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I’d go to Monterosso al Mare for a boat trip.

I like to choose an Italian region for its own rhythm, then give it enough time. Rome rewards long walks between ancient landmarks and neighborhood tables; Florence and Tuscany pair Renaissance art with vineyards and hill towns. In the Dolomites, the mountains and the season set the pace, while Sardinia calls for coastal drives, clear-water coves, and time in its villages.

My favorite approach is to leave breathing room between the famous sights. Choose a city trip, a Tuscan or Sardinian road journey, or an alpine adventure from this collection, then let the smaller moments become part of the trip.

Monterosso al Mare is a Cinque Terre village with a medieval old center and a longer beachfront around Fegina. Colorful lanes, cafés and the striped church of San Giovanni Battista give it a different feel from the sea-facing promenade and beach establishments.

Allow one to two hours to explore the public streets and walk between the old town and Fegina through the connecting tunnel. Pause in the lanes or along the seafront, then add time separately for a sit-down meal or swimming. The historic defenses survive in fragments; an accessible castle interior is not promised as part of this stroll.

The village walk needs no admission reservation. Beach-club chairs, boat departures and paid hiking paths have their own arrangements, while Fegina beach time is a separate activity. Expect summer crowds, wear comfortable shoes and check the current train timetable before choosing how late to linger.

Official website

Monterosso al Mare

Colorful fishing villages, coastal trails, sea views, and leisurely Ligurian meals.

Cinque Terre Escape

Alpine hikes, mountain lakes, winding roads, and quieter corners of northern Italy.

Dolomites Adventure

Dramatic peaks, turquoise lakes, alpine villages, and the Dolomites' defining views.

Dolomites Highlights

Renaissance masterpieces, grand churches, artisan streets, and long Tuscan lunches.

Florence Escape

Neighborhood wandering, remarkable art, Roman food, and time beyond the headline sights.

Roman Holiday

Ancient icons, grand piazzas, Vatican treasures, and the lively streets of central Rome.

Rome Escape

Wild coves, coastal drives, ancient villages, and the rugged heart of Sardinia.

Sardinian Adventure

Val Gardena slopes, with Cortina extensions for confident skiers new to the Dolomites.

Ski the Dolomites

Renaissance cities, vineyards, and hill towns, with colorful coastal extensions.

Tuscan Adventure

A picturesque stretch of coastline known for its colorful villages perched on rugged cliffs. Hiking between the villages offers breathtaking views and a taste of local life.

Cinque Terre

Use the coastal railway between the five villages and walk within them. Check national-park trail openings, any required trail card and the day’s sea conditions before choosing a path or boat. Village centers have limited vehicle access and steep luggage approaches.


Train to Cinque Terre uses the regional railway from La Spezia Centrale to the five villages. Riomaggiore is the first village, with a short ride of roughly ten minutes; the later villages take longer. Buy for your actual destination and follow the current ticket validation or digital activation instructions.

This is usually the simplest arrival with luggage. Trains can be crowded, and village hotels may still involve steps or a steep walk from the station. A single ticket, a railway day card and a trail-access card are not automatically the same product; choose the coverage you will actually use. Fares vary with the seasonal calendar.

TIP: Use the train for your luggage transfer and save the ferry for a day trip.


Train to Cinque Terre

Ferry to Cinque Terre is a seasonal passenger boat from La Spezia's waterfront to the coastal villages served by the operator. Check the stop list before buying: Corniglia has no ferry landing, and some sailings or sea conditions limit the villages served. This is a sea crossing rather than a vehicle ferry.

Allow around half an hour to the first village and longer for later stops. A single transfer ticket and a hop-on/off day product are different purchases. Cars stay in La Spezia; large suitcases and stepped village landings can make this less convenient than rail. Service is seasonal and weather-sensitive, so keep the railway as the fallback.

TIP: Take the ferry for the coastal views and keep rail as a flexible return option.


Ferry to Cinque Terre

Hike to Cinque Terre follows the hillside trail network from the La Spezia side toward Riomaggiore, with longer extensions toward the other villages. Plan the exact open route on the national park map before starting; this is a substantial walk with climbs, uneven surfaces and limited simple shortcuts, not a walk along a flat waterfront.

Allow roughly three to five hours for the first village depending on the chosen path, fitness and stops. Carry water, proper footwear and a small day bag. The basic walking transfer has no transport fare, while some signed park paths or later Blue Trail sections require a separate paid pass. Check current closures and daylight before departure.

TIP: Leave your main suitcase in storage and hike with a day bag.


Hike to Cinque Terre

Affittacamere Le Giare is a guesthouse located in the heart of Riomaggiore. The property features comfortable rooms that offer beautiful views of the village and the surrounding hills. Each room is decorated in a simple and elegant style and comes equipped with modern amenities.

The guesthouse also features a terrace with panoramic views where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The staff is friendly and welcoming and provides guests with helpful information about the local area, including recommendations for restaurants, activities, and attractions.

The location of the guesthouse is ideal for exploring Riomaggiore and the other villages of Cinque Terre, as it is situated just a short walk from the train station and the main square.

Affittacamere Le Giare

Bellambra is a small hotel located in the heart of Monterosso. The hotel offers nine rooms, each with its own unique style and decor. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms offer sea views, while others have a balcony or terrace.

The hotel has a terrace overlooking the sea, where guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning. The terrace is also a great place to relax and soak up the stunning views of the Ligurian coast. In addition, the hotel has a bar where guests can enjoy a refreshing drink or a light snack.

Bellambra is just a few steps from the beach and the charming old town of Monterosso. The hotel is an ideal base for exploring the Cinque Terre and the surrounding area. The staff is friendly and helpful, always ready to provide information and advice on the best places to visit and things to do in the area.

Bellambra

Hotel Margherita is a charming hotel located in the heart of Monterosso al Mare. The hotel offers a comfortable stay with modern amenities.

You can enjoy stunning views of the Ligurian Sea and the surrounding hills from the rooms or from the hotel's panoramic terrace. The terrace also has a small plunge pool where guests can relax while admiring the view.

Hotel Margherita's central location makes it a great base for exploring the Cinque Terre and the nearby areas. The hotel is just a few steps away from the beach and the train station, making it easy to travel to other villages along the coast.

The hotel's restaurant serves delicious Ligurian cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. Guests can also enjoy a buffet breakfast in the hotel's breakfast room or on the terrace.

Overall, Hotel Margherita is a great choice for those looking for a comfortable and convenient stay in the heart of the Cinque Terre.

Hotel Margherita

Hotel Porto Roca is a 4-star resort located in the picturesque village of Monterosso al Mare, the biggest of the five villages of Cinque Terre. The hotel offers stunning panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea and is just a few steps away from the beach.

The rooms are spacious and elegantly furnished, with some featuring a private balcony or terrace with sea views. The hotel also boasts a beautiful terrace restaurant serving delicious local cuisine, as well as a rooftop bar with spectacular views over the coast.

Other amenities include a private beach area, outdoor pool, and wellness center with sauna and Turkish bath. With its prime location and luxurious facilities, Hotel Porto Roca is the perfect base for a relaxing and unforgettable holiday in Cinque Terre.

Hotel Porto Roca

La Torretta Lodge is a boutique guesthouse in a converted tower above Manarola, close to the village’s church square. Individually decorated rooms combine contemporary artwork with the character of the old building, and selected categories look over the Ligurian Sea.

Choose a sea-view category if the outlook is central to your stay; a room name that promises only a partial view is a different product. Breakfast and the terrace give the property a more intimate rhythm than a large coastal resort. The elevated village setting also means planning the station-to-property luggage approach rather than expecting to drive to the door. Confirm arrival arrangements and the exact room’s access before booking.

La Torretta Lodge

Olimpo Affittacamere is a guesthouse located in a historical house, fully renovated in 2018,
with four big and sunny rooms. The guesthouse offers comfortable rooms and apartments with modern amenities. Some rooms also have a balcony with stunning views of the colorful houses and the sea.

The property is family-owned and run, and the hosts are known for their warm hospitality and helpfulness. They provide valuable tips and recommendations on things to do, places to eat, and how to explore the area. The guesthouse is conveniently located close to the train station, making it easy to visit the other towns of Cinque Terre.

Guests can also enjoy the charming garden terrace, which is an ideal place to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing. Overall, Olimpo Affittacamere is a great choice if you are looking for a cozy and authentic experience in Cinque Terre.

Olimpo Affittacamere

Scorci Di Mare is a charming bed and breakfast located in the heart of Riomaggiore. The accommodation is situated in a traditional Ligurian house with colorful facades and narrow streets, just a few steps away from the sea.

Scorci Di Mare offers cozy and comfortable rooms, decorated in a classic style, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each room features modern amenities such as air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

One of the standout features of Scorci Di Mare is its breathtaking views of the sea and the town from its terrace. You can enjoy a delicious breakfast on the terrace while taking in the stunning scenery. The friendly and attentive staff at Scorci Di Mare are always happy to provide recommendations for local restaurants, hiking trails, and other activities in Cinque Terre. Overall, Scorci Di Mare is a great choice for those looking for a comfortable and relaxing stay in Riomaggiore.

Scorci Di Mare

The Sunset Line is a guesthouse that offers comfortable and spacious rooms with beautiful sea views, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms also have balconies or terraces overlooking the sea, where guests can enjoy a stunning sunset. The guesthouse also provides a shared terrace and lounge area where guests can relax and enjoy the panoramic views.

The Sunset Line has a unique location, situated on a hill above Riomaggiore, away from the hustle and bustle of the village, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere. It is still within walking distance of the town center and the train station, making it easy for guests to explore the surrounding area.

The friendly and welcoming staff at The Sunset Line also adds to the charm of this guesthouse.