Best things to do in Monterosso al Mare:
- Monterosso Fegina Beach
- Old Town
- Sunset Boat Tour
- Blue Trail Hike
- Kayak Tour
- Eat Amazing Food
- Monterosso Harbour
Monterosso al Mare is one of the five villages of the Cinque Terre, a picturesque coastal region in northern Italy. Visiting all 5 villages is a bit of a bucket-list endeavour when you’re in the Liguria region, and it’s easily achievable with this 3-day Cinque Terre itinerary. Monterosso is the first and biggest village in the Cinque Terre, and here’s everything you need to do whilst you’re there.
1. Visit Monterosso Fegina Beach
Monterosso al Mare beach is by far the best beach in the Cinque Terre region. The beach is characterised by its long stretch of sand and pebbles (it’s actually the only sandy beach on the Cinque Terre) and it’s by far the largest. The iconic giant rock, “Il Gigante,” marks the beach’s western end.
The beach is divided into private and public sections. You’ve probably seen pictures of the colourful orange sun loungers and umbrellas on this beach, a photo which has come to characterise the very essence of the Cinque Terre.
You can rent one of these sun loungers along with an umbrella for around €15 per person, and there are beach bars selling cold drinks, cocktails, coffees and food too.
Alternatively, you can lay your towel down on the free sections of the beach.
I loved swimming in the ocean here, it was really calm thanks to the surrounding cliffs which block the currents and large waves.
2. Explore the Old Town (Centro Storico)
Monterosso al Mare is divided into two distinct sections: the Old Town (Centro Storico) and Fegina.
Whilst Fegina is the more modern part of Monterosso, the historic part features narrow, winding streets, ancient buildings, and traditional Ligurian architecture.
It has a charming, old-world feel with colourful market stalls and traditional trattorias with terraces spilling out onto the streets.
Monterosso Old Town Highlight: Church of San Giovanni Battista
This 13th century church is a must-visit attraction in Monterosso, complete with a distinctive black-and-white striped marble facade.
The interior of the Church of San Giovanni Battista is even more impressive than the outside, featuring black and white marble columns and a stunning marble pulpit.
It’s free to enter but donations are appreciated.
Monterosso Old Town Highlight: Monterosso Castle
The castle ruins date back to the early medieval period and are perched on a hill overlooking Monterosso’s old town.
Although much of the castle is in ruins today, visitors can still see parts of the original walls, towers, and other defensive structures.
Monterosso Old Town Highlight: Church of Skeletons
The “Church of Skeletons” is a church in the centre of Monterosso’s Old Town.
You’ll find lots of skeleton symbolism here to signify the transience of life. Whilst the skeletons do attract an intrigued crowd, remember that this is an active place of worship so please be quiet upon entering the church.
Monterosso Old Town Highlight: The Aurora Tower
The Aurora Tower dates back to the 16th century and was built as part of the coastal defence system to protect the village from pirate attacks and other threats.
The tower is situated on a promontory, offering stunning views of the village and the Ligurian coastline.
The tower has now been turned into a restaurant. To be honest, it doesn’t have great reviews, so it may just be better to view this historical building from the outside.
3. Embark on a Sunset Boat Tour
Do you fancy watching the sun set over the colourful houses of Monterosso al Mare? Then you’ll love this sunset boat tour.
The intimate experience actually takes you to all 5 villages of the Cinque Terre during golden hour, providing aperitifs and prosecco along the way. Keep a look out for dolphins, who love to play by the bow of the boat as it cruises along the coastline.
You can also enjoy a sunset snorkel from the boat if you so desire!
4. Hike the Blue Trail
The Blue Trail, or Sentiero Azzurro, is the most famous hiking route in Cinque Terre, connecting the five picturesque villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Here’s what you need to know about the section of the Blue Trail that starts in Monterosso:
Overview of the Monterosso to Vernazza Trail
- Distance: Approximately 3.5 kilometres (about 2.2 miles)
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and stops along the way.
- Difficulty: Moderate. While the trail is well-maintained, it includes several steep ascents and descents, and parts of the trail can be rocky and uneven.
- Cost: Around €8 per person per day (there are huts along the trail to collect payment).
As you join the trail and leave the village of Monterosso, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Ligurian Sea, the terraced vineyards, and the rugged coastline.
As you near Vernazza, the trail begins to descend. The first glimpse of Vernazza, with its picturesque harbour and pastel-coloured buildings, is one of the most photographed views in the region.
5. Join a Kayak Tour
A kayak tour is an incredible way to see the magic of Monterosso al Mare.
Led by a passionate local team, this tour takes you to some of Monterosso’s most hidden and untouched spots. The expert guides will tell you fascinating tales and old legends that the locals, known as Monterossini, have preserved in the rugged cliffs, the sea air, and the dry stone walls that line the coast.
You’ll also have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the beautiful waters of the UNESCO World Heritage region.
6. Eat the Best Food in Monterosso
The Cinque Terre region is famous for seafood, pesto and focaccia. Sounds pretty tasty right? These are the best spots to try some delicious local food in Monterosso al Mare:
Best Breakfast Spot in Monterosso al Mare
You won’t find Italians eating a big greasy fried breakfast. They start the day with coffee (obviously) and a sweet pastry like a cornetti (filled croissant).
The best place for breakfast in Monterosso al Mare is Ely Caffè. Serving delicious coffee and a selection of fresh pastries and croissants, you can break your fast like a real local in a beautiful café.
This place doesn’t have a website, but search it on Google Maps and you won’t regret it.
Best Place for Lunch in Monterosso al Mare
The best space for a local seafood lunch in Monteresso al Mare is Da Eraldo Restaurant.
I had one of my best ever lunches in Italy at this lovely little taverna with traditional red and white tablecloths and wine served by the carafe.
To start, we shared a seafood platter with anchovies, pickled swordfish and fresh marinated vegetables.
Next, I had the seafood pasta which was sublime.
The cherry on top was the homemade tiramisu served in a martini glass – hands down the best tiramisu I’ve ever had.
Best Place for Dinner in Monterosso al Mare
The best restaurant for dinner in Monterosso al Mare is San Martino Gastronomia. This place specialises in pasta and the handmade pasta with pesto is by far the most popular dish on the menu.
Pesto was actually invented in Liguria, so you’ll eat some of the best pesto of your life in this area.
7. Explore the Monterosso Harbour
For the best photo opportunity in Monterosso al Mare, head to the harbour.
Here, you’ll see colourful little fishing boats bobbing on the dazzling aquamarine water with the mountains behind.
I also love this part of the village because you can wander through the Monterosso al Mare tunnel, a pedestrianised walkway under the rocks that connects the Old Town with the modern Fegina area.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best things to do in Monterosso al Mare. Follow me on Instagram for more travel tips!