Cinque Terre Solo Female Travel Guide
On
Two Days in Cinque Terre Solo Female Travel Guide:
Now, Cinque Terre did make my Incidents List due to a shady encounter but, that unpleasant experience aside, I did find Cinque Terre to be a magnificently gorgeous spot and unlike any other place I’ve been. This Cinque Terre Solo Female Travel Guide was begging to be written and I hope it helps my fellow solo travelers have an amazing time in the seaside villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.
Planning on seeing more of Italy? Check out the Two Week Solo Travel Italy Itinerary for more information on where to go while in this beautiful country.
When To Go
September-October (Shoulder Season)
Daytime Temps: 69F-77F (13C-23C)
Nighttime Temps: 52F-59F (6C-15C)
June – August (High Season)
Daytime Temps: 77F-83F (21C-25C)
Nighttime Temps: 59F-64F (11C-15C)
**Disclaimer: This post contains an Amazon Affiliate/other affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you! **
What To Wear
The high and shoulder seasons boast higher temperatures so you want to pack with that in mind, especially if you’ll be hiking the Cinque Terre trails. You’re going to be sweating like it’s no one’s business so hiking clothes, shoes, and gear will be your best friend. At night, it cools down to the point where you’ll want a light jacket and long pants to keep you warm.
For more on what to wear check out the Europe Solo Female Travel Packing List!
Cinque Terre Accommodation
Hostels (Shoulder Season): Prices range from 20 Euro to 32 Euro per night.
Hostels (High Season): Prices range from 24 Euro to 70 Euro per night.
**Note: These are the prices for hostels with a rating of 8.0 or higher on Hostelworld.com.**
Hotels (Shoulder Season): Prices for budget hotels range from 40 Euro to 60 Euro per night.
Hotels (High Season): Prices for budget hotels range from 35 Euro to 60 Euro per night.
What To Spend
Daily Budget:
60 USD/ 80 AUD/ 80 CAD/ 50 EUR/ 40 GBP
*Assuming you’re on a backpacker’s budget. Making use of public transportation, staying in hostels or other budget accommodations and eating out about once a day. For the daily budgets of other destinations check out Round The World Trip Budget next.*
How To Get Around
By Train
Riding the train is the easiest and quickest way to get from town to town. Each town has a train station, but you should know that not every train stops in each town. The express trains will only stop in Monterosso and Riomaggiore, while the local trains will take you from town to town in less than half an hour. The cost to ride is 4€.
By Hiking
Now, the train is the quickest way to town hop around Cinque Terre but it isn’t the scenic way. For the sights, I suggest the Cinque Terre National Park. These trails connect all five towns together and combined is over 11 kilometers (7 miles) long. The entire hike will take about six hours and some patches are more difficult to climb than others so I don’t suggest trying to do it all in one day. But however you decide to take on the trail make sure you have the right hiking gear. Good shoes, plenty of water and a hiking buddy if possible.
Hiking through the National Park isn’t free. It will cost you 7.50€ to purchase a ticket online which will let you skip the lines. But no worries if you don’t get an online pass because you can pick one up at the Welcome Centers located in every town.
By Boat
Another way to get around is by ferry. The ferry doesn’t pick up as frequently as the train nor does it challenge you like a 7-mile hike would but you do get the chance to see the towns of Cinque Terre in all their glory and get some amazing pictures. The ferries stop in every town except for Corniglia but make sure to check the weather because they may not run at all if conditions are too bad.
What To Do In Cinque Terre
Hike The Trail
The main attraction is the Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre. People come from all over to hike this trail and enjoy the gorgeous ocean one side and the unique Italian towns built into the cliffs. You don’t have to take on the full hike but while you’re there you should at least give part of it a try. My suggestion is to hike the path between Vernazza and Monterosso.
Visit Every Town
Each town is unique in its own way and you should experience them for yourself. Riomaggiore is the largest town and full of multi-colored buildings that make for a beautiful backdrop when paired with the sun and ocean. Manarola is famous for its lookout point by the sheer fact that pretty much every visitor to Cinque Terre has taken a picture there. Corniglia sits high above the rest of us but 377 steps will bring you to the top and their vineyards. Vernazza is where your hike begins and the collecting of stunning photos on the way to Monterosso. And Monterosso is where you go for the beach…
Go For A Swim
Go for a little dip while you’re in Monterosso. The town isn’t the only spot where you can swim but it is the only patch of Cinque Terre that has a sandy beach and as I mentioned in the Nice Solo Travel Guide, I have very strong feelings about sandy beaches. The beach can get crowded with locals and tourists alike but not even that can take away from the relaxed, summertime atmosphere.
Travel and Safety Tips
for Solo Travel in Cinque Terre
Don’t Underestimate The Hike
If you’re going to hike even just part of the Cinque Terre trail be sure to have plenty of water, the right gear, and rest when you need to.
Beware of Theft
Protect yourself by keeping valuables and back up cash and cards locked up in your accommodations. While you’re out and about only carry what you need for the day and keep your things in an anti-theft bag that will lock your zippers and prevent anyone from sneaking a hand in while you’re not looking.
For More Travel Safety Tips
Read Solo Travel Safety Tips and Solo Travel Safety Items next. I hope my guide for solo travel in Cinque Terre helps you make the most of your trip and if you have any more questions feel free to ask.
Good luck and Happy Travels!