How to Visit Cinque Terre (With a Camper!)
A Complete Guide from Our June Road Trip
Cinque Terre—five colorful towns perched on rugged cliffs, overlooking the sparkling Ligurian Sea. It’s one of Italy’s most iconic destinations—and for good reason. We visited in early June, just before the true summer chaos begins, and while it wasn’t peak season yet, it was already bustling and hot. But also? Absolutely breathtaking.
We were road-tripping through Italy in our RV, and Cinque Terre was high on our list. But spoiler alert: don’t try to visit the towns by car—or RV! This guide covers how to do it right, what to avoid, and our honest experience (including the part where our son got stung by a jellyfish!).
First Things First: Don’t Drive into the Towns
Cinque Terre is not built for cars, let alone RVs. These centuries-old towns are nestled into the cliffs with narrow pedestrian lanes. Parking is scarce, expensive, and far from the centers.
👉 Better solution?
Leave your vehicle at your campsite or hotel (just make sure they offer a shuttle to the train station—most do), and explore Cinque Terre by train—or on foot if you’re feeling adventurous. Trust us—this is the stress-free way to do it.
Where to Stay with a Camper: Camping Valdeiva
We stayed at Camping Valdeiva, and it was a surprisingly lovely experience.
We didn’t have a reservation (risky, especially in June), and many nearby campsites were already fully booked, so we lucked out. If you’re planning your visit during a holiday or summer months, book ahead! BOOK HERE
Why we loved Camping Valdeiva:
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Free shuttle to the Deiva Marina train station
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Clean bathrooms and a swimming pool
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On-site Italian restaurant with delicious, affordable food
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Grocery store and bakery within walking distance
How to Get to Cinque Terre from Deiva Marina
From Deiva Marina, take the train to La Spezia or Levanto, then hop on the regional train that stops in all five Cinque Terre towns.
At the station, you’ll need to:
-Buy a regional ticket to reach the Cinque Terre area (La Spezia or Levanto).
-Then, purchase the Cinque Terre Train Card for unlimited hop-on/hop-off travel between the villages.
💡 Pro Tip: Buy the Cinque Terre Card online if you can. We waited around 15 minutes at the station. Even though we speak fluent English, the ticket machines were confusing, and the signage wasn’t very clear.
Prices (as of June):
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Adults: €18.20
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Children (4–12): €11.40
(Check current prices before your trip as they vary by season.)
Trains run about every 20 minutes, but can get packed around midday. Start early!
The Cinque Terre Train Card offers more than unlimited train travel between the villages. Here’s what else is included:
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✅ Unlimited rides on regional trains between La Spezia and Levanto
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✅ Access to the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) without additional hiking fees (usually €7.50–€10 per segment)
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✅ Use of National Park buses within the Cinque Terre area
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✅ Wi-Fi at train stations
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✅ Access to public restrooms at train stations (usually paid without the card)
What is Cinque Terre?
“Cinque Terre” means “Five Lands”—a chain of five colorful fishing villages along Italy’s Ligurian coast:
Riomaggiore
Manarola
Corniglia
Vernazza
Monterosso al Mare
You can visit all five in one day by train, or walk some segments via the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail). But with a toddler and the summer heat, we stuck to the train—and were glad we did!
Our One-Day Itinerary: All 5 Towns
1. Riomaggiore – Romantic & Rugged
Our day began in Riomaggiore, known as the most romantic of the five. It’s a gorgeous mix of pastel buildings, cliffside views, and narrow alleys.
We wandered, snapped photos, and grabbed gelato. The restaurants looked promising, but it was too early to eat. Riomaggiore felt less hectic, perfect for easing into the day.
Manarola – Cliff Jumpers & Iconic Views
Next up was Manarola, perhaps the most Instagram-famous of them all. We watched locals and travelers jump off the rocks into the sea—and yes, we joined in!
We found a small place selling vegan farinata and focaccia, and it was delicious. With no free tables in sight, we joined the crowd of people sitting on the stairs to eat. A simple, fun memory.
Corniglia – The One We Skipped
Corniglia is the only village not directly on the water, and getting there means climbing over 300 stairs from the train station.
With a tired kid and a full schedule, we gave this one a miss. But if you’re up for the climb, it’s said to be the quietest and most authentic of the five.
Vernazza – Scenic & Busy
Vernazza is stunning but crowded. There’s a small beach, scenic harbor, and plenty of photo ops.
We didn’t stay long—it was hot and packed—but if you want to swim mid-day, this could be your best bet.
Monterosso al Mare – Beach, Dinner &… Jellyfish?
We saved Monterosso for last, and it was a perfect place to wind down—long beach, flat terrain, and lots of seaside restaurants.
We were desperate to cool off and ran into the sea. But within minutes, our son Jayden got stung by a jellyfish (medusa) on his belly and hands.
What to Do If You’re Stung by a Jellyfish
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✅ Rinse with seawater (not fresh water)
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✅ Apply vinegar if available
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✅ Remove any tentacles with tweezers or a card edge (wear gloves if you can)
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❌ Don’t pee on it – total myth
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❌ Don’t rub or rinse with fresh water – it makes it worse
There was a lifeguard nearby and a restaurant helped us with vinegar. They sent us to a local pharmacy, where we got a cream. Jayden was pain-free by evening, but the rash came back over the next few days, and even a month later, the marks are still visible. Just something to be aware of!
Suggested Hikes (If You’re Up for It)
Even if you’re not doing a full hiking trip, here are two recommended trail sections for anyone with the time and energy:
Vernazza to Monterosso
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Distance: ~3.5 km
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Time: 1.5–2 hours
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Difficulty: Moderate (some stairs and exposed sections)
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Scenery: Breathtaking views of the coastline, vineyards, and sea. Best done in the morning or late afternoon.
Manarola to Corniglia
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Often closed due to landslides, but when open, it’s easier than the Vernazza stretch.
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You can also hike a panoramic path via Volastra, which is longer but stunning—vineyards and olive trees everywhere.
Favorite Photo Spots (First-Time Musts!)
Want that postcard shot? Here are a few:
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Riomaggiore: Walk down to the harbor rocks, then face back toward the colorful buildings
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Manarola: Head toward the restaurant Nessun Dorma for a perfect view of the town perched on cliffs
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Vernazza: Climb up to Castello Doria (€2–3), or take the hiking path toward Monterosso for the best high-angle view
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Monterosso: Stand by the large beach promenade, looking toward the old town for a contrast of sand, sea, and stone
Should You Stay Overnight?
If budget allows, spending a night in one of the villages could be magical—sunset strolls without crowds, quiet dinners, and peaceful mornings.
But keep in mind: prices are high during summer. Even the most basic rooms were going for €150–€200+ per night.
Final Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre
✔️ Go early to beat the crowds and the heat
✔️ Wear good shoes for cobblestones and steps
✔️ Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat
✔️ Pack snacks and water, especially with kids
✔️ Double-check train times so you don’t get stuck
✔️ Reserve your campsite early if traveling with a camper
Final Thoughts
Cinque Terre was a highlight of our Italian road trip. Yes, it was hot and crowded. But it was also stunning, full of charm, and completely unforgettable.
Whether you’re traveling by train, hiking between the towns, or doing it like us—in an RV with a little one—Cinque Terre is 100% worth it.
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This looks like such a beautiful place to visit. Strolling the streets must be amazing with all the history the town offers. Thank you for sharing!