With a population of about 1,500, Monterosso al Mare is the largest village in the Cinque Terre region of Northern Italy. It’s an incredible mix of old and new with the modern part of town and Old Town being separated by a tunnel.
Many would tell you it is the least charming of the Cinque Terre villages, but don’t let this fool you: Monterosso al Mare is a truly lovely small town, with plenty to see and do, lots of fantastic restaurants and a great base to explore the rest of the Cinque Terre region and beyond.
My sister and I decided to base ourselves there on a recent trip to the Cinque Terre and we truly couldn’t have been happier! So, I thought I’d write about it to share my experience.
Curious to discover more about the lovely Monterosso? Continue reading: I will tell you everything there is to see and do there and share some useful planning tips.
Only have a day? Check out my post How To Plan The Perfect Day Trip From Florence To Cinque Terre.
Best Things To Do In Monterosso Al Mare
Hang out at the beach
Monterosso al Mare has many attractions, but its main beach, Spiaggia Fegina, which is located right in front of the train station, is the biggest draw for visitors because of its clear waters and the fact that it’s the largest and only true sandy beach in the Cinque Terre region.
Fegina Beach tends to get super-crowded in the summer months, and there is only a small area that is public and free and where you can lay your towel or place your umbrella at no additional cost.
Unless you intend to rent one of the colorful umbrellas and sunbeds from one of the lidos, make sure to get there super early or at lunch time, when some people may be leaving for lunch.
The most iconic lido is by all means Bagni Eden Bar – it’s the one with the green and orange umbrellas. If you want to spend the day there, you will have to book well in advance by calling the number +39 0187 818 256. Be prepared to pay as it’s not exactly cheap – prices go up to €45 for an umbrella and two sun beds in the front row!
If Fegina Beach is packed, you could try your luck finding a place in another beach in Monterosso.
Here are some other great beaches in Monterosso:
SPIAGGIA IL GIGANTE – The best alternative to Fegina beach, it takes its name from the statue of Neptune on the hill. To get there, you’ll have to turn right once you get out of the train station. There is a lido where you can rent an umbrella and sun beds for the day.
SPIAGGIA PORTIGLIONE – Further west of Il Gigante beach, it’s a pleasant beach lesser known to tourists.
SPIAGGIA TRAGAGIA – This beach is located in Old Monterosso. Most of the beach is actually free to access so a good option if you are traveling on a budget.
Hike to Vernazza and beyond
Hiking from Monterosso to the nearby village of Vernazza is one of the best things to do in Monterosso and it’s the best way to explore the area and enjoy the spectacular coastal views.
This section of the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) is around 2.2 miles (3.5 km) and takes about two hours. However, you should put extra time aside if you plan to stop along the way and enjoy the views and take pictures.
The trail starts right below Hotel Porto Roca. Once in Vernazza you have the option to continue hiking all the way to Corniglia and from there you can follow alternative trails to Manarola and Riomaggiore (that section of the Blue Trail is closed for maintenance).
A hiking pass – the Cinque Terre Card – is required to access the Blue Trail. It costs €7.50 and can be purchased at any of the tourist information centers – known as Cinque Terre Point – in the area. Alternatively, you can get it online here.
I recommend this guided hiking tour of the Cinque Terre that also stops by Vernazza.
Head over to my posts A Quick Guide To Vernazza and A Guide To Hiking In The Cinque Terre.
Explore the village
No visit to Monterosso is complete without exploring the village on foot, particularly the historic area. Take a few hours and walk through the little alleys. Take in the quintessential traditional Italian village ambiance and admire the beautiful architecture with the sparkling sea and hills as a backdrop.
Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the seaside boardwalk in the New Town with a tasty gelato from one of the little shops in hand. Located in the new town, make sure to spot the Statue of the Giant – it’s a large statue of Neptune positioned over the Spiaggia dei Giganti Beach.
Aurora Tower, a historic 16th-century tower that once protected Monterosso’s coast from menacing pirates, is what to see in Monterosso for a touch of history.
Other popular attractions in Monterosso include the Sanctuary of our Lady of Soviore, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the convent of Monterosso and the 16th-century Church of San Francesco.
The latter one is particularly beautiful. It’s on top of a hill from where you can enjoy incredible views of the village below, and of the sea.
If you’re interested in seeing Monterosso from another angle, there are several companies offering boat tours in the area, or you can even rent a small boat and explore the coastline on your own (more about that below).
Hop on a boat tour
One of the best ways to enjoy the Cinque Terre is on a boat tour. The good news is that most of them depart from Monterosso al Mare.
There are several options. You can simply pick a hop-on hop-off cruise that stops at the Cinque Terre villages (except for Corniglia, which doesn’t have a harbor), and gets all the way to Portovenere, and just get off whenever you feel like it.
Alternatively, you could go on a sunset boat tour which is particularly scenic especially if you are traveling with your partner. Finally, the most active ones can consider going on a kayak tour.
I recommend this boat tour along the Cinque Terre for the best sightseeing experience. It includes lunch.
There’s also the option this sunset boat tour which is extremely well reviewed.
For the most adventurous ones, there’s this kayak tour of Cinque Terre departing from Monterosso that guarantees a fun time.
Make sure to also read my post The Best Things To Do In Cinque Terre.
Wine tasting
The first thing you’ll notice when you hike in the Cinque Terre region is that it’s almost entirely covered in vineyards, all set along the edge of the mountains.
With all these vineyards, it goes without saying that wine tasting is one of the top things to do in Monterosso, which is of the best places for that!
Varietals you should try are the Cinque Terre DOC, a white wine that’s a blend of Bosco, Albarola and Vermentino grapes, and the Sciacchetrà DOC, which is a sweet dessert wine.
Several places in Monterosso al Mare offer wine tasting experiences.
The best is definitely Enoteca Internazionale, a historic wine shop (the first in town) in the old town area of Monterosso. Other than the Cinque Terre wines, they have a fabulous selection of regional, national and international wines and liquors.
Tastings are offered by professional sommeliers and you can enjoy your tasting either indoors or outdoors. If hunger strikes during your visit, there’s a selection of delicious options available including cold cuts, salads, and the fabulous bruschette.
I headed straight there when I arrived in Monterosso (it was just time for lunch) and the selection of gourmet bruschette and wines kept me glued!
Another place you may want to try for a Cinque Terre wine tasting experience is Enoteca da Eliseo, which is also located in the Old Town. In this case, you won’t have a structured wine tasting experience such at Enoteca Internationale, but you can definitely talk to the local staff to point you to the best local wines.
If you are looking for a wine tasting experience at a local vineyard, you could consider this wine tasting tour in Riomaggiore.
Shopping!
If you are looking for a souvenir to bring back home with you, shopping is what to do in Monterosso al mare.
Being the largest of the Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso al Mare is also the best one to look for souvenirs and where you will find the largest selection of shops.
You can find just about anything from ceramics (the best place to shop for that is the Fabbrica d’Arte Monterosso) to textiles, from fridge magnets to t-shirts as well as the best presents for your foodie friends – besides, wine makes for an excellent souvenir!
Practical Guide To Plan Your Trip
How to get to Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare is so small that you don’t need a car to explore it, nor do you need a car to get there. You can avoid the hassles that come with parking and driving in unfamiliar territory and hop on a ferry or train to easily reach Monterosso.
By Ferry
A ferry service operates between the coastal villages of Cinque Terre. Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore and Portovenere are served on this route along with Monterosso.
If you choose to travel to Monterosso al Mare by ferry, you’ll enjoy incredible coastal views of steep cliffs and colorful fishing villages. The ferries depart La Spezia every hour during the busy tourist season.
Individual tickets from one location to another vary in price depending on the distance between the two locations.
Be aware that the ferry service is usually suspended during severe adverse weather conditions that make travel by sea dangerous.
If you plan to explore the other towns in the Cinque Terre region and would like to save some time, hassle, and money, it’s best to purchase an all-day or half-day ticket so you can travel at leisure between the towns, hopping on and off the ferry whenever you want.
Ferry tickets can be purchased at the ticket counters at each departure point before departure, but it’s recommended that you don’t wait until the last minute!
By Train
Monterosso al Mare is home to the biggest train station in the Cinque Terre region so arriving here by train is fairly easy as there are many routes from a number of cities and towns throughout the region.
The station is only a 15-minute walk from the Old Town area of the village and there are shuttle buses available to take passengers from this side of the village to the other.
From La Spezia Centrale station, departures are frequent, with more than 50 trains making the trip to Monterosso each day and the trip only takes about 25 minutes (though there are faster trains).
Early risers can catch the first train at 4:56 am and the last train departs La Spezia at 12:16 am. Tickets for this route start at €5.
There are also direct trains to Monterosso al Mare from Pisa that will take you there in around one hour and 15 minutes.
There are regular daily departures and the first one departs at 5:42 am and the last one departs at 10:53 pm. Keep in mind that while many trains are direct, in some cases you will need to change in La Spezia. Tickets for travel on this route start at €7.90.
If you are traveling from Florence, Milan or Rome, you will have to change in either Pisa, Sestri Levante or La Spezia and travel time will inevitably be a bit longer.
By Car
Let me start by saying that I don’t recommend traveling to Monterosso (and the rest of the Cinque Terre villages) by car. The villages are actually closed to non-residents cars, and parking can be a nightmare. Besides, the train is a quick and easy way to explore the area.
Having said that, Monterosso al Mare has two parking lots that you can use – just in case you decide to travel by car. Both car parks require the payment of a fee – either by hour or per day. The fees vary depending on the season, and both parking lots allow long term car park.
Fegina Parking Lot – It’s located in the New Town and close to the train station.
Loreto Parking Lot – It’s located at the very beginning of the Old Town.
Where to stay in Monterosso al Mare
Before I give tips on where to stay in Monterosso al Mare, let me give you a quick overview of the village – because it’s not like other towns in the Cinque Terre National Park.
Monterosso is roughly divided into an old and a new section which are connected by a tunnel that cuts through the San Cristoforo promontory. Both cars (the very few that can enter the village) and pedestrians can cross the tunnel.
Old Monterosso is where you will find the Aurora Tower (an ancient fortress that dominates the village), the Fieschi Castle and the Church of St John the Baptist and the Capuchin Monastery. It’s a maze of narrow alleys, steep staircases (in a similar fashion to the other villages in the Cinque Terre), and lovely colorful buildings. Here you’ll also find Tragagia Beach, located within the harbor area.
New Monterosso is home to the most popular beach in the Cinque Terre – Fegina – and goes from the San Cristoforo promontory to Punta Mesco. It’s where the train station is located, along with one of the two parking lots in town. From here, it takes about 15 minutes to walk to Old Monterosso.
Both parts of the village have good options for places to stay, and if you stay in one you can easily walk to the other anyways.
In terms of budget, there’s something for everyone too.
Hotel Marina
This is where I stayed when I visited Monterosso Italy, and I highly recommend it. The hotel is in a quiet alley in Monterosso Old Town and offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms with satellite television, free Wi-Fi, safes and more.
A fabulous breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace each morning. It’s adjacent to Da Eraldo, one of the best restaurants in town and which is run by the same family.
Hotel Suisse Bellevue
This hotel is strategically positioned on top of a hill that overlooks the whole Cinque Terre coastline. This laid-back property features air-conditioned rooms with satellite television, complimentary Wi-Fi, safes, minibars and balconies.
On site, there’s a terrace with sunbeds and a shuttle service is available to take guests to and from the nearby beach. A breakfast buffet is served each morning.
Hotel Porto Roca
When it comes to luxury, no hotel in Monterosso al Mare delivers quite like Hotel Porto Roca. The property features some of the best views in the Cinque Terre region but that’s just the beginning.
On site, you’ll also find an infinity pool, a bar, a seafood restaurant, a private beach area and air-conditioned guest rooms with free Wi-Fi, minibars, and balconies or terraces.
A buffet breakfast is served each morning and the hotel is located only minutes away from the Old Town area.
La Rosa dei Venti
If you want to stay somewhere that offers some luxurious amenities but at a more budget-friendly price, La Rosa Dei Venti is the perfect place. Complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, safes, free toiletries, and en suite bathrooms are some of the things you’ll find in the rooms at this hotel.
You can even upgrade to a room with a balcony so you can enjoy the stunning views all around! You’ll also be only a five-minute walk away from a beautiful beach and many of the village’s restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Affittacamere Sull’Arco
When you stay in a budget hotel in Monterosso al Mare, you can rest assured that you’re still getting quality accommodations and such is the case with Affittacamere Sull’Arco.
Situated in the heart of the village, you can expect easy access to the beach, restaurants, shops, and top attractions. Rooms are equipped with safes, free Wi-Fi service, refrigerators, and private bathrooms.
Hotel Palme
Hotel Palme is another great option that’s only steps away from the beach. It features a bar and lounge and rooms with satellite television service, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. A buffet breakfast is available each morning.
Hotel Baia
At Hotel Baia, you’ll enjoy a waterfront location with amazing views of the beach and proximity to Old Town and a private beach area with sun beds. Satellite television, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, minibars and safes are some of the amenities you’ll find in the rooms and some even have balconies.
Make sure to also read my post Where To Stay In Cinque Terre.
Where to eat and drink in Monterosso al Mare
The Cinque Terre region is known for its delicious, traditional food. Whether you wish to try original dishes that haven’t changed much through the generations or something traditional with a modern twist, you’ll find a wide range of options in the exquisite restaurants around Monterosso.
If you like seafood, one thing you must try is the locally-caught anchovies which can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Trofie al Pesto and Risotto ai Frutti Mare are just a few more of the dishes that are popular in this village.
These are the restaurants I tried during my visit and that I recommend. They are all very popular, so I recommend booking a table in advance to avoid showing up and find there’s no table for you!
Don’t forget to read my post The Best Restaurants In Cinque Terre for more options in the region.
L’Ancora della Tortuga
This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Monterosso al Mare and it’s known for more than just its spectacular sea views! It’s located about half way between the Old Town and the New Town.
Enter a relaxing and tastefully-decorated dining area in a lovely location atop a cliff. Enjoy amazing service from knowledgeable and helpful staff who make every effort to ensure you have the best dining experience possible.
On the menu, you’ll find a variety of homemade regional dishes made with the best local ingredients available. Pasta, seafood and desserts are some of the items available.
You could try the spaghettini with anchovies, but my recommendation is for the basil risotto with shrimp. It’s so good I had to go back twice to try it! Pair it with a local wine for a wonderful tasting experience.
Da Miky
Miky is a splendid gourmet restaurant serving a more creative selection of dishes in an elegant dining area in the New Town of Monterosso. Everything is homemade, including the popular spaghetti alla chitarra and stuffed pasta, and an extensive wine list with regional options is available.
Make sure to try one of the fabulous desserts before you leave! I could not decide so I asked for a tasting selection and I remember being impressed by the many flavors and textures.
Torre Aurora
Torre Aurora is located in the Monterosso Old Town and specializes in traditional regional dishes made with quality, local ingredients. Gourmet salads, seafood, pasta, and homemade desserts are some of the delicious options on the menu and there’s a wide variety of beers, cocktails, and wines available.
Il Casello
Il Casello, in the New Town, features typical Ligurian dishes on its menu and these include a variety of seafood and pasta dishes that are enjoyed alongside stunning views of the sea. The desserts at this restaurant can’t be missed so stick around for something sweet and perhaps a drink to go along with it and you might even catch the sun going down.
Il Piccolo Diavolo
Located in the center of the old town area of Monterosso, Il Piccolo Diavolo features a beautiful, bright dining area with vintage touches.
Top quality dishes made with care and the best ingredients available are what’s on offer at this restaurant and the menu features a wide selection of both Ligurian and Calabrian options.
Fresh pasta, seafood dishes, salads, and popular options such as trofie with pesto sauce and stuffed anchovies are just some of the items that are available.
Pin It For Later!
