A Guide to the Best Things to do in Monterosso al Mare

Last Updated on 2nd March 2025 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.

The largest of the five towns of Cinque Terre is Monterosso al Mare. A lovely seaside location with centuries of history and an impossibly beautiful shoreline, with stunning views of crystal-clear waters on the Ligurian coastline. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Monterosso al Mare, as well as what to know before you go.

What are the 5 villages of Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre, literally translates as “five lands” and in medieval times it was originally described as “the five castles”. Located on the Ligurian coastline in northwestern Italy, it is the oldest and smallest National Park in Italy.

The five different settlements are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

In the past, these villages were largely cut off from the rest of the world, and nowhere is this more evidenced than by the fact that each village has its own specific dialect and personality.

In 1997, Cinque Terre was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a “cultural landscape”. The agricultural activities and practices carried out here that involve humans working alongside nature make this a truly special pocket of the world.

Introducing Monterosso al Mare

Please note that Monterosso al Mare is sometimes simply referred to as Monterosso for short. And, while it must be said that the town probably has the least charm of any of the Cinque Terre villages, this does not mean that it’s without charm!

The history of the town dates back to 643, and Monterosso takes its name from the ruling family who used to reside there. “Monte dei rossi” means “Mountain of the ginger-haired”– basically, the family all had red hair!

Monterosso was often under attack from pirates, evidence of this can be seen through the strong fortifications built to protect the village. There stood thirteen watch towers, alongside the castle (only some remains can be seen today) and the watchtower and fortified walls.

The town was considered too large to be considered one of the Cinque Terre trail villages and so was briefly excluded for a short period in 1948. However, today Monterosso is part of the Cinque Terre National Park and is a popular tourist destination. Famed for its abundance of lemon trees!

Where is Monterosso al Mare?

Monterosso al Mare town is located in the westernmost portion of the region and is a delightful medley of pastel-hued houses, divine beaches, and has its own train station. Monterosso is also the only village that visitors can access by car (the rest you have to reach by train, boat, or walking).

Unlike the other villages of Cinque Terre, Monterosso has a very distinct divide between the old and new parts of the town, separated by a single tunnel that burrows beneath the San Cristoforo hill.

How long do you need in Monterosso al Mare?

Like the rest of the Cinque Terre towns, Monterosso remains fairly small and compact (even if it is the largest) and so can easily be explored over a day.

If you want to see everything in Cinque Terre, you’ll need two or three days to fully enjoy the region, visit all of the towns, and go on several hikes. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our suggested itinerary for 2 days in Cinque Terre.

Best things to do in Monterosso al Mare

Capuchin Convent

Towering over San Cristoforo Hill is one of Monterosso’s most famous attractions, Capuchin Convent, which boasts over 400 years of history. The Capuchin Friars first settled here in 1619, however, over the centuries the convent has been used for many purposes including a hospital and warehouse.

As of 2006, the convent returned to its ancient function, which was greeted with open arms by the locals as it is a greatly loved building amongst the five seaside villages. The convent is visible from all parts of Cinque Terre.

Today, visitors are welcome to explore the hidden treasures housed within, one of which is a painting by the name of “Crucifixion“, attributed to Van Dyck.

Cemetery

Although visiting a cemetery isn’t always the idea of fun thing to do while on holiday, trust me when I say that a visit to this one is worth it!

A short hike up to the hilltop and nearby to the convent is the Cimitero, which is home to one of the best viewpoints overlooking Monterosso and the surrounding landscape, which are truly mesmerising! The cemetery itself offers a peaceful place of reflection and makes for a beautiful walk around in the warmth of the sun.

Oratory of Fraternita dei Neri

The Oratory of the Black Brotherhood is located on the main square and was built in the 17th century in a Baroque style. Characterised by bold black and white stripes on its facade, the oratory inside, is decorated with skulls and bones carved into the cornices.

The ‘Black Brotherhood’ (black referring to the outfits they wore) were a charitable group that raised funds to support the widows and orphans of men lost at sea.

Parrocchia di S. Giovanni Battista

Next door to the oratory is a quaint little church, which again, is characterised by its bold black and white stripes that adorn its facade.

Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, the church is a fine example of pure Genoese Gothic style (which was further highlighted after renovations that have been made to it since). Inside there are pillars which copy the stripes of the facade.

Relax on the beach

One of the reasons people are likely to favour Monterosso as a destination to stay over its neighbouring villages is the fact it’s home to one of the only sandy beaches in Cinque Terra. Fegina Beach is known to be the best in the area and is situated in the modern half of the town.

Here, you’ll see the iconic orange and green umbrellas that appear on postcards of Monterosso. And, it’s the perfect beach from which to soak up the sunshine and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Ligurian Sea.

Other beaches of Monterosso to visit are:

• Spiaggia Gigante – The second largest main beach of the town (though a lot smaller than Fegina) is situated just a few minutes walk from the train station. Situated on the cliff next to the beach you can even see the mostly destroyed sculpture of Neptune.
• Spiaggia Portiglione – This is a lesser visited beach, making it a little quieter and it’s completely free!
• Spiaggia Tragagia – Another picture-perfect spot to swim, this beach is quite small too so be sure to arrive early to ensure a spot here.

Town Hall

Found in the old quarter of Monterosso on the main square Piazza Garibaldi, is the Town Hall, which is one of the most beautiful buildings in the town.

Hike to Vernazza

Known locally as “the blue trail” this is Cinque Terre’s most famous coastal trail and links together all five of the villages. The path has been used for centuries, so not only is this activity a great way to explore the natural surrounding, but you’re stepping back through history too!

You can walk the entire route in around 6 hours, however, it’s suggested to spread this out over a couple of days so that you can stop and soak up each of the villages for their beauty and uniqueness.

Where to go swimming

If you’re the kind of person who prefers to focus on beaches during their trips, then you’ll want to stay in Monterosso al Mare. This is by far the Cinque Terre town with the best beaches, and Fegina Beach is hailed as the best of them all!

Where to stay in Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso, like all of Cinque Terre, is often considered a pricey destination to stay. If you choose not to stay here, it’s very much possible to visit as a day trip from Florence. However, if you can, it’s truly a magical place to soak up the sunshine and enjoy for a few days. Here are some suggestions of where to stay (based on web reviews):

Hotel Margherita – A modern hotel with a tranquil balcony space, located just 250 meters from the beach. Hotel amenities include, a buffet breakfast served daily, free WiFi and free toiletries in the bathroom are provided. Simple, yet all you need for a good stay! Check prices and availability here.

Hotel Punta Mesco – Just 200 meters away from the beach and a 5-minute walk from the town’s main square, this well-located hotel comes with free WiFi, a communal lounge and the option of using their private parking. Check prices and availability here.

Enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Monterosso al Mare? Pin this article now, read it again later: