Monterosso al Mare – The Cinque Terre Beach Town
Monterosso al Mare is the flattest of the Cinque Terre towns and the only one with a proper, sandy beach. But don’t let its sun-lounger reputation fool you because Monterosso also has history, charm, and cultural depth to spare.
Getting to Monterosso
Monterosso is the most accessible village in Cinque Terre by train. The station drops you off right in Fegina, just steps from the beach. From there, it’s an easy walk to the Old Town through a tunnel carved into the rock.
Although there are some parts of the village with stairs, the main areas are flat and easy for anyone with luggage or with mobility needs.
You can also arrive at Monterosso al Mare using the Sentiero Verde hiking path from Vernazza or the small beach town of Levanto. It’s also possible to arrive by ferry.
Traveling around and visiting Cinque Terre is easy… if you know how. We have lots of helpful content to make your trip easy:
For short visits, you’ll want to see and do as much as possible. That’s why you’ll like our premade itineraries (available as a PDF download).
Visit Cinque Terre with local insights.
We include a visit to 3 towns, suggestions for lunch, aperitivo & dinner. Also includes wine and cultural tour options, self-guided sightseeing routes, cultural and historic notes, and where to take iconic photos.
Things to Do in Monterosso
Explore Both Sides of the Village
Monterosso al Mare is made up of two distinct halves:
- Fegina: Wide beach with both paid bagnos and free areas, seafront promenade, gelato shops, and seafood restaurants.
- Old Town (Centro Storico): Twisting lanes, pastel buildings, ancient churches, local boutiques, and centuries of stories written in stone.
Some sights to notice along the way include:
- Il Gigante – Statue of Neptune at the Northern end of Fegina Beach.
- Church of San Giovanni Battista – This black-and-white striped Gothic church was originally built in the 13th century, but was also carefully restored after devastating floods that hit Cinque Terre in 2011.
- Aurora Tower on the cliff at the foot of the promontory. This was once part of an imposing walled defense structure to defend against Saracen raids.
Visit the Convent and the Capuchin Church
Between the old town and the new town, you can take a peaceful uphill path leading to the Convent of the Capuchin Friars and the Church of San Francesco. The reward? Panoramic views over Monterosso and the sea, and a peaceful reprieve from the crowds.
For further details on historical and cultural places to visit whilst in Monterosso, you may like our Cinque Terre itineraries.
Visit Cinque Terre with local insights.
We include a visit to 3 towns, suggestions for lunch, aperitivo & dinner. Also includes wine and cultural tour options, self-guided sightseeing routes, cultural and historic notes, and where to take iconic photos.
Go to the Beach
Unlike the other villages, Monterosso’s beach is long, wide, and accessible. It’s split into public and private sections. The private bagnos come with sunbeds, umbrellas, change rooms, and freshwater showers.
After a spot of early sightseeing and touring the villages, a lazy afternoon at Monterosso beach is an easy sell!
It’s also a great option for families and anyone who loves getting out in the water.
Hike to Vernazza
The hike from Monterosso to Vernazza is a classic Cinque Terre trail. It's steep, scenic, and unforgettable.
Not a hiker? No judgment. There are lots of other activities to keep you occupied.
Where to Eat and Drink in Monterosso
This village isn’t shy when it comes to food. There’s everything from seaside bites to romantic courtyard dinners. A fishing town at heart that specializes in anchovies, Monterosso eateries embrace its heritage and serve up tasty plates with a hint of salty air.
Our recommended places include:
Torre Aurora – A fine dining experience with a view, perfect for a romantic rendezvous.
La Cantina di Miky – A Cinque Terre classic for elevated Ligurian cuisine. And of course, lemon-flavored anchovies are a staple.
Lapo’s Restaurant – Casual, delicious, and great for lunch with a view. Ask for a table in the shaded garden.
Visit Cinque Terre with local insights.
We include a visit to 3 towns, suggestions for lunch, aperitivo & dinner. Also includes wine and cultural tour options, self-guided sightseeing routes, cultural and historic notes, and where to take iconic photos.
Where to Stay in Monterosso
Staying in Monterosso is a good choice for families and anyone with accessibility needs. But it’s also an ideal choice for lovers of food, aperitivo, afternoon gelato, and time on the beach.
Unlike the other towns, Monterosso has a choice of hotels, some with sea views. And like the other towns, Monterosso also has rental apartments and cozy guest houses.
Overall, it ticks a lot of boxes when deciding which town to use as a base for your Cinque Terre vacation.
A Town That May Surprise You
Monterosso al Mare is often criticized for not having the same iconic appeal that is immediately obvious in the other Cinque Terre towns.
But it might surprise you. It’s not as cliff-dramatic as Manarola or as postcard-perfect as Vernazza. Instead, Monterosso is a place for beach towels and basil, lemon trees and late nights, sunsets and slow travel. And for many visitors, they discover that it has its own unique brand of charm.
Looking for more help planning your Cinque Terre getaway? Check out our other Cinque Terre blog posts.
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FAQ
Is Monterosso worth visiting?
Monterosso offers the best beach in Cinque Terre, promenade restaurants serving delicious food, old town history, and access to Blue Trail hiking paths. It’s perfect for a day trip or as a holiday base for exploring the other Cinque Terre villages.
However, if you’re only visiting one town and want to experience iconic Cinque Terre, then consider one of the other towns.
Is Monterosso good for families?
Absolutely. The flat terrain, wide beach, and walkable layout make it the most family-friendly village in Cinque Terre. There are also some good hotels and accommodation to choose from, and restaurants that cater to all budgets.
What is Monterosso known for?
Monterosso is known for its sandy beach, fresh anchovies (a local delicacy), the unusual Il Gigante statue, and its charming Old Town.
How do you get to Monterosso?
Monterosso is on the Cinque Terre train line and is easy to reach from La Spezia, Genoa, or any of the other villages. There is also a ferry that runs between the towns in the warmer months.
