Budget — Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre are not a cheap destination, despite their authentic fishing-village look. The reference budget of €120 per person per day is a minimum comfort level in high season (June-September) and is easily exceeded in July-August.

Accommodation is the binding constraint. The supply across the five villages is small (a few pensions, B&Bs and boutique hotels) and demand in summer is enormous. In high season, a respectable double in a well-located B&B sits between €130 and €200 a night. The best rooms — terrace over the sea, view onto the village — climb to €250-350. A hostel bed in La Spezia (with much more inventory) costs €25-40 a night. Outside season (October to April), prices fall 40-60% and some places offer genuinely accessible rates for an off-season retreat.

Food follows the same pattern: harbour-front restaurants charge tourist prices (seafood risotto €20-28, fish main €18-25). Family trattorie on the side lanes are more affordable (€12-18 per main, €25-35 for a full meal). Morning focaccia (€1.50-3) and bakery sandwiches make a perfect, cheap walker's lunch. A glass of Sciacchetrà in a tasting room runs €8-15 depending on vintage.

The Cinque Terre Card is essential if you'll walk the Sentiero Azzurro: €18 for one day (includes unlimited Cinque Terre Express train and access to the paid trails), €33 for two days, €43 for three. Buy it online at card.parconazionale5terre.it or at the tourist offices in La Spezia and the village stations. Without the pass, the Sentiero Azzurro entry alone costs €7.50 per person plus the regional train.

Boat excursions are an extra: €25-35 per person for a 3-hour tour around the five villages with a swim stop. The Navigazione Golfo dei Poeti ferries link the villages in season (€5-10 depending on distance). Total for two full days per person: €300-380 (accommodation included, in a village) for a comfortable experience — €180-220 staying in La Spezia and day-tripping in.