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Airbnb Cinque Terre - The Best Place to Stay
Needing some information on where to stay in Cinque Terre? Love Airbnb? Looking to save money using the Luxury Travel Hack of utilising Airbnb? You have come to the right place to find the BEST Airbnb in Cinque Terre with Airbnb Italy!
Cinque Terre is a gem of Italy with colourful homes and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s actually made up of five small towns nestled between Genoa and Florence. The entire area of Cinque Terre covers 17 square miles (about 4 5 square kilometres). The five towns are most well known for their colourful houses and small-town atmosphere making it a perfect place to visit. Of course when visiting you will need a place to stay and that is when Airbnb Cinque Terre comes in.
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Guest Post Written By Pam
The Logistics of Cinque Terre
Before you can stay in a place you need to know the ins and outs of how to get there and when the best time to visit Italy is. No stress, we have you covered below. Otherwise this in depth guide to Cinque Terre covers everything you need to know.
Getting to Cinque Terre:
The Italian train system is convenient and the most common way to get to Cinque Terre. The main train stops at La Spezia Centrale, from there you take a local Manarola train which takes 11 minutes. You can also drive, but there is no parking in Manarola. There are parking lots before you enter town, but be prepared to walk about 20 minutes into town with your luggage. If you are only spending a couple days, try to pack a smaller bag to make your load lighter.
When to Visit Cinque Terre:
I recommend going to Cinque Terre during the shoulder seasons. May was the perfect temperature and there weren’t too many crowds. If Cinque Terre is a stop on your trip, then I would recommend staying during the week since many people do “weekend getaways” to this area it gets more crowded on the weekends.
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Where to Stay in Cinque Terre with Airbnb
From South to North the towns of Cinque Terre are: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. So which one is the best? It depends on how long you’re visiting. Since most people visit the area for a day or two, the smaller towns would be a better fit.
Riomaggiore features a slip leading into the water, populated with many small boats. Manarola is cliffside but has a path down to the water as well as one away along the cliffs away from the town; great for photography. Corniglia is mountainside with no ocean access, but incredible views. Vernazza has a beautiful kay and small beach with a circular tower overlooking the ocean. Monterosso al Mare has a huge beach, but take care during the busy season as it can get pretty packed.
We stayed in Manarola, the oldest village of Cinque Terre, due to its location and ease of finding it. Manarola is the second smallest town of the five, with a population of about 400.
Or if you are looking for somewhere cheaper and not far from Cinque Terre definitely have a look at Liguria. There are plenty of things to do and it is not far from the beautiful Cinque Terre area.
Manarola Accommodation - Cinque Terre Airbnb
There are a limited number of hotels in Manarola, with most accommodations being guest houses and apartments. For this reason, Airbnb is the best option. The best Airbnb in Manarola, hands down, is Arpaiu. Each bedroom has unobstructed views of the ocean. It is fashionably equipped in modern style and well maintained. You would never guess you were in a place without road access it makes you wonder the logistics of how it is kept so well.
The guest house can hold guests of up to six people in one of the rooms. All of the rooms overlook the ocean. The charm of Cinque Terre is on display in Arpaiu with elegant artwork and natural elements throughout the room.
The Bathroom
The bathroom has a huge tub with a rain shower and a large window overlooking the ocean. Don’t worry, the house is high up so no one can see in. The beds are large and comfortable with room to spread out!
Is a Kitchen Really Needed?
While there isn’t a kitchen, you can have breakfast or aperitifs on the terrace for an additional cost. We opted for delicious dinners downtown, because when in Italy you need to eat as much food as you can from glorious restaurants.
Location, Location Location
The location of the Airbnb is perfect. From the parking lot of the Airbnb, which is a bonus as there is no parking in Manarola, it’s about a ten-minute walk to get to the centre of town. When you only have a short amount of time to explore somewhere, location is key.
Views For Days
The view was my favourite part of Arpaiu. An uninterrupted view of Cinque Terre and the Mediterranean Ocean? Yes please! No matter the time of day, we were able to enjoy the view.
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What To Do In Manarola?
Let’s be honest you don’t go to a place to just sit in an Airbnb. You go to a place to explore. So, what is there to do in and around Manarola?
Hikes, Hikes & More Hikes
There are a number of hikes in and around Manarola if you want to enjoy nature. You can actually hike to all five towns if you wanted – but that would take a few days.
Enjoy the Colourful Houses
Take in the colourful houses by walking through them. While everyone wants the iconic shot of the colourful cliff-side homes, take a few hours and walk into and around the neighbourhood. Since you’re in one of the smaller towns, you’ll get a glimpse into how the locals live. We saw so many small herb gardens outside of homes and tiny restaurants in basements.
And Of Course, Eat!
The best thing to do in Manarola? Eat. Small appetizers, can be found throughout the city. Cinque Terre’s specialty is pesto. It’s often served with fresh bread – so pair it with local wine and you have an amazing treat. Since Manarola is on the coast, they also have the best seafood. Most places require a reservation, so be sure to call ahead. Our seafood dishes at Ristorante Marina Piccola were phenomenal, I can’t rave enough about it. Paired with a local light white wine and it made for the perfect meal. Da Aristide had fresh-baked pastries, pancakes with berries, and delicious omelets for breakfast! They had outdoor seating as well so we got to enjoy people watching.
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Finally, The Viewpoints of Manarola
The best viewpoint of the town is across the Marina. When you’re in the harbour, take the pathway to your right and it goes around the sea. It will take you on a walkway to get a perfect view of the village. For the best lighting, go around sunset. The sun glistens off the water and the homes shine bright. However, this is also when the majority of people go, so get there early for a good spot.
About The Author
Pamela has fallen in love with getting lost all over the world, earning her the nickname “the Directionally Challenged Traveler“. She has traveled to over 35 countries across 7 continents. To her, traveling is more than a pretty picture, but rather an experience of food, people, and sights. Follow along on Facebook & Instagram.