When I first visited Cinque Terre, I made the classic mistake of assuming I’d spend most of my time relaxing by the sea. Instead, I spent my days hiking between villages, hunting down the best focaccia and wondering how a place could possibly look that good in real life.
The five colourful villages perched along Italy’s Ligurian coastline are every bit as beautiful as the photos suggest. The problem? Everyone knows it. Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most popular destinations and accommodation prices can be eye-watering, especially during the summer months.
The good news is that budget travellers aren’t completely out of luck. There aren’t loads of hostels in Cinque Terre, but there are some excellent budget-friendly places to stay if you know where to look.
One thing worth knowing before you book: not every hostel on this list is located in one of the five villages themselves. Many backpackers choose to stay in nearby places like La Spezia or the surrounding hills, using the excellent train and bus connections to explore Cinque Terre. In many cases, you’ll get better value for money and barely add any extra travel time.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best hostels in and around Cinque Terre, whether you’re looking for a social backpacker hostel, a private room with sea views or simply the cheapest bed you can find.
Let’s get stuck in.
In a hurry? Here are my top hostel picks in Cinque Terre
The 6 Best Hostels in Cinque Terre
Whether you’re looking for sea views, hiking trails, new travel buddies or just the cheapest bed you can find, there’s something here for you.
1. Ostello Tramonti – Best Overall Hostel
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- Price: $
- Best for: Travellers looking for the best all-round hostel experience in Cinque Terre.
- Highlights: Incredible hiking access, a lively beer garden and unbeatable value for money.
- Dorms from: $33
- Private rooms from: N/A
- Location: Biassa, between La Spezia and Cinque Terre.
When you’re looking at places to stay in Cinque Terre, there’s a good chance you’ll spot Ostello Tramonti and immediately think, “Hang on, that’s not exactly central Cinque Terre.” And you’d be right. It’s tucked away in the little hilltop village of Biassa, just outside the national park. But don’t write it off too quickly. The cheaper prices, hiking trails and more local feel are exactly why so many backpackers end up loving it.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Perfect for Hikers: Walking trails start practically on your doorstep.
- The Beer Garden: A great place to swap hiking stories and meet other travellers after a day exploring.
- Amazing Value: One of the best budget-friendly stays anywhere near Cinque Terre.
What I like about Ostello Tramonti is that it feels a little more adventurous than some of the places down in the villages. You’re swapping waterfront views for hiking trails, mountain scenery and a cold beer in the garden after a long day exploring. Throw in a shared kitchen, bike rentals and a friendly backpacker atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why this place has become such a favourite. Honestly, for backpackers, that’s not a bad deal at all.
2. 5 Terre Backpackers City – Best for Solo Travellers
- Price: $$
- Best for: Solo travellers looking for an easy base to explore Cinque Terre.
- Highlights: Free breakfast, a sociable common room and a location just steps from the train station.
- Dorms from: $48
- Private rooms from: N/A
- Location: La Spezia, a short walk from the main train station and gateway to Cinque Terre.
Technically, 5 Terre Backpackers City isn’t in one of the five Cinque Terre villages. Instead, it’s based in La Spezia, the main gateway to the region. Before you keep scrolling, hear me out. For solo travellers, this is actually a pretty smart setup. You’re less than a two-minute walk from the train station, making it ridiculously easy to spend your days hopping between the villages and your evenings meeting other travellers back at the hostel.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Easy to Meet People: With just a couple of dorm rooms and a shared common area, the hostel has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere where conversations happen naturally.
- Free Breakfast: A nice little bonus, especially in a part of Italy where prices can add up pretty quickly.
- Perfect Base for Exploring: Being right next to the station means you can be in Riomaggiore in minutes without having to drag your backpack up endless hills first.
One thing worth knowing is that this hostel keeps things pretty simple. There isn’t a kitchen, and you’ll need to head to a nearby laundrette if you’re doing a longer trip. But honestly, if your plan is to spend most of your time hiking, swimming, eating focaccia and exploring the villages, those things probably won’t matter much. Add in the free breakfast and station-side location, and it’s easy to see why so many solo travellers choose to base themselves here.
3. Hostel Ospitalia del Mare – Best Budget Hostel
- Price: $
- Best for: Travellers looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing location.
- Highlights: A 12th-century friary, spacious rooms and a fantastic Levanto location.
- Dorms from: $27
- Private rooms from: $127
- Location: Levanto, 100 metres from the sea and 15 minutes from the train station.
Let’s be honest, budget accommodation doesn’t usually come with much of a wow factor. Ospitalia del Mare is the exception. Set inside a former Augustinian friary dating back to the 12th century, it’s probably one of the most unique places you’ll stay while exploring Cinque Terre. Add in the location, just a short walk from both the beach and the train station, and you’re getting a lot for your money here.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- A Hostel With History: Staying in a building that’s been standing for hundreds of years definitely beats another bland hostel block.
- Great Base for Exploring: Levanto is often overlooked by first-time visitors, but it’s brilliantly connected to Cinque Terre and much less hectic than the main villages.
- Loads of Space: Large rooms, a terrace and generous communal areas mean you’re not constantly fighting for elbow room.
One thing I really like about Ospitalia del Mare is that it feels like a bit of a travel hack. While everyone else is paying premium prices inside the five villages, you’re staying somewhere full of character, close to the sea, and only a short train ride away from all the action. Sure, it isn’t the fanciest hostel on this list, but when you’re getting this much history and location for the price, it’s hard to complain.
4. Mar-Mar – Best Hostel for Couples
- Price: $
- Best for: Couples looking for an authentic Cinque Terre stay.
- Highlights: A terrace overlooking the town square, a fantastic Riomaggiore location and plenty of local character.
- Dorms from: $30.25
- Private rooms from: N/A
- Location: Riomaggiore, in the heart of Cinque Terre.
If you’re travelling to Cinque Terre as a couple, chances are you’re more interested in sunset drinks than hostel bar crawls. Mar-Mar feels a little different. Tucked away in the heart of Riomaggiore, it offers the kind of location where you can wander out for dinner, get lost in the winding streets and be back in your room within minutes. Add in the terrace overlooking the town square, and it’s easy to see why this place gets my vote for couples.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- You’re Actually in Cinque Terre: No trains, no buses and no commuting in from nearby towns. Step outside and you’re right in the middle of one of the most beautiful villages in the region.
- A Cosy Atmosphere: Smaller and more personal than many of the hostels on this list, with plenty of character and home comforts.
- That Terrace View: The terrace overlooking the town square is a spot hard to beat.
Now for the catch. There aren’t any private rooms here. If you’re after your own space, I’d probably point you towards Cinque Terre Holidays instead. But if you’re backpacking as a couple and just want a great base in the heart of Riomaggiore, Mar-Mar makes a lot of sense. Spend your money on pesto, wine and boat trips instead.
5. Affittacamere Stella Cinque Terre – Most Authentic Stay
- Price: $
- Best for: Travellers looking for an authentic Cinque Terre experience.
- Highlights: Sea views, apartment-style accommodation and a fantastic Riomaggiore location.
- Dorms from: $34
- Private rooms from: $74
- Location: Riomaggiore, a short walk from the town centre.
Affittacamere Stella is one of those places that makes you double-check you’ve booked a hostel. Depending on which room you’re given, you might find yourself staying in a small apartment with a kitchen, terrace and sea view rather than a typical backpacker dorm. Best of all, you’re right in Riomaggiore, so there’s no need to worry about trains, buses or getting back from a day exploring the villages.
Why you’ll love this stay:
- It Doesn’t Feel Like a Hostel: Expect apartment-style accommodation with plenty of character rather than rows of bunk beds.
- Sea Views and Terraces: Several guests mention waking up to incredible views over the coastline and having outdoor spaces to enjoy them from.
- A Proper Cinque Terre Location: Staying in one of the five villages means cafés, restaurants, hiking trails and sunset spots are all on your doorstep.
This definitely isn’t the slickest or most modern place on the list, but that’s kind of the point. You might have a short uphill walk to your room, and the setup can be a little quirky, but that’s all part of the charm. Considering the location, the views and the fact you can often split the cost with a friend, it can work out surprisingly good value too. If you’re after a stay that feels more like a local apartment than a hostel, this is a great shout.
6. Vanna – Best Hidden Gem
- Price: $$
- Best for: Travellers looking for a quieter stay in Cinque Terre.
- Highlights: Just two guest rooms, a fantastic Riomaggiore location and a more personal feel than larger properties.
- Dorms from: N/A
- Private rooms from: $91
- Location: Riomaggiore, within walking distance of the beach, train station and hiking trails.
Vanna is exactly the sort of place that ends up flying under the radar. With just two guest rooms, it feels more like a local guesthouse than a tourist operation. You’ll be dealing directly with Simone rather than checking in through a busy reception desk, which adds to the personal feel. You’re close enough to walk to the beach, train station and hiking trails, but away from some of the busier parts of Riomaggiore. If you’re looking for somewhere simple, comfortable and well located, this is a great little find.
Why you’ll love this stay:
- A Proper Hidden Gem: With only two rooms available, it feels much more personal than most accommodation in the area.
- Everything Within Walking Distance: The beach, train station and hiking trails are all nearby.
- Comfortable Extras: Air conditioning, Wi-Fi and private bathrooms make it an easy place to come back to after a long day exploring.
This isn’t the place to book if you’re looking for a social atmosphere or loads of facilities. The appeal is its simplicity. A comfortable room, a great location and a more personal feel than you’ll find at larger properties. And, sometimes that’s all you really need.
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Where I’d stay in Cinque Terre
And that’s about all I’ve got for you.
Cinque Terre might not be the easiest place to visit on a backpacker budget, but trust me, it’s worth the effort. Between the colourful villages, ridiculous sea views and more focaccia than any one person should reasonably eat, it’s one of those places that sticks with you.
Hopefully, this guide has helped narrow down where to stay. Whether you end up in Riomaggiore, Levanto, La Spezia or tucked away in the hills, you’re never too far from the hiking trails, train rides and sunset views that make this part of Italy so special.
If you’re still completely undecided, I’d start with Ostello Tramonti. It offers a bit of everything and is easily my favourite all-round option on the list.
Right, I’ll stop talking now. Go book the trip.
More Epic Hostels in Italy and Europe
Hopefully, by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Cinque Terre.
Planning an epic trip all across Italy or even Europe itself?
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