Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves and opening your bedroom shutters to reveal the breathtaking, rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera. Spending lazy afternoons sipping crisp white wine on your private terrace overlooking the vineyards, watching the sunset paint the pastel buildings of Cinque Terre’s cliffside villages in warm golden hues.
Sounds like stuff of dreams right? A luxurious villa stay in the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre region is often considered an over-the-top splurge reserved only for the wealthy. But with some savvy planning it’s absolutely possible to rent your own beautiful villa or cottage in this Italian paradise without breaking the bank.
As a budget travel writer, I’ve scoured Cinque Terre over the years to uncover its best-kept affordable villa rental secrets. Here’s my guide to finding exceptional and cheap villas for rent in Cinque Terre – perfect for honeymoons, family holidays, weddings and any other special occasion.
When to Visit for the Best Deals
The summer months of July and August are considered peak season in Cinque Terre, with hot temperatures, crowds and premium pricing on villa rentals. To stretch your budget aim to visit in the shoulder season months of April-June or September-October. You’ll enjoy milder weather and lower rental rates, with ample availability.
Where to Search for Cheap Villa Rentals
Don’t just browse the major villa rental sites – they tend to feature the most expensive, luxury properties in Cinque Terre. The best deals are usually found by searching listings on sites like VRBO, Airbnb, and regional vacation rental companies like LiveInRiviera. You can find beautiful villas from $100-200 per night.
Consider Neighboring Towns
The five iconic fishing villages of the Cinque Terre are extremely popular so villas here rent at a premium. To save money, look just outside the villages in the “Cinque Terre inland” area. Little hilltop towns like Riccò del Golfo, Sesti Levante and La Serra offer breathtaking views and far more affordable rentals.
Book an Apartment, Not a Villa
True standalone villas in Cinque Terre can be very expensive but apartment or suite rentals within larger villa properties offer a more affordable option. Companies like Monterosso Villas and Arbaspaa rent out beautifully renovated 1-2 bedroom apartments at a fraction of the cost.
Villa Vacation Packages
Traveling to Cinque Terre with a group of family or friends? It can be cheaper to book a villa vacation package that includes the rental airport transfers and even chef services. Local companies like The Brilliant Reverie offer incredible packages at very reasonable rates when split between 6-8 people.
Split Your Stay
Indulge in a few nights at your dream villa in Cinque Terre then move to a cheaper Airbnb or hotel after to offset costs. This lets you live out your villa fantasies without going over-budget.
Consider Cinque Terre’s “Offseason”
While summer is wildly popular, Cinque Terre’s winter months of November-March see extremely low rates on villa rentals as low as $50-80/night! It rains more often, but you’ll also enjoy zero crowds and a more authentic experience.
Look for Last Minute Deals
If your travel dates are flexible keep an eye out for last-minute villa rental deals. Luxury properties often drop their rates by 20-50% if they haven’t been booked 2-4 weeks out.
Sign Up for Newsletters
Subscribe to rental companies email newsletters and you’ll be notified whenever they release promotions, discounts, and flash sales. Travelling in the off-season? They may offer specials like free nights or airport transfers.
Cinque Terre offers some of the most beautiful villa rentals in Italy surrounded by vivid landscapes of terraced vineyards olive groves and pastel fishing villages that seem plucked straight out of a storybook. With some flexibility and resourcefulness, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy a slice of la dolce vita here on any budget. Affordable luxury in Cinque Terre awaits!