With water temperatures warm enough to swim in Cinque Terre from late spring through early autumn (roughly late May – early October), the beaches are a popular destination.
You might imagine that Cinque Terre has stretches of sandy beaches, but the rugged beauty of the Ligurian coastline is very steep and rocky, making most beaches small and pebbly.
But it’s the natural beauty that makes these beaches even more attractive, especially if you like the adventure of jumping off rocks and escaping to hidden coves.
In this post, I am covering the topic of the Cinque Terre beaches. Including access, location, facilities, where to swim and sunbathe, things to do, and any special features. I’ve also included a handy map to help you locate each of the beaches.
So, let’s make a start!
Beaches at Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso is the westernmost of the 5 villages, and the sunbathing hub of Cinque Terre. It is the only village with substantial sandy beaches.
There are two main areas: the long Fegina Beach in the new town (western side) and a small pebble beach in the old town (near the harbor).
Most of Monterosso’s sand is dominated by private beach clubs (bagni), but you’ll also find free public sections.
A private beach club (known as a lido or bagno) is a common feature on Italy’s coastline. You can rent a sunbed, chair, and umbrella to spend the day comfortably. There are usually restrooms, changing cabins, showers, and a café serving drinks and food. Am I a fan? Not really. But due to the lack of basic facilities at the free beaches, these bagni have the market cornered. And (so your expectations are tempered), I feel obliged to mention not to confuse the comfort of a sunbed with luxury.
Main Monterosso Beach (Spiaggia di Fegina)
Fegina Beach is Monterosso’s largest beach and one of the most popular beaches of Cinque Terre. It’s conveniently located within a few steps of the train station, between the Capuchin convent (on the east) and the Punta Mesco promontory (west). The sand is mixed with fine pebbles (softer than most Cinque Terre shores), and the beach is backed by a long seafront promenade.
The large grey rock (Scoglio di Monterosso) is a local landmark, as are the hypnotic beach umbrellas.
Swimming at Fegina Beach
Access to the water is easy from the sandy beach, and the clear water is usually calmest in the morning.
The gentle entry into the water makes Fegina Beach good for families visiting Cinque Terre.
Facilities at Fegina Beach
Most of Monterosso’s sand is taken by private lidos and beach clubs offering umbrellas and chairs that can be rented for the day.
These lidos provide showers, changing cabins, and beachside cafes and bars.
There is also a smaller free public area near the train station end of Fegina beach.
Things to Do at Fegina Beach
Shops, cafés and restaurants are just steps away along the promenade. Gelato shops and stands are also a popular feature.
Water sports equipment like paddleboards, kayaks and canoes are available for rent.
Location of Fegina Beach
You can get off the Cinque Terre train and be at the beach within a couple of minutes. There is also ample parking on Via Fegina at the western end of town.
Tip: Arrive early on busy summer days to claim a good spot in the free section. Sunset swims are especially beautiful here.
Il Gigante Beach (Spiaggia del Gigante)
Just to the west of the main Monterosso beach lies a small pebbly sand beach called Spiaggia del Gigante. It is named after the 14-meter “Il Gigante” Neptune statue that towers on the rocks above the shore.
This is an alternative free beach to the one found near the train station.
Il Gigante Beach is similar to Fegina Beach for swimming, facilities, and activities. There is also a cute private beach club (Il Gigante Bagno – Bathing Resort), with a café and water sports equipment rental.
Monterosso’s Old Town Beach (Spiaggia Tragagia)
Monterosso’s old town has a tiny pebble beach in its harbor area, often called Spiaggia di Monterosso or Spiaggia Tragagia.
This is the classic Cinque Terre scene with the beach umbrellas standing to attention, against the backdrop of colored houses and a church bell tower.
Swimming at Tragagia Beach
The water is clear and a bit deeper than at Fegina, but it’s still calm and suitable for families.
The beach here is made of small to medium pebbles and can be a little painful in bare feet. Water shoes won’t win any fashion awards, but they aren’t out of place here.
Facilities at Tragagia Beach
Bagni Alga rents chairs, umbrellas, and has a bar and changing facilities with hot showers.
There is a small free beach tucked in between the large rock formation and the cliff walls (near the blue hiking path to Vernazza).
Things to Do at Tragagia Beach
Monterosso's old town is within 2-3 minutes’ walk, as are shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Water sports equipment like paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and pedalos can be rented at Bagni Alga.
Location of Tragagia Beach
To reach this beach from the train station, walk east towards the old town and take the short pedestrian tunnel that leads right to the harbor and beach.
This stone harbor is also where the Cinque Terre boat tours and ferries dock.
Beaches at Vernazza
Vernazza Beach (Spiaggia di Vernazza)
Vernazza’s main beach is a tiny crescent of fine sand in the harbor. After Monterosso beach, this is the 2nd most popular of the beaches in Cinque Terre.
The sand is shallow, and the water can be almost still. The setting is famously beautiful: colorful houses, the old Doria castle, and a church create a fairytale backdrop.
Because the sandy strip is narrow, the beach fills up quickly in July and August. Many people sit on towels on the concrete pier around the stone breakwater instead.
Swimming at Vernazza Beach
Families like Vernazza because of the soft sand and calm waters.
But, further beyond the breakwater, the water deepens, and strong swimmers can enjoy an ‘open water’ experience. You’ll see people jumping from the low harbor wall into deep turquoise waters.
Facilities at Vernazza Beach
Italian beach culture is defined by bagni. Where there’s a bagno, you’ll find toilets, showers, and change facilities. However, free beaches (like the one at Vernazza) don’t typically have any of these conveniences.
The lack of facilities makes it difficult to spend a whole day here. For example, if you’re coming to Vernazza for a beach day and plan to swim and then go out for dinner in the evening, it’s not an easy plan to execute.
Even in beach resorts and holiday locations, the social etiquette dictates that you shouldn’t walk around in swimwear. Pay attention to signage to help you respect local rules. In some places, the local police may even issue a fine for wearing swimwear in the historic towns!
Things to Do at Vernazza Beach
The beach is right by the main piazza. So, you have access to bars, cafes, and restaurants.
The harbor arcs round to a large stone breakwall, where you can find the Vernazza boat tours and the Cinque Terre ferry dock.
Location of Vernazza Beach
To reach this beach from the train station, walk west through the old town to the main piazza (Piazza Marconi).
Vernazza’s Hidden Beach
Just before Piazza Marconi, there is a small tunnel/cave that opens out onto a natural pebble beach. The water here can be rough, and water shoes are helpful. But it is a hidden place to escape the crowds, sunbathe, and take a quick dip.
Note: This little cove can get dangerous. There is sometimes a notice at the entry to prevent entry. In any case, it’s only a place for good swimmers.
Beaches at Corniglia
Corniglia is a bit different: it sits atop a 100m cliff and has no beach by the village.
However, it is possible to swim from a stone jetty and a boat ramp that locals use to launch small boats and kayaks. People sunbathe by the jetty and jump off the rocks into the refreshing water.
To get there, you need to walk west through the old town and down a long set of stairs. If you put the effort in, you’ll be delighted to find a little restaurant called Marina di Corniglia that seems to be built into the cliff-face.
In practice, most visitors skip swimming at Corniglia and instead jump on the Cinque Terre Express to swim at Vernazza or Monterosso beach.
Beaches at Manarola
Manarola has no sandy shore, only its tiny harbor that has become a makeshift “beach.” Here, swimmers lay their towels on flat volcanic rocks and concrete ledges by the water.
Because the water drops to a substantial depth immediately, you’ll see confident swimmers diving into the blue water. It’s also fun to watch, and it seems to amuse the crowds that congregate around the picturesque harbor.
Beaches at Riomaggiore
Swimming and sunbathing in Riommagiore happen at the main pebble beach. But the harbor has also become a very popular spot.
Riomaggiore Beach (Spiaggia di Riomaggiore)
Riomaggiore’s main beach is a small pebble area to the east of the harbor. Because it is unpatrolled, a little out of town, and has no facilities, it doesn’t usually get as busy as Monterosso beach.
A beach chair, umbrella, and water are a good idea.
Swimming at Riomaggiore Beach
The beach is mostly stone and large rocks (no sand), so not a place you’ll want to spend a day sunbathing, but the water here is very clear.
The waves can get wild, so this is not a place for a relaxing paddle in the water. It’s an experience. Bring water shoes for a little extra comfort.
Facilities at Riomaggiore Beach
Like at Vernazza, there is no Bagno, and this free beach doesn’t have any conveniences.
Things to Do at Riomaggiore Beach
The beach is close to the harbor where you can rent kayaks and join a boat tour.
Location of Riomaggiore Beach
To reach this beach from Riomaggiore train station, walk through the pedestrian tunnel to the old town and down the steep stairs to the harbor. At the harbor, head left back up some stairs, past the ferry dock, and you’ll reach this strip of beach.
Riomaggiore Harbor
Like Manarola, Riomaggiore harbor has become a place to spread out a towel and jump into the deep water from the volcanic rocks.
The scene of swimmers diving into the water at Riomaggiore is an iconic setting and (for me) embodies the idea of a perfect summer’s day in Cinque Terre.
Dotted around the harbor ,you can find a number of cafes to sip an aperitivo and enjoy the atmosphere. One of my favorites is Lo Scalo – the tiny little café next to the boat ramp.
Hidden Beaches
For the more adventurous, there are many little coves along the coastline. Private boats and kayaks take tourists to these hidden nooks for swimming and relaxing. Because the only access is by sea, these coves and beaches see almost no crowds, remaining precious and wild!
Map of Cinque Terre Beaches
All the beaches that I’ve talked about are marked up in this handy Google My Maps.
How to use our interactive Google My-Map
Click to view all points of interest and further information.
Share our map to your email, socials, and more for later use.
View full-size map and all points of interest information.
Summary
All of the Cinque Terre coastline is in a national park and a marine protected area. Making the beaches of Cinque Terre and the water clean.
While most beaches are pebbly and small, there are a couple of sandy beaches where you can relax and swim.
Now that I’ve shared a rundown of the Cinque Terre beaches, you’re free to explore and find your favorite beach.
FAQ
Does Cinque Terre have good beaches
The beaches in Cinque Terre are mostly rugged with pebbles and rocks. There’s no fine soft sand, and the beaches aren’t flanked by palm trees. But when you visit Cinque Terre, you can expect access to clear water, and the beaches are generally within a few steps of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
If you are willing to go beyond Cinque Terre, then an alternative nearby beach town is Levanto. You can easily make a day trip to Levanto from Cinque Terre. It’s just 5 minutes from Cinque Terre by train and is great for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports.
Is Riomaggiore Beach free?
The beach at Riomaggiore is free to access. However, it’s a rocky beach with no toilets or change room facilities.
Is it safe to swim at Riomaggiore Beach?
You must avoid the area where the ferry docks. There are also boats around the harbor area. The more suitable swimming area is at Riomaggiore Beach, which is to the east of the harbor.
The water quality is good, and typically in summer the sea is calm.
Keep in mind that free beaches in Italy aren't normally patrolled by lifeguards.
Do you have to pay for the beach at Monterosso?
At both Fegina Beach and Monterosso Old Town Beach, there are free and paid areas.
How much does it cost to go to the beach in Cinque Terre?
The paid bagni are private and can charge a rate of their choosing. But typically for a sunbed and umbrella, the cost is upwards of €25 for the day.
Do I need to book a spot at the beach club in Cinque Terre?
The bagni can get very busy in July and August. If you arrive early in the morning, then you’ll likely get a spot. But like with most things in Cinque Terre, there is limited supply, and if you have your heart set on doing something, then making a reservation is recommended.
How do I get to the beach in Riomaggiore?
The beach at Riomaggiore is just past the ferry dock. From the train station, head through the pedestrian tunnel and down to the harbor. At the harbor, use the stairs to the left and then down past the ferry dock. Continue heading east along the concrete path, and you’ll reach the pebbly beach.
