The Cinque Terre, tucked into Italy's northwestern coastline, once stood as a string of five isolated fishing villages. Eventually, visitors got wind of this gem along the Italian Riviera, transforming it into a top tourist destination. 

Fortunately, the five points on the Cinque Terre have retained all their beauty and charm over the years. The only hard part about visiting is picking a village — if they're all so delightful, where should you stay? You can't go wrong, but each village has something unique to offer. Read on to find out which one will suit your trip best.

Monterosso Al Mare

Depending on how you travel to the Cinque Terre, Monterosso will either be the first or last town you reach. It's the northernmost point on this stretch of the Riviera, and it's also the biggest town on the map. As such, you'll have a bit more wiggle room as you wander and explore both sides of Monterosso — it has both an old and new section of town. 

However, the biggest draw of this Cinque Terre village is its sprawling coastline. If you're heading to the Riviera for a beachy experience, this is your spot, since it's the only sand-covered beach in the area. Don't worry — in town, you'll find all the colors you expect to see along this stretch of the coast. However, it has a bona fide beach, too, that feels very separate from the Cinque Terre village vibe. 

Monterosso's also the flattest of all the towns in the Cinque Terre. So, if you have any sort of mobility issues or if you'll be pushing strollers or suitcases, you should consider this as your home base. 

Vernazza

One stop south of Monterosso, you'll find Vernazza. Chances are, you've seen photos of this one — it's probably the most popular stop along the Cinque Terre. You can gather that it's charming on the ground, but Vernazza's best viewed from above. Most people hike from Monterosso to here to catch a glimpse of the tiny, L-shaped fishing village below. 

On that note, Vernazza is small — it has one main thoroughfare, down which every visitor will undoubtedly walk. This street has most of the town's restaurants and shops, making it convenient for tourists. It's also a relatively flat zone, compared to some of the other towns, so keep that in mind if you have any mobility issues to consider. Plus, Vernazza has a rocky beach to offer, should you want to go for a swim.

The bottom line is, if you want to stay somewhere bustling with life, select Vernazza as your Cinque Terre base. Those who prefer something more tranquil might want to opt for another village instead. 

Corniglia

Speaking of tranquil, we've now reached the third of the five Cinque Terre villages. Corniglia won't suit every visitor, as it sits at the top of a nearly 400-step staircase. There's a €1.50 bus from the local train station, but it doesn't run all day and night, so you should factor the steps into your decision. 

Once you reach the top of the stairs, you'll realize what sets Corniglia apart from the other towns on the Cinque Terre — it's the only one that's not along the water. In sacrificing coastline, though, you'll get a stunning clifftop view. Plus, it's the smallest and most remote of the towns along this part of the Riviera. As such, it has more of an authentic feel, especially at night, when tourists have cleared. If you want a quiet night's sleep and a relatively peaceful stay, book a place in Corniglia. 

Manarola 

The cliffside town of Manarola's another one you've surely seen on a postcard or in a Cinque Terre guidebook. Manarola mimics Vernazza that way and in a few others — namely, it has a main, bustling street on which you'll find all the town's attractions and authentic dining experiences. If you really want to experience local life, try teaching yourself some language essentials before you embark, and order your pasta in Italian! Manarola is an idyllic place to get to know the villagers.

Manarola doesn't have a beach within walking distance. And, unlike Riomaggiore — which we'll cover next — there's no nightlife in which to partake. Of course, for some, the fact that Manarola goes quiet at night will be a pro, not a con. If you're considering Manarola as your spot on the Cinque Terre, know that locals tend to sunbathe and relax on the rocks by the water in lieu of an accessible beach. You’ll also get your workout in by traversing the steep roads and steps as you explore.

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore might not be as picture-perfect as Manarola or Vernazza, but what it lacks in visuals, it gives back in its social scene. This town is the one for you if you prefer your Italian getaway to include late-night drinks and dancing. On the other hand, if you want to go to sleep without hearing music into the late hours, don't stay here. 

Once again, Riomaggiore boasts the same setup as most of the other Cinque Terre villages. From its main street, you'll find all the restaurants and shops you will need during your stay. As it goes in this part of Italy, the main strip sits on an incline, so avoid Riomaggiore if you don't want to climb all day long. 

Choose Your Destination

Now that you have a feel for each village, where will you stay? The good news is, no matter where you choose, you'll be able to see all the Cinque Terre highlights. Not only can you hike between villages, but a train connects them all for easy transport. Zoom through all five villages in a day or take your time exploring each one — as you plan your trip, you can decide how long you need. No matter what, you're in for a wonderful time in Italy and the quaint, picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre. 

About the Author

Alyssa Abel is an education and study abroad blogger with a passion for travel. Follow her @alyssaabelblog on Twitter or read her blog, Syllabusy.