I’ve said it before and will say it again. Cinque Terre, Italy is a bucket-list, must-see, FOMO destination! Demand to experience the five towns is high. So, WITHOUT A DOUBT a vacation to Cinque Terre is going to make a dent in your budget and maybe even make you cry a little bit.
If visiting Cinque Terre is on your travel wish list, then I know, this is not what you want to hear.
But I really don’t like to disappoint, so I’m going to give it my best shot to answer the question: Is it possible to do Cinque Terre on a budget?
And because I believe that a little bit of creative thinking can solve most problems, I’m taking this on as a personal challenge!
So, in this post, I’m sharing my best ideas on how to plan a budget friendly Cinque Terre holiday. Oh, and I’m going to assume that being budget-conscious doesn’t mean you’re willing to compromise on having a great time!
If you’re still not sure if this stunning destination is worth the trouble, then take a look at a complete Cinque Terre budget breakdown and some of our other content:
When to Visit Cinque Terre for a Budget Friendly Trip
If you have the flexibility to choose your dates, then I personally think that mid-May to late June and early September are the best time to visit Cinque Terre.
At those times, the weather is warm and dry, and all the tourist activities are open. The main advantage is that you’ll experience fewer crowds. Pricing for tours and accommodation will also be slightly cheaper.
For the most value for money, you’ll need to look at shoulder season (March, April, October, and November). Compared to the high season, during these months you can save around 50% on accommodation costs alone. However, you’ll be rolling the weather dice!
These months can be stormy, and to add further complexity; not all businesses are open. If you’re flexible and can pivot to indoor activities in bad weather (think long lazy lunches, shopping, spa treatments, museums, and galleries), then you can still have an enjoyable holiday.
Finding Budget and Cheap Accommodation in Cinque Terre
Next, I want to tackle the subject of accommodation because (apart from flights) it’s typically the thing you’ll spend most of your budget on!
Accommodation prices in Cinque Terre are similar to Rome but not as expensive as places like the Amalfi Coast or Florence.
We have a few detailed articles to help with finding good accommodation. These may be of interest to you:
To find the most affordable places to stay in Cinque Terre you should consider the following:
Plan ahead and book early (last-minute bookings tend to be more expensive). Not only will you get the best deals on price, but you’ll have a choice of places. If you book late, you’ll end up scraping the bottom of the barrel and still paying top dollar!
Stay in Corniglia, which is the quietest of the five villages and has slightly cheaper accommodation.
Use accommodation booking sites like Booking.com so you can easily compare different places and book the best quality accommodation within your budget.
Consider staying in the hamlets and the hills close to Cinque Terre. These hamlets are less touristy and offer a more authentic experience. Some places also provide shuttle buses to/from the 5 towns.
Stay in La Spezia or Levanto. Accommodation in these towns is much more affordable (see image below), and they are still only a 10-minute train ride to the Cinque Terre villages! Both these towns have a lot to offer tourists, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out.
Hostelworld is another great option to find some super cheap accommodation. Again, you will find more options for this type of accommodation in La Spezia.
Our Pick of Affordable but Good Places to Stay in Cinque Terre
You can find a good selection of mid-range hotels in Monterosso. However, the most affordable accommodations are guest houses (like B&Bs) and apartments.
The following is a carefully scrutinized list of local mid-range accommodations that are still affordable (around 150 Euros per night in shoulder season). Not only is this list budget-friendly but all accommodation is highly rated by previous guests.
Salty Dreams: $$ Location, views, and comfort right on Manarola harbor.
The guest house is super convenient and within a few steps of local eateries, the Cinque Terre ferry, and a short walk to the train station.
This is tastefully presented and an affordable stay in that offers a memorable experience.
Cà de Angelo: $$ A centrally located guest house in the heart of Manarola's old town. You’ll be taken care of by welcoming hosts with comfortable rooms.
Appartamento VIA COLOMBO 99: $$ This fully equipped, modernized apartment has everything you need for a comfortable stay right in the historic town of Riomaggiore. For the price, you really can’t ask for more!
Affittacamere Arbasia De Ma: $$$ Situated in the hills of Corniglia. Enjoy a traditional homely apartment with a sweeping sea panorama.
The apartment is well-equipped and has a terrace for outdoor dining with a view.
And if that’s not enough, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your host.
Albergo Barbara: $ to $$ Find a choice of rooms to suit your budget. You may have to compromise on some luxuries, but the location in the heart of Vernazza Harbor couldn’t be better.
Marianna Quiet Rooms: $$ With views out to sea, this location is across from the famous Monterosso beach and within a stroll of dozens of eateries. The rooms are clean and simple but comfortable.
Search and Book Accommodation in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre: Cheap Accommodation
If you’re looking for cheap places to stay in Cinque Terre (real low-cost accommodation options) then you will be limited to the few backpackers and basic B&Bs that offer dormitory-style rooms. You can snag rooms for as little as 25 Euros per night, but don’t expect any home comforts!
Affordable Things To Do in Cinque Terre
You don’t have to spend silly money on expensive activities. There’s plenty to do and see that is completely free.
Hiking
The ancient villages and pilgrimage trails are perfect for hikers. The views are spectacular, the hiking trails are well-marked and most of the hikes are free!
This is also where you can experience the traditional olive, grape, and lemon farms that were the origins of Cinque Terre as we know it today.
A word of warning, though, apart from the flat, easy, and paved Via dell’Amore (Path of Love), all the trails are typically rugged, uneven, and steep. You need good fitness and steady footing.
There are two paths that you need to pay to use. The Sentiero Verde Azzurro (SVA), also known as the Blue Trail and the Via dell’Amore (Path of Love). All the other paths are free and easily accessible from the towns. The SVA path is included in the Cinque Terre Card (which can be bought online) and the Path of Love ticket is sold separately.
Sightseeing
The 5 villages of Cinque Terre are all interesting and unique. Each village has something different to offer and if you want an immersive experience, then you can take your time and spend a few hours sightseeing in each.
The types of things you can do and see on a budget and still appreciate include:
- Pausing to admire the churches and castles
- Walking into the hills to admire the views
- Shopping for local produce and handcrafted items
- Seeking out street art and murals by local artists
Visit Cinque Terre with local insights.
We include a visit to 3 towns, suggestions for lunch, aperitivo & dinner. Also includes wine and cultural tour options, self-guided sightseeing routes, cultural and historic notes, and where to take iconic photos.
Swimming and Relaxing at the Beach
This rugged coastline isn’t known for soft sandy beaches. If you enjoy the water, then you can expect to be jumping off the rocks or using metal stairs to access the water.
However, there is a more easily accessible beach at Monterosso al Mare. This wide sandy beach is a popular place to relax for the day.
Most of the beach is operated by private Bagnos. But at the western end (past the Monterosso train station and near the Il Gigante Statue) there is a decent free area of beach where you can swim and sunbathe.
Free Festivals and Events
Throughout the year, the local community associations in Cinque Terre organize and host dozens of free events, including:
- Small music concerts showcasing local musicians
- Aperitivo in the hills and around the five towns
- Food festivals and markets
The most active Cinque Terre community association is Monterosso Pro Loco who also has an office near the train station in Monterosso.
Best Budget Friendly Tours and Experiences
There are tours for every budget. Some are excessive and luxurious, and others offer good value for money.
Let’s take a look at a few that won’t break the piggy bank:
- Discover the traditions of Cinque Terre winemaking
- Try 3 local wines to experience the diversity of wines produced in the area
- Enjoy small plates of focaccia, salami, and cantucci
- Learn about the traditions and trends in Cinque Terre winemaking
This 3-hour tour starts in Riomaggiore and includes a hike, sunset views, and a short winetasting. You’ll be in the good company of a local guide who will share their knowledge and passion for this special place.
Learn to prepare Ligurian pesto using a traditional marble mortar. You will also discover interesting curiosities about Ligurian culinary tradition. At the end of the class, sit back and sample your creation together with some freshly baked focaccia bread.
Savvy Travel Tips: Many tourists don’t realize that the Cinque Terre National Parks also organize a number of activities between May and October.
The calendar of events includes expert guides to take you nature trekking, foraging, cycling tours, and snorkeling. There are also visits to wineries and tours of the villages.
Events for this year will be added to the 5T national parks website around April. You can also email the Welcome Center (infopoint@parconazionale5terre.it) to find out more information.
Best of all, the activities are included in the price of the Cinque Terre Card.
Getting Around on a Budget
The cheapest way to get between the villages is to hike. It’s feasible to (comfortably) hike between all 5 towns over 2 or 3 days. But the hiking paths are only suitable for the fit and steady footed.
If you’re short of time, or not keen on hiking, then there are train and ferry public transport options.
Gulf of Poets Ferry
One of the best ways to see the Cinque Terre coastline is from the water. On a warm day, the sparkling waters of the Ligurian Sea and the tapestry of woodlands, terraced farms, ancient villages, and rugged cliffs fuse into a mesmerizing and beautiful landscape.
There are dozens of private boat companies offering tours, but you can also hop on the humble public ferry that cruises around the Gulf of Poets.
These public ferries run from late March to early November. You can buy single-journey tickets or all-day hop-on hop-off tickets.
Cinque Terre Express Train
The Cinque Terre train is a quick way to travel between La Spezia and the Cinque Terre towns plus Levanto. The trains take around 30 minutes to do the entire route. It’s the most convenient way to get between the towns, but WOW can it get appallingly crammed in summer!
- Single tickets are for one journey only. You’ll need to buy a new ticket for each separate trip.
- You can buy all-day tickets (Cinque Terre Multi-Service Card) for unlimited travel. This is a cost-effective ticket if you are planning to visit at least 3 towns.
- During busy times of the year, there are long queues at the train stations. The queues are frustratingly slow. So, we recommend you book your train tickets and Cinque Terre Card online to save time.
How To Eat for Less in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre comes with a price tag, but fortunately, when it comes to food, it isn’t all fancy fine dining. Of course, there are some restaurants that are top-notch and highly recommended. But actually, most of the eateries are mid-range and have a local, down-to-earth feel.
You don’t have to splash out on the Instagram “famous” restaurants to have a delicious and memorable meal. Grab some takeout and head to the water or into the hills. Good food and views are all you need to create a lasting experience.
For mouthwatering food at great prices look for the cafes and street food eateries that do it with pride and passion. Here is a list of some places where you can eat cheap but well in Cinque Terre:
- Tutti Fritti in Riomaggiore: They’re famous for serving mixed fried seafood (Fritto Misto) in a handy cone. But they have a full menu of fried fish and seafood.
- Fooderia in Manarola: Specializing in fully loaded sandwiches, with distinctive local seafood flavors such as focaccia stuffed with octopus, onions, and mozzarella!
- Caffè Matteo in Corniglia: Tasty humble Italian dishes served with a smile. For something truly local try their Trofie al Pesto (pasta dish served with local pesto sauce).
- Il Pirata in Vernazza: Enjoy hearty Italian food that is skillfully cooked and delivered to your table with good vibes. This is more than a café and offers an expansive hot and cold menu (croissants, pasta, desserts). There are no scenic views, but their mouth-watering desserts make up for it!
- Il Frantoio in Monterosso: You can’t come to Italy without trying their pesto focaccia pizza. This little place is punching above its weight and worth seeking out.
BONUS Tips for Budget Travel to Cinque Terre
And because I’m on a roll I’ve added some tips on how to do Cinque Terre on the cheap:
- When you eat out, ask for the house wine (vino della casa). In Cinque Terre, this is typically a Vermentino (which can be red or white). You can usually order this by the glass, quarter, or a half liter.
- Carry a refillable water bottle, so you’re not buying expensive bottled water. The tap water in this part of Italy is regulated and safe to drink. You can refill your water bottle from the town drinking fountains or at your accommodation.
- Pack snacks: Buy snacks from the supermarket to save on impulse purchases in expensive cafes. Trail mix, granola bars, and fruit can be easily carried in your bag and won’t spoil in hot weather.
- If you stay in an apartment, you can prepare your own meals. There are several deli-style grocery shops in the Cinque Terre villages and the local towns of La Spezia and Levanto. These sell local produce, so you’ll still be dining on Italian foods.
- Never order food or even drinks without first seeing the menu and the pricing, otherwise, you may risk an unpleasant surprise when the bill arrives.
Summary
Can a must-see destination like Cinque Terre be done on a budget without missing out on the good stuff? I think it’s a yes!
In this article, I have given you options for a budget-friendly Cinque Terre Holiday including:
- Comfortable accommodation that won’t break the bank
- Affordable and fun things to do
- Cheap but good places to eat
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