Where to stay near the Cinque Terre with a large group
In the five villages houses are small and parking is rare. If you are many, a bigger, well-connected base works better: here is how to choose.
The short answer
For a group of 8-14 people, the Cinque Terre are best visited by staying outside the villages and arriving by train. The most practical bases are La Spezia, Levanto and the Sarzana and Luni area, on the border with Tuscany.
La Spezia has trains to all five villages. Levanto is by the sea at the other end of the line. Sarzana and Luni offer large houses with gardens and pools, the beach a few minutes away and Versilia close by, and from Sarzana station too there is a direct train to the villages. Inside Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore the streets are stairs and alleys: a large group rarely finds room or parking.
The bases compared
What matters for a group: space, parking for several cars, connections and what to do in the evening.
| Base | Pros | Cons | For a group of 10-14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside the villages | Unique atmosphere, everything on foot | Small rentals, scarce and distant parking, high prices | Hard: you need several separate flats |
| La Spezia | Trains to all villages, plenty of choice | A city, no beach on your doorstep | Possible with several flats or a hotel |
| Levanto | Beach and sea, start of the Cinque Terre line | Crowded in high season, high prices | Possible, few large houses |
| Sarzana and Luni | Villas with garden and pool, beach about 10 minutes away, Versilia and Tuscany nearby | You need a car to Sarzana or La Spezia station | The easiest option: one house for everyone |
Times and connections are indicative: always check the timetable on the Trenitalia website or app before you leave.
How long from Sarzana and Luni to the Cinque Terre?
From the Luni area, Sarzana station is about 15 minutes by car and La Spezia Centrale about 30. From both there is a direct train to Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore; tickets can be bought at the station or online.
A typical day: drive to La Spezia or Sarzana, early train to the villages, back in the afternoon and dinner in the garden. Every step is in our guide to the Cinque Terre by train.
Why we recommend a villa for groups
We see it every summer at Villa Volpes: extended families and groups of friends of up to 14 who want to stay under one roof, eat at one table and have a place to come back to after a day of walking. Six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a private pool and parking inside the gate solve the problems a group cannot solve in the villages.
From the same house you can also reach the Gulf of Poets, Carrara and Versilia: see the ideas on our surroundings page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best base to visit the Cinque Terre with a large group?
A large house outside the villages, close to a station: La Spezia, Levanto or the Sarzana and Luni area. In the villages rentals are small and parking is difficult.
Can you visit the Cinque Terre by car?
Drive to the stations, then take the train: parking in the villages is scarce and far from the centre.
How many days do you need for the Cinque Terre?
Two relaxed days: two or three villages each. The rest of the week can go to the beach and the Gulf of Poets.
Travelling as a big group? Write to us
Villa Volpes sleeps up to 14, 15 minutes from Sarzana station.