Cinque Terre is a collection of five vibrant coastal villages - Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These picturesque villages are popular for their colorful houses nestled along the cliffs by the Mediterranean Sea. A trip to Cinque Terre isn't complete without experiencing iconic viewpoints, savoring fresh seafood, and exploring all five villages. With so many sights and activities to explore, we've crafted the perfect 2-day Cinque Terre itinerary so you can make the most out of your visit to these charming coastal villages.

How to Get to Cinque Terre
The most convenient way to reach Cinque from Rome is by train. The journey from Rome takes around 4-5 hours, so an early trip will give you more time to explore the area. The first part of the trip is from the Roma Termini station to La Spezia, followed by a smaller train to your chosen village.
Getting Around Cinque Terre
A local train connects all five villages, offering an easy way to explore Cinque Terre. For adventurous travelers, there's a hiking trail that links the villages, stretching along the coastline for a more thrilling experience. Each village has its own bus system for local commuting, but they don't interconnect between villages. Another option is traveling by boat, allowing you to hop from one village to another while soaking in the scenic views! Each village is small and easy to explore by foot once you arrive.
Best Time to Visit Cinque Terre
The peak season in Cinque Terre spans from May to August. While the weather is great and everything is open, accommodation prices tend to be highest. We visited in early June and found it moderately busy without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.
If you want to visit with less crowds, September and October can be a great option. Most places will still be open, and although the weather might be slightly cooler, it's a great time to explore.
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
Choosing where to stay in Cinque Terre begins with selecting one of the five villages as your home base. Although the villages may seem similar, each offers a unique feel and characteristics that can influence your experience. Riomaggiore and Monterosso al Mare are the only villages that offer hotels since they are bigger than the other villages. However, you can opt for villas, guesthouses or Airbnb rentals throughout the area. We personally used booking.com and airbnb.com to secure our accommodations in Cinque Terre.
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare stands out with its less hilly terrain and has the largest beach in Cinque Terre, making it an ideal choice for families and beach enthusiasts.
Casa Sopia is a 1-bedroom apartment with an independent entrance and just a 2-minute walk from the beach, restaurants, and bars
Photo Credit: Casa Sophia, TerreMarine via Airbnb.com
Vernazza
Vernazza can be one of the busier villages since many boat tours take off from here. Vernazza is also known for having great restaurants!
This 1-bedroom apartment is located in Piazza di Vernazza and offers a direct view of the square and sea
Photo Credit: MADA Charm Apartments Piazza via Airbnb.com
Corniglia
Located higher on a hill, Corniglia requires a climb up 365 stairs upon leaving the train station. Another option is to pay for a bus to take you to the top. While it's less crowded and offers more affordable accommodations, it's slightly harder to access and offers less restaurants and shops.
This 1-bedroom apartment is located in the center of Corniglia and offers a stunning private terrace.
Photo Credit: La Terrazza Sul Blu via Booking.com
Manarola
Considered the most picturesque and romantic of the villages, Manarola is a great spot for couples and honeymooners visiting Cinque Terre.
Il Sogno di Manarola by the First is just a 5-minute walk to the Manarola harbor with stunning views overlooking Manarola. Continental and Italian breakfast options are also available daily.