Monterosso al Mare is the westernmost and largest town in the Cinque Terre region.
It is very different from the others at first sight. It has two main parts separated by a rocky cliff, but most of the town, unlike its Cinqueterre contemporaries, lies more or less on the plain, or at the bottom of a valley surrounded by hills.
So you don't have to worry about missing out on the beautiful scenery of the rugged coastline, it's just that the town itself isn't as spectacular as the others.
The historic eastern half of the town boasts the traditional colourful houses so typical of the area, while the western half of Monterosso is more modern with holiday homes and villas.
Book a hotel in Monterosso al Mare
Beaches and swimming
Monterosso has by far the best swimming conditions of any village on the Cinque Terre.
The western part of the village is a classic resort, with a beautiful pedestrian promenade and a sand and shingle beach about 350 metres long, where you can easily spend the whole day.
The entrance to the sea here is gradual and the beach is protected from the currents below by an artificial rocky underwater wall, which is not visible.
There is a smaller but equally nice pebble beach in the historic part of Monterosso.
Here you can take advantage of pedal boat, sunbed and umbrella rentals, as well as a number of restaurants or gelaterias.
Sights and views
The most beautiful monument is definitely the early Gothic church of St. John the Baptist (San Giovanni Battista) from the late 13th century, with its square tower typical of medieval Italy and its beautiful black and white facade of white marble and dark grey serpentinite.
The most dominant structure, however, is the fortified square tower on the promontory between the historic and the 'resort' part of Monterosso. This is the unusual-looking Capuchin monastery of San Francesco, dating from the early 17th century.
The most beautiful view of both parts of Monterosso, the coast and the Ligurian Sea can be seen from the cemetery located on the highest point of the town. The cemetery can be reached by a very steep but short path from the historic part, see map.
Accommodation
Monterosso is the most popular place to stay on the Cinque Terre, especially for its beautiful beach and the richest facilities in the form of restaurants and shops. It also has the largest selection of hotels and guesthouses, but prices in high season are the highest of any town, typically around 147 eur per night.
We select for you the best accommodation in Monterosso.
- Albergo Al Carugio - The cheapest hotel in town, simple, clean and about 250 meters from the beach.
- Villa degli Argentieri - 3* hotel right on the beach with the best prices in the modern part of Monterosso
- Agriturismo Buranco - beautiful family farm with modern rooms in an idyllic vineyard setting just 15 minutes walk from the beaches
How to get there?
All the villages on the Cinque Terre can be reached mainly by train, the line here is mostly sunken into tunnels, just like Monterosso station.
The central part of the platform is located in the tunnel, while the edges on the surface with exits directly into the modern part of Monterosso.
Only Trenitalia state railways trains run here, you can find connections and buy tickets online at trenitalia.com or on the Trenitalia mobile app (Google Play / App Store). Search for the station under the name "Monterosso". For regional trains, which are the vast majority of trains to Monterosso, just buy your tickets from the ticket machine at the station.
- Pisa - 1-2 times per hour, takes around 1.5 hours and costs from 9,20 eur, from March to November 14 eur
- Genoa - 1-2 times per hour, takes around 2 hours and costs from 7,70 eur, from March to November 14 eur
- La Spezia - 2-3 times per hour, takes up to 25 minutes and costs 3 eur for regional services, or 15 minutes and 8,50 eur for InterCity trains, from March to November 10 eur
- Manarola - 1-2 times per hour, journey time 11 minutes and cost 2,40 eur, from March to November 10 eur
- Corniglia - 1x per hour, takes 7 minutes and costs 2,40 eur, from March to November 10 eur
- Riomaggiore - 1-2 times per hour, takes 12 minutes and costs 2,40 eur, from March to November 10 eur
- Vernazza - 1x per hour, takes 3 minutes and costs 2,10 eur, from March to November 10 eur
- Milan - about once every 2 hours there is a direct service (3 hours) costing from 14,90 eur, from March to November from 22 eur
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Cinque Terre.
