorante Belforte (Vernazza) – Rustic seafood restaurant with terrace views, mains from €18.
- Taverna del Capitano (Monterosso) – Family-run spot with fresh homemade pasta, around €14 per dish.
High-End, But Not Overpriced
- Miky (Monterosso) – An incredible seafood restaurant where a tasting menu costs around €40, but feels like fine dining.
- Trattoria dal Billy (Manarola) – Known for its generous seafood platters (around €30 per person, but easily sharable).
- L’Ancora della Tortuga (Monterosso) – A cliffside dining experience where fresh pasta with seafood will set you back around €20, but it’s worth it.
How to Get Around Without Overspending
Trains are the way to go here. The villages are connected by the Cinque Terre Express, with single rides at €5, but the Train Card (€18/day) is the best deal if you’re hopping between them. Buses exist but are limited, and taxis are eye-wateringly expensive, so don’t even bother.
Top 10 Things to Do in Cinque Terre & How to Save Money
1. Hike the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail)
The iconic hiking trail connecting all five villages offers some of the most breathtaking views in Italy. A single entry fee is €7.50, but purchasing the Cinque Terre Trekking Card (€14.50 for two days) allows unlimited trail access and public transport.
2. Swim at Monterosso Beach
The only large sandy beach in Cinque Terre, with a free section available. Bring your own towel to avoid rental fees for sunbeds.
3. Explore the Colorful Streets of the Villages
Each village has its own charm, and walking around is completely free. Avoid peak tourist hours for the best experience.
4. Visit the Local Churches
Entry is free to churches in every village, including San Giovanni Battista in Monterosso and
Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Manarola.
5. Take a Boat Between the Villages
Opt for the Cinque Terre ferry (€30 for a day pass, or around €10-€15 for a single trip) instead of expensive private tours.
6. Catch Sunset at Nessun Dorma (Manarola)
An aperitivo with a drink and a charcuterie board costs around €15-€20, making it an affordable way to enjoy the view.
7. Wine Tasting in Vernazza
Many wineries offer tastings for €10, often waiving the fee with a bottle purchase.
8. Take the Free Sanctuary Walks
Each village has a free Sanctuary Walk leading up to hilltop chapels with panoramic views.
9. Visit Castello Doria in Vernazza
A historic castle with an entry fee of just €2, offering stunning coastal views.
10. Try Local Street Food
A cone of fritto misto (fried seafood) from Tutti Frutti costs €7-€10, and a slice of focaccia from any bakery starts around €3-€4—both delicious and affordable.
