The 13 essential things to do in Monterosso al Mare

Are you planning a trip to the Cinque Terre and wondering what to do in Monterosso al Mare? Here are the essentials not to be missed.

Located by the sea, Monterosso al Mare opens directly to a large sandy beach. This seaside character distinguishes it from other villages in the Cinque Terre and makes it, of course, particularly popular. Thus, each year, the village is anxious to the passage of the elders who rush to the terraces of the local taverns.

You will have understood it: to fully enjoy the dolce vita You're in the right place. But the village is not only conducive to Farniente and can show other faces to visitors. Monuments, nature and local customs form a joyous painting where each traveler finds his happiness. For nothing to miss during your visit, we gathered here the essentials of Monterosso al Mare. Andiamo !

1. The medieval city

The largest village in the Cinque Terre is today divided into two parts. If the modern part has seaside resort air, the medieval village is, on the other hand, very well preserved. Along the narrow alleys are the small buildings, all in height, characteristic of medieval Liguria.

You will also have the opportunity to discover old defensive towers, especially the one that constitutes today the campanile of the Church of Saint John the Baptist. If you're wondering what to do in Monterosso al Mare, the old town is the first must-have step!

2. The beaches

Beyond the incomparable charm of the Cinque Terre region and the local heritage, it is also the beach that pushes so many tourists to visit Monterosso al Mare. Indeed, the village offers the largest sandy beach in the region. With its parasols, its small bay, but also its famous rock, it makes the happiness of amateur photographers.

In addition, beaches are accompanied by rare infrastructure in the region, including beautiful seaside hotels and restaurants. The reverse of the medal is that much of the sand is privatized. So wait until you have to pay a few euros to enjoy the calm and sun loungers of private beaches.

3. The Church of San Giovanni Battista

Saint John the Baptist Church is one of the most important monuments to visit in Monterosso al Mare. Built in the 14th century, it is distinguished by black and white stripes that decorate its façade and its colonnades. It also seduces by its superb coated marble rosace and its richly decorated choir.

Finally, his campanile proudly dominates the centre of the village. It is in fact, originally, a defensive tower prior to the construction of the church, reopened to accommodate its bell.

4. The monastery of the Capuchins

The monastery of the Capuchins was built in the 17th century on the San Cristoforo hill, which today marks the separation between modern and old cities. Its height position allows it to offer a breathtaking view of the small gulf, the cliffs and the colourful village of Monterosso al Mare.

A true haven of peace, this place is one of the most beautiful in the Cinque Terre! In addition, on site, you will also have the opportunity to admire the sculptures and master paintings of the pretty church of San Francesco.

5. The Santuario di Soviore

Join him Santuario di Soviore asks for a certain effort, since you will have to climb a steep trail on several kilometers. But once on site, you will enjoy an incomparable calm, far from the hustle that you experience by visiting Monterosso al Mare.

Nestled in a green setting, the sanctuary consists of a stone church and a large pink building. Today, the hotel is ideal for a relaxing stay, accompanied by a restaurant where you can enjoy good typical dishes.

6. The Aurora Tower

Of the thirteen towers that defended the city in the Middle Ages, it remains only a handful today. The Aurora Tower, atop the San Cristoforo hill, is probably the most remarkable. Indeed, its massive silhouette stands on a promontory surrounded by the sea.

Although it now houses and does not visit, the tower is one of the monuments to be seen in Monterosso al Mare.

7. He Gigante

Located at the end of one of the beaches of the village, this monumental statue of Neptune is one of the symbols of Monterosso al Mare. The Roman stone god seems to support the whole cornice on his shoulders! This is gigante has also given its name to the nearby seaside establishment where you can enjoy an ice cream or a good meal.

8. The ruins of the castle

The remains of the medieval castle of Monterosso occupy the top of the San Cristoforo hill, not far from the monastery of the Capuchins. From what was once the city’s defensive centre, there are only a few traces left today. But the visit of the ruins will delight history lovers who will be able to project themselves in the medieval era.

9. The trails

Crossed by many trails, the Cinque Terre is also a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. It must be said that these paths offer spectacular views or meet the sea, vineyard, trees and colorful villages.

Starting from Monterosso al Mare, you can take beautiful coastal paths. Towards the east, you will reach the village of Vernazza then the famous patho Azzurro connecting the other villages. To the west, you will quickly reach the Punta Mesco , a promontory that offers one of the most beautiful views of the region.

10. Make a boat trip

What if you take advantage of your visit to Monterosso al Mare to take a boat trip? Thanks to its direct access to the sea and its tourist activity, the village is the perfect starting point for a cruise. Many operators offer boat trips in the Cinque Terre. You can even try kayaking in the heavenly landscapes of Monterosso Bay!

You can also choose to rent a boat if you want more tranquility. With or without a permit, with the help of a skipper or not, you will undoubtedly spend one of the best afternoons of your stay!

11. The literary park Eugenio Montale

Eugenio Montale is a famous Italian poet born in Genoa who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1975. Lovely from the Cinque Terre, he kept from Monterosso the memory of the holidays with his family who owned two villas there.

Today, the village pays a nice tribute to him by dedicating him a superb « literary park ». A blend of wild nature and lush landscaped gardens, it invites visitors to discover quotations from the author through their walk. A nice poetic ride to make in Monterosso!

12. Local parties

Monterosso al Mare now lives at the pace of dynamic tourism. But the village also cultivated its identity and preserved its local traditions, which happily mix visitors. In particular, local products are celebrated through large local festivals throughout the year.

On the third Sunday of May, the lemon festival will allow you to taste the citrus in all its forms. You can taste the delicious limoncello produced locally. In June, a tribute was paid to fishing, a great local tradition, during the anchovies festival. And in September, it is the turn of olive oil to be honored!

13. Fish and seafood restaurants

If you don’t have the chance to participate in the anchovies festival, it will not prevent you from tasting local fishing products. Indeed, Monterosso al Mare is full of fish restaurants and seafood.

Between the lively taverns of the old centre and the terraces with seaside views, you will have the choice. If you have a great opportunity to celebrate, don’t miss L’ Ancora della Tortuga , written in the Michelin guide. Its terrace overlooking a small cove is a magical place; as for fish dishes, they are delicious!

How to get to Monterosso al Mare?

How to reach Italy and the Cinque Terre region?

The three major Italian cities closest to the Cinque Terre are Florence , Pisa and Genoa. All three are connected to the France by rail links, but also by numerous air links.

If you wish to visit Italy by plane, think of using a comparison of flights as Skyscanner . This will allow you to find in a few clicks the most interesting flight for your trip.

How do I access Monterosso al Mare?

Once in Italy, several modes of transport are possible to reach Monterosso. The first option is the car. However, steep roads and limited parking spaces make traffic in the Cinque Terre quite complicated.

We recommend you choose the train instead, which is by far the best way to reach Monterosso. The station of the village is Serviced directly from the nearby town of La Spezia. Finally, the boldest will be able to borrow a ferry, but this option is neither the fastest, nor the most economical.

Where to stay in Monterosso al Mare?

Monterosso being the largest and tourist village in the Cinque Terre, you will find a rich and varied accommodation. You then choose the type of stay that makes you dream! In the old village, you will enjoy an incomparable picturesque charm.

As for the modern part, it will offer you a perfect seaside experience. Here you will find a choice of luxury hotels. Do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels online. But the village also offers many more authentic guest rooms or Airbnb , like its neighbours. Finally, if you dream of calm, why not book a room in the room Santuario di Soviore ?

You now have all the keys in hand to visit Monterosso al Mare and enjoy the many treasures of the village. We wish you a beautiful trip to the Cinque Terre!