The northernmost village of Cinque Terre has a long sandy beach, medieval watchtowers, and hillside vineyards. Walk through black-and-white marble churches or swim in the calm Mediterranean waters.
Monterosso al Mare sits at the northern end of Italy's Cinque Terre, with its long sandy beach stretching beneath terraced vineyards and lemon groves. The medieval Aurora Tower marks the boundary between two parts of town: you'll find narrow lanes and 13th-century buildings in the historic center, while the Fegina district has a modern beachfront promenade. Look for the giant Neptune statue carved into the cliffside, walk through the black-and-white marble Church of San Giovanni Battista, or spend time on the largest beach in the Cinque Terre.
Getting Around Monterosso
A pedestrian tunnel connects the two parts of Monterosso. The old town has medieval alleyways called carruggi, while Fegina contains the train station and main beach. You can only explore on foot, as the town limits car access to residents. The mostly flat streets make Monterosso easier to walk around than other Cinque Terre villages, particularly if you have mobility issues.
Monterosso's Beaches
Spiaggia Fegina runs along the new town's waterfront, with clear water and fine sand. You can use the free public sections or rent umbrellas and loungers at private beach clubs (€15-25 per day). The Bagni Eden beach club, with its distinctive orange and blue umbrellas, sits a 5-minute walk from the train station. Artificial reefs keep the water calm for swimming and snorkeling.
Exploring the Old Town
The medieval quarter includes a 13th-century castle's remains and three stone watchtowers, built as pirate lookouts. The Church of San Giovanni Battista (1282-1307) dominates the main square with its marble exterior in alternating black and white stripes. Step inside to see the baptism fresco above the altar. The narrow streets lead past wine shops, family restaurants, and houses in yellow, pink, and orange hues typical of the region.
Local Food and Wine
Restaurants in Monterosso specialize in fresh seafood, particularly local anchovies prepared two ways: fried or salt-cured. Winemakers cultivate the steep hillsides to produce Cinque Terre DOC white wines and Sciacchetrá, a sweet dessert wine (€8-12 per glass). The surrounding lemon groves supply fruit for limoncello and local pastries. You'll find traditional Ligurian cooking in the old town's restaurants, while Via Fegina has casual cafes and seaside dining.
Hiking from Monterosso
The path to Vernazza starts at the promenade's end near Hotel Porto Roca. This 3.5-kilometer trail takes you through vineyards and olive groves, with several viewing points of the Mediterranean Sea. Buy a Cinque Terre Card (€7.50 for one day) at the tourist office or train station - it includes trail access, train travel between villages, and park-wide Wi-Fi.
Where to Stay
Both parts of town have places to sleep. In the old town, converted historic buildings house small guest houses and B&Bs (€80-150 per night). The new town near the beach has modern three- and four-star hotels (€150-300 per night). Several farmhouse accommodations (agriturismi) in the hillside vineyards above town provide sea views from their terraces (€100-200 per night).
