Monterosso al Mare is the largest town in the Cinque Terre offers its visitors more things to do and see than the other four villages. The town is more touristy and has more accommodation facilities.
Below we have listed some things to see and advice on what to do in Monterosso.
Visit the ancient village of Monterosso
The town of Monterosso is divided into two parts, the Fegina area and the old area. The ancient part of the town, with its charming alleys, hides craft shops, shops selling typical Ligurian products, wineries, focaccia shops and many restaurants. In the evening the atmosphere is magical and perfect for an aperitif and dinner.
The paths from Monterosso
The paths connect Monterosso with Vernazza and Monterosso with Levanto. The path from Monterosso to Vernazza, which can be done in an hour and a half, features a steep staircase in the initial phase, an intermediate up-down section and in the final part a beautiful panoramic view of Vernazza.
The path from Monterosso to Levanto is a beautiful walk that can be done in about 3 hours. We recommend taking it from Levanto to avoid the long challenging climb between Monterosso and Punta Mesco.
You have the opportunity to admire glimpses of the sea, through the typical Mediterranean scrub and at Punta Mesco a wonderful panorama of the Cinque Terre. Visit The paths of the Cinque Terre.
The Aurora Tower
The Aurora Tower is located on the coast and can be reached on foot from the station by walking towards the ancient part of the town.
A memory of the past, built overlooking the sea around the year one thousand, it once protected from the raids of Saracen corsairs, now it is a private building that houses a restaurant with breathtaking views.
The statue of Saint Francis of Assisi, the church and the convent of the Capuchin friars
Arrived at the small port in the ancient area of the village, climb a staircase in the direction of the Sanctuary of the Capuchin Friars and head towards the statue of Saint Francis of Assisi. From the statue you can enjoy a wonderful view of the gulf of Monterosso, a true postcard view where you can also see Vernazza in the distance. In the other direction the Monterosso Fegina area with its long enormous sandy beach. An attraction absolutely worth visiting and not missing!
The beach of Fegina
Monterosso has the largest sandy beach in the Cinque Terre which follows the entire seaside promenade full of cockail bars and ice cream parlors. The shoreline is very wide and the seabed is sandy and pebbly. Crystal clear water that deserves a beautiful swim. Visit our page Beaches in the Cinque Terre for a detailed description.
The statue of the Giant
This newly restored statue is 14 meters high and weighs 170 tons, located at the end of Fegina beach (west part) depicts the god Neptune and is one of the symbols of Monterosso. It adorns Villa Pastine with a shell-shaped terrace and was built in 1910 by the architect Francesco Levascher together with the sculptor Arrigo Minerbi. Fegina beach near the statue is characteristic.
The church of San Giovanni Battista
Beautiful church in the historic center of Monterosso, the largest church in the Cinque Terre. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, it is an example of pure Genoese Gothic style. The facade and interiors are in marble with a typical black and white alternation.
Oratory of the black brotherhood Mortis et Orationis
A characteristic and singular church near the church of San Giovanni Battista. Inside something different from the usual churches, the walls feature skulls, skeletons and many depictions that lead to the thought of death.
Founded in the 17th century, it was built to help widows, victims of shipwrecks, orphans and the burial of the less fortunate.
The Oratory of Santa Croce
Small 15th century oratory in a side street of the main street Via Roma. Exteriors in black and white marble, inside there is an organ dating back to the 17th century. Interior full of details, including an altar with columns, decorations and sculptures, an adorned crucifix. Well-kept church that is worth a visit.
The boats for the Cinque Terre
In the ancient part of the town of Monterosso a boat service connects the village to the other towns of the Cinque Terre. Visit Cinque Terre by boat.
Paragliding in Monterosso al Mare
In the low season when the beaches are not yet equipped and there are few people, with good weather conditions and the right winds, it is possible to book paragliding flights to admire Monterosso and its hills from above. A unique and adrenaline-filled experience to live at least once in your life.
