If you’re planning to explore Cinque Terre, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to stay inside the five iconic villages or just outside in a more convenient hub like La Spezia.
That’s why we cover in this article Monterosso vs La Spezia.
Among the five, Monterosso al Mare is the most practical place to stay.
But La Spezia has its own set of advantages, especially if you’re traveling on a budget or with limited time.
I’ve stayed in both and experienced the ups and downs of each.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the best choice for your trip.
If you want to wake up right in the heart of Cinque Terre, Monterosso is the obvious choice.
It’s the largest of the five villages, and it’s the only one with a long sandy beach.
That alone makes it stand out.
Whether you’re traveling with kids, looking to swim and sunbathe, or just want a classic seaside escape, Monterosso has you covered.
It also has the widest range of accommodation options within Cinque Terre.
From beachside hotels and boutique guesthouses to small resorts with ocean views, you’re spoiled for choice.
Unlike the other four villages, Monterosso is relatively flat.
That makes it much easier to navigate with luggage or after a long day of exploring.
Another major perk is that Monterosso is at the far end of the hiking trail that connects all five villages.
So, if you plan to hike, this is a strategic base.
You’ll also find more restaurants, cafés, and shops compared to the other villages.
The one thing to keep in mind is that Monterosso is not exactly cheap.
You’re paying for the location, and during high season, prices can get steep.
But if your dream is to wake up in one of the Cinque Terre villages and enjoy sunset walks by the sea, the extra cost might be worth it.
La Spezia is not part of the five Cinque Terre villages, but it’s right next door.
It’s the gateway to the region, and almost every train to Cinque Terre passes through here.
From La Spezia Centrale, you can reach Riomaggiore (the first village) in just ten minutes. The other villages are all less than thirty minutes away by train.
The biggest advantage of staying in La Spezia is the value for money.
Hotels and Airbnbs are much more affordable, and you’ll get more space for what you pay.
It’s a proper Italian city, with local restaurants, supermarkets, bakeries, and a more authentic, everyday vibe.
If you’re not the type who needs a seaside view every morning, this can actually be a great choice.
Another big plus is transport.
If you’re coming by car, La Spezia has easier parking and larger roads.
If you’re continuing your journey to other parts of Italy, staying here saves you from hauling luggage up steep Cinque Terre hills or catching crowded trains after a long travel day.
During our first trip, we stayed in La Spezia as we travelled through Italy by train. It was perfect, as our hotel was just a minute away from the train station.
On the downside, you’re not staying in the heart of Cinque Terre.
After a day of hiking and wine-sipping, you’ll need to hop on a train back to your hotel.
The trains run regularly, but it can be a little tiring if you’re doing it every day.
But once you’re back in La Spezia, the party is far from over. This town has a great nightlife scene, much better than any of the five villages!
Choose Monterosso if you:
Choose La Spezia if you:
In the end, it comes down to what kind of experience you’re looking for.
If waking up in a postcard-perfect village is part of your dream, go for Monterosso.
If practicality, budget, and space matter more, La Spezia is a very smart and often underrated choice.
