Planning a visit to the Italian Riviera? Let’s talk about the best things to do in Monterosso al Mare. It is Cinque Terre’s biggest and most beach-friendly village.

It’s also the most family-friendly of the five towns, with easy beach access, fewer stairs, and plenty of space for kids to play.

Known for its laid-back vibe, golden sands, and crystal-clear water, Monterosso is a must-see stop along the iconic Cinque Terre coastline. It’s the only village in the region with a sandy beach, making it the top choice for families.

Monterosso al Mare is split into two parts: the old town and the new town. A pedestrian tunnel or a scenic seaside trail connects the two, giving you two distinct areas to explore.

Whether you’re craving charming alleyways and centuries-old churches or seaside cafés and beach clubs, you’ll find it here.

When I visited Monterosso, it felt like the ultimate Italian beach town. It was relaxing but full of flair.

The scent of salty sea air and suntan lotion lingered in the breeze. The hot sun practically sizzled on my skin, making the cool waters of the Ligurian Sea feel like absolute heaven.

And the seafood? Don’t even get me started. Fresh, flavorful, and unforgettable.

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Is Monterosso Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, Monterosso al Mare is 100% worth adding to your Cinque Terre itinerary, especially if you’re a beach lover. Of all the villages, this one has the most expansive sandy shoreline, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and letting the kids play in the waves.

If you’re traveling with young children, this is hands-down the most family-friendly village. The flat terrain, easy beach access, and open spaces make it much easier to navigate with strollers or little legs.

Now, if you’re looking for the postcard view of colorful houses stacked on dramatic cliffs, Monterosso al Mare won’t quite match that image.

It has a different charm, less dramatic, more laid-back. But what it lacks in cliffside drama, it makes up for in beach bliss and delicious food.

We had some truly memorable meals here. The gelato at Gelateria La Scogliera was smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweet on a hot summer day.

And the seafood pasta at Ristorante Il Gabbiano? So fresh, so flavorful, and seasoned just right. Every bite was a reminder of why coastal Italian food is some of the best in the world.

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Where To Stay In Monterosso, Cinque Terre

While Monterosso can be a little pricier than the other villages, the flat terrain and family-friendly amenities make it worth the extra cost. Here are a few great options for families to stay.

Marty&Olly Luxury Garden Apt

If you’re looking for a spacious, beautifully updated place that works well for families, Marty&Olly Luxury Garden Apt checks a lot of boxes.

Scimiscià 2-Bedroom Apartment

Scimiscià is another fantastic option for families visiting Monterosso. It’s slightly closer to the beach and train station than Marty&Olly and just a touch more affordable. Although still slightly on the pricier side.

Mediterranean Luxurious Apartment

If you’re okay with a one-bedroom setup, Mediterranean Luxurious Apartment might be one of the best valued stays in town. Clean, cozy, and beautifully decorated, in a fantastic location.

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What Is Monterosso Known For?

When people think of Monterosso al Mare, the beach is usually the first thing that comes to mind, of course! It’s the only village in Cinque Terre with a wide, sandy shoreline and rows of colorful umbrellas that epitomize the Italian Riviera summer.

But Monterosso is also famous for something unexpected: anchovies. Not the overly salty kind you might be picturing.

The anchovies from Monterosso are a delicacy, preserved in olive oil or salt, and celebrated every year during two festivals:

• Fried Anchovy Festival: Held on the third Saturday of June, this event features food stalls scattered throughout the village, offering freshly fried anchovies and other local delicacies. 
• Salted Anchovy and Olive Oil Festival: Taking place on the third Saturday of September, this festival showcases the traditional methods of preserving anchovies and the region’s renowned olive oil. 

Fun fact: Monterosso is also renowned for its lemon cultivation. The village hosts the Lemon Festival on the third Saturday of May each year. It celebrates the local citrus with decorations, competitions, and a variety of lemon-infused products like limoncino, lemon marmalade, and lemon cake. Yum!

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Top Things To Do In Monterosso Al Mare

Now let’s dive into the top things to see in Monterosso. From beach lounging and scenic hikes to historic sites and drinks with a view, this vibrant seaside village offers more than just a pretty coastline.

Whether you’re here for a day or a week, these are the can’t-miss experiences.

Go To The Beach

If you’re heading to Monterosso al Mare, spending time on the beach is a must, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Among the five Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso offers the most family-friendly beaches.

There are three main beaches in Monterosso:

Spiaggia Di Fegina

This is the largest and most popular beach, located in the newer part of town. It’s one of the only beaches in Cinque Terre with actual sand (not pebbles!), especially on the right side when facing the sea.

You’ll also find the iconic Scoglio di Monterosso, the massive rock that juts out of the water and is featured in so many photos.

My friend Cheryl and I were looking forward to a relaxing beach day, so we grabbed two chairs with an umbrella for €40 total. (This was in August during peak season.)

We rented ours from Hotel Baia. Not the famous orange and green striped umbrellas, but still right on Spiaggia di Fegina in a lovely sandy spot!

It was the perfect place to park ourselves for the day and enjoy the view.

If you want one of the iconic chairs or a spot close to the water, you’ll need to go early!

Pro Tip: There are a few free sections of beach without chairs or umbrellas. These are public beaches where you can lay down a towel and enjoy the sea without spending a dime.

Statua Del Gigante Beach

Located at the far end of Fegina Beach, on the other side of the Fegina parking lot, this quieter beach is named after the massive Il Gigante statue of Neptune that towers over it.

It’s a scenic and slightly more peaceful spot, perfect if the main beach is too busy.

Old Town Beach

This beach is tucked in the historic center of Monterosso. While it’s convenient for those staying in the old town, it’s smaller and tends to be more crowded. And honestly, it’s not as pretty!

It’s a decent option, but not my top pick if you’re looking for space to spread out.

Beach Chair Rental Prices

Expect to pay around €20 per sun bed, or €25–€40 for a pair with an umbrella for the day. Half-day prices can range from €15–€25. Prices vary with the season, but this gives you a rough idea.

In peak season, book in advance or arrive early to grab a good spot.

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Buranco Wine Experience

If you’re looking for a peaceful break from the beach and the bustling crowds, head to Buranco Winery, tucked away in a quiet valley just behind Monterosso’s old town.

This charming estate feels like a secret escape with vineyards, olive groves, lemon trees, and views that stretch to the sea.

Buranco offers a few unique wine experiences, perfect for couples, friends, or even families with older kids:

• Wine Tour & Tasting with Snacks
  A relaxed and intimate experience where you’ll tour the vineyard and enjoy a tasting of their wines paired with local snacks like focaccia, cheese, and salami.
• Trekking Experience with Picnic Lunch
  Want a more active outing? Book their private trekking experience through the terraced vineyards and lemon groves. The best part? It’s self-guided through an app, so you can go at your own pace with no awkward small talk. You’ll finish with a picnic lunch in a scenic spot on the property.
• Wine Tour + Reserved Dinner
  This option combines a wine tasting with a guaranteed dinner reservation at the winery’s restaurant. It is an ideal way to end your day in Monterosso with incredible food and wine in a beautiful setting.

Pro Tip: This is one of the few experiences in Monterosso that gives you a real taste of the land, literally and figuratively. It’s calm, authentic, and a great way to enjoy Monterosso beyond the beach.

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.

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Hike From Monterosso To Vernazza

One of the most popular things to do in Monterosso is to hike the famous Blue Trail or Sentiero Azzurro to Vernazza.

It’s the most iconic hike in Cinque Terre and for good reason. The coastal views, terraced vineyards, and postcard-perfect glimpses of the sea make every step worth it.

You can start the hike in either direction, from Monterosso or from Vernazza. Keep in mind that sometimes the trail is one-way only, depending on trail conditions or maintenance work. Be sure to check the Cinque Terre National Park website before you go.

When I visited in August, I hiked from Monterosso to Vernazza. Let me tell you, it was hot and sweaty, but also absolutely stunning.

The trail starts with a steep uphill climb and lots of stairs (seriously, your legs will feel it!).

Then it levels out and rewards you with sweeping views of the coastline before descending into the colorful village of Vernazza.

Blue Trail details:

• Distance: About 3.5 km (2.2 miles)
• Time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace
• Difficulty: Moderate (mostly due to the stairs and summer heat)

Hiking Tips for Cinque Terre:

• You’ll need a Cinque Terre Trekking Card or the Cinque Terre Train Card to access the trail.
• Bring plenty of water. There’s nowhere to stop for food or drinks on the trail.
• Wear good shoes (sneakers are fine, but no flip flops are sandals!), and avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day. Even late morning for me was a little too hot!
• Don’t forget your camera. The views along the way are next level.

This hike is a true highlight of the region and a must-do if you’re up for a bit of adventure!

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Get Out On The Water

One of the top things to do in Monterosso, and easily one of the best ways to escape the crowds, is to hit the water. For those craving excitement or a different view of the Cinque Terre, seeing the villages from the water is an experience you won’t forget.

Monterosso al Mare (along with Riomaggiore) is one of the best villages to base yourself for water-based activities in Cinque Terre.

From here, you can:

• Rent your own boat through platforms like Click & Boat (think of it as Airbnb, but for boats).
• Join a kayak tour or rent a kayak for the day and paddle along the stunning coast.
• Hop on a guided boat tour for a more relaxed and informative experience.

Here are some of the top-rated boat tours and water activities I’d recommend checking out:

Kayak Tours

Vernazza Bay Kayaking Tour
Paddle your way from Monterosso to Vernazza in a small group. This is a fun and active way to avoid the crowds and enjoy the coast with an expert guide. Great for older kids (ages 9+).

Monterosso Kayak and Snorkeling Tour
A mix of kayaking, snorkeling, and even cliff diving, if you’re brave enough! This adventurous tour is perfect for kids 6 and up who know how to swim.

Cinque Terre Half Day Kayak Trip from Monterosso
A fantastic option if you’re traveling with younger kids (ages 6+). This tour also takes you along the scenic stretch between Monterosso and Vernazza, with time to stop, explore, and enjoy the sea.

Guided Boat Tours

Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour
For a personalized experience, this private tour takes you past all five villages, offers a chance to swim in the turquoise waters, and serves some of the best homemade pesto and focaccia you’ll find. Perfect for groups up to 8 people.

Cinque Terre: Boat Tour with Snorkeling
A highly rated group tour departing from Monterosso that gives you stunning views of the coastline and a chance to snorkel in the crystal-clear sea. It is an ideal way to see Cinque Terre from a new perspective.

Sunset Boat Tours

Sunset Boat Tour on Traditional Ligurian Gozzo
A charming group tour aboard a traditional wooden gozzo boat. Watch the sun dip below the horizon while cruising along the stunning coastline. An unforgettable way to end the day.

Cinque Terre Sunset Tour by Private Boat with Pesto and Typical Wine
Looking for something more intimate? This private sunset cruise includes local pesto, regional wine, and spectacular views of the villages bathed in golden light. A magical way to experience Cinque Terre.

Wander Through The Colorful Streets

When it comes to things to do in Monterosso, the charm is really in the wandering the streets themselves.

It’s a small town, so while there aren’t a ton of big-name sights, you’ll find plenty to enjoy just by walking around.

As you explore, here are a couple of spots to look out for:

• Church of San Giovanni Battista
  This 13th-century church in Old Town is a beautiful example of Ligurian Gothic style. The black and white striped façade makes it instantly recognizable, and inside you’ll find a peaceful escape from the sun and crowds.
• Oratorio Mortis et Orationis (Confraternita dei Neri)
  Just steps from the main square, this tiny oratory is full of fascinating, and slightly eerie, details. Look closely for skulls, bones, and other symbols of mortality woven into the artwork. It’s definitely one of the more unique things to see in Monterosso.

Take your time, look up (there’s always something tucked into a window or balcony), and enjoy the relaxed pace of this coastal gem.

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Grab A Cocktail At Torre Aurora

One of the most scenic spots to sip a drink in Monterosso is Torre Aurora. It is a historic tower turned cocktail bar and restaurant perched between the old and new towns.

Come for the cocktails, stay for the view. The atmosphere here is hard to beat, especially around sunset when the golden light hits the cliffs just right.

While I didn’t eat at the restaurant (so I can’t vouch for the food), the photos I’ve seen look very promising.

Even if you skip the meal, it’s absolutely worth stopping by for a refreshing drink with a side of unforgettable scenery.

Chiesa Di San Francesco And Convent Of The Capuchin Friars For The Views

Looking for one of the best views in town? Add this spot to your list of things to do in Monterosso.

While the church itself is charming and worth a quick peek, the real reward comes after the short but steep walk up.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Monterosso al Mare and the Ligurian coastline below.

It’s peaceful, scenic, and a great little break from the bustle of the beach.

Hike For Beautiful Views Of Monterosso

If you’re up for a bit of a workout and want to see Monterosso al Mare from high above, this trail is one of the most unique things to do in Monterosso.

The hike from Monterosso to Punta Mesco via Fegina is about 3.9 miles (6.3 km) round trip with an elevation gain of 1,138 feet (347 m).

It typically takes around 2 hours, depending on your pace. It is a little shorter if starting in the new town near Fegina Beach.

Be prepared for a lot of uphill. This trail gets your heart pumping! But once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the coast and Monterosso below.

If you’re visiting in the summer, plan to hike in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.