Monterosso al Mare is a picturesque seaside village located in Liguria and is one of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre. Known for its colorful houses, its sandy beach and the famous statue called “The Giant”, Monterosso is a destination that you absolutely cannot skip! In this short guide, we’ll be pointing out the highlights and giving you some invaluable tips for your visit.

Historic Center

With less than 2,000 residents, Monterosso is the most populous of the five villages. Its historic center is a real jewel, with its houses in all shades of the rainbow that seem to be impossibly perched on the rocky mountain spurs. Its narrow, winding alleys and little piazzas scattered throughout are completely enchanting. Don’t miss the Church of San Giovanni Battista with its white and serpentine striped stone façade dating back to 1307.
The 16th-century Torre Aurora offers a breathtaking view of the village and the sea.

Fegina Beach and the “Giant” Statue

Monterosso is the only one of the Cinque Terre to have a sandy beach, la Spiaggia di Fegina. About 400 meters long, it is ideal for relaxing in the sun and taking a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Ligurian Sea. Fegina Beach is also where you can witness one of the most famous landmarks of the Cinque Terre if not, of the entire peninsula: the “Giant”. Although it seems like an ancient statue from Greek mythology, in reality, the “Giant” is just over 100 years old and is built of reinforced concrete and iron. The Ligurian Neptune is 14 meters high and weighs almost 200 tons!

For all of you adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, along the entire coast you can rent kayaks and boats, go snorkeling and scuba diving, or go on a boat excursion with an expert guide. Honestly, it really doesn’t matter how you choose to enjoy Cinque Terre’s sea, because the crystal clear water in magnificent shades of blue teeming with marine life will leave you spellbound.

Cinque Terre National Park

Monterosso is located within the Cinque Terre National Park, a protected area that encompasses the five villages of the Cinque Terre and their coast. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that allow you to admire the beauty of the coast and the villages.
Read more in this article.

The Our Lady of Soviore Sanctuary

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Soviore is located on a hill overlooking Monterosso. It can be reached on foot via a hiking trail which offers a panoramic view of the village and the sea.

Getting Here

By train: Monterosso can be reached by train from the La Spezia or Genoa stations. The Monterosso train station is located in the center of the village and is connected to the other 4 villages via the Cinque Terre railway line.

By car: Monterosso can be reached by car from the A12 Genoa-Livorno. The nearest motorway exit is Carrodano-Levanto.

By boat: Ferries depart from La Spezia, Portovenere and the other Cinque Terre villages.

Useful Tips

The best time to visit Monterosso is spring or autumn when the climate is mild and there aren’t as many tourists. Having said that, just accept the fact that at any time of the year, the villages are extremely crowded with people from every corner of the world who have virtually fallen in love with this location even before setting foot on it.

When you visit the villages and the hiking trails, it is strongly advised to wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes. The trails can be slippery with loose gravel and are not always equipped with guardrails and handrails. Always have a large bottle of water with you as well, regardless of the season.

Useful websites

City of Monterosso al Mare: https://www.comune.monterosso.sp.it/

Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre: https://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Eindex.php

Cinque Terre Card: https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/cinque-terre-card

We hope that this brief guide has been useful for you to start planning your holiday in Monterosso al Mare!