Visit Cinque Terre on a backpackers budget

Looking to save money on your travels? Below is our low-cost guide to getting around the Cinque Terre.

In recent years, the famous five lands of the Italian coastline have become a hot-spot for Instagram-enthusiasts, photographers and travel bloggers alike. Attracting thousands of tourists desperate to witness the beauty for themselves, it is no wonder that travel prices in the UNESCO world heritage site has considerably increased.

Backpacking in the Cinque Terre is by far one of the biggest attractions of the area, and it has been for many years. What one may not realise before arriving however, is that these five lands - Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore and Corniglia - are not only connected by narrow cliff trails, but also by train and boat.

Image: Manarola

Unlike most hiking paths, due to the popularity of the place, tourism is considerably limited through an online ticketing system, where the number of tickets available each day are based on weather and trail conditions.

Top tip: if you want to avoid the madness of peak tourist season of the summer months, ensuring smooth entry to your chosen trails, Spring is a good time to visit. With temperatures hitting the 20s and considerably less crowded paths, you can experience the beauty of the Cinque Terre in an authentic and less-crazed style. What's more, hostel prices are significantly cheaper in this period, making it ideal for those travelling on budget.

Getting around the Cinque Terre

Image: Riomaggiore

By Foot: As the lands are situated within a UNESCO world heritage site, visitors need to purchase a card to be able to use the hiking trails. The Cinque Terre Card is great for backpackers wanting to save money.

Where the Cinque Terre Card can be bought?

- At all railway stations of the Cinque Terre’s villages, and at La Spezia and Levanto.

- In the beginning of every section of the Blue Path.

- At tourist information centres.

- From bus drivers, only in five villages of the Cinque Terre.

How much does the Cinque Terre Card cost?

€7.50 (July 2018).

There is also a card that includes unlimited travel on train between La Spezia and Levanto that costs €5.50 extra.

What is included in the Cinque Terre Card?

- Unlimited use of buses in the area

- Access to all open walking trails

- Wi-fi internet connection

By Train: The majority of mainland travellers heading towards Cinque Terre will arrive at La Spezia train station – the main access point to the five lands. To get from one town to the next, you can buy one way tickets to any of the lands for as low as €4 at La Spezia. Tickets to La Spezia can be brought in advance on the TrenItalia website to save some money if you are travelling from other cities or nearby airports.

Image: Monterosso

By Boat: The beautiful views of the Cinque Terre can also be visited by taking the ferry that frequently stops off in all of the villages except Corniglia (no sea access) from the end of March until the beginning of November. A daily ticket costs €25 euro and an Afternoon ticket costs €20 (to be purchased at the boat harbours of each town).

Image: Vernazza

Cheap eats in Cinque Terre?

While there are many options to dine alfresco with outstanding sea views, local wine and fresh seafood, if you are looking for a cheaper deal, it's best to check out the local Pasticceria's and bars along the way. Grab some freshly baked focaccia and a few beers to watch the sunset, treating yourself to a gelato later on.

Cheap sleeps in Cinque Terre?

Most backpackers can walk the five lands in about six hours, but if you want to take some breaks along the way, then spread your journey out over a few days and stay in budget hostels along the route. Our recommendations for low-cost accommodation in the Cinque Terre include Ostello Tramonti, Ostello Di Corniglia or Ostello Fontanabuona Moconesi.