Top Things to Do in Monterosso al Mare
Things to Do in Monterosso al Mare
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Monterosso al Mare.
- Rail Toursfromper adultR 1 262
- Historical Toursfromper adultR 1 241
- Food & Drinkfromper adultR 3 893
- Nature and Wildlife Toursfromper adultR 1 683
- Kayaking Toursfromper adultR 1 410
- Water Toursfromper adultR 2 104
- Food & Drinkfromper adultR 2 735
- fromper adultR 2 630
- fromper adultR 1 894
- Full-day Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)R 4 208
Other Top Attractions around Monterosso al Mare
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- Philip CYork, ME598 contributionsAfter much research, we determined that this was the best segment to walk, reasonably challenging with great views, and an opportunity to take the water taxi back down the coast. We are hiking junkies and are not used to crowded trails with folks who have no trail etiquette. Can't say we can even recommend Cinque Terre - too many other choices of hill towns and awesome trails.Written 29 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mairwen1United Kingdom9 567 contributionsThis 17th century monastery and church stands high above Monterosso. It is a beautifully serene spot with panoramic views.
I’ve seen the trail up described as a strenuous hike which makes it sound quite difficult but it’s actually very manageable. It is steep but its short (12-15 minutes) and is absolutely worth it. The path is smooth and even and it’s a gradual, steady climb.
It was the finding the start of the path that we had trouble with. It wasn’t immediately obvious to us. We found it just after the pedestrian tunnel that links the old and new towns. Arriving by train, we walked through the tunnel, and almost immediately after exiting, the path is on your left but is tucked away behind the buildings.
Framed by tall, green trees, the church is very distinctive with black and white striping. Above the main entrance is a niche with a small white sculpture of Mary and baby, Jesus and above that a rose window.
Inside it is dimly lit and although its small, every corner seems crowded with art or candles and artefacts.
The Crucifixion by Anthony Van Deck is highly regarded. It was one of many Crucifixion works by this artist and a very similar composition hangs in The Louvre. Years later, Van Dyck would go to England where he would become the leading court painter in England and Charles I would be his patron.
While you are here, make sure to go around behind the church to the monumentally sized bronze statue of St Francis which has an absolutely commanding over the Cinque Terre coastline and the Ligurian Sea.Written 2 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mairwen1United Kingdom9 567 contributionsPlanning how to divide your time between the five Cinque Terre towns is a daunting task, especially if you have a tight itinerary. We had four days in the region which gave us a little more flexibility and we were very glad to have the extra days.
Overall Monterosso was my least favourite town, with one caveat - the beaches.
It’s by far the largest town and I thought it was the least charming (although the whole area is so beautiful that the bar is set very high) but its the only town with a real beach.
OLD TOWN/NEW TOWN: It is helpful to know beforehand that Monterosso is divided into two quite distinct areas - the historical centre, known as ‘the old town’ and Fegina (the newer, beachy section). If you arrive by train, you will get off in the new town. It’s only a short walk between the two sections. A 10 minute stroll along the promenade (although with the summer, crowds its less of a stroll and more of a scrum) brings you to a pedestrian tunnel and into the old town.
OLD TOWN HIGHLIGHTS:
i) the lookout point beside the cliffside statue of St Francis - breathtaking views
ii) the short hillside walk to the Capuchin monastery and church - peaceful, serene location
iii) the black and white, zebra striped Church of San Giovanni Battista and the nearby Oratory
TRAGAGIA BEACH: Monterosso’s huge drawcard is the beach. It’s the only town with long, flat beaches where you can spend a few hours. The main beach is in the new town but Spiaggia Tragagia in the old town, is a less crowded alternative.
HIKING: The hiking trail to Vernazza starts from the old town (Trail 592-4 / SVA2). Before going, we’d heard a lot about whether you should start in Monterosso or in Vernazza. In the end, I’m not sure it mattered a lot. The downside to starting in Monterosso was that we spent the first half hour or so climbing very steep steps without much break. However the birdseye view coming down into Vernazza was incredible and we preferred to end up in Vernazza where we stopped for lunch.Written 4 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - LostInTimePittsburgh, PA11 754 contributionsThis beach certainly has a great backdrop. It’s not huge but big enough. I can only imagine the crowds in the summer. There are places to eat nearby.Written 27 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LostInTimePittsburgh, PA11 754 contributionsThe statue is up on a big hill. This Saint happened to to the patron Saint of my high school in the US. It’s a nice statue. As far as statues go.Written 24 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- lauralulabelleAdelaide, Australia17 contributionsBreathtaking scenery. The last 50m of the walk up the hill were really steep, but absolutely worth it for the scenery and the food. Book if you can to avoid being disappointed at the end of the climb.
The prawn and scallops appetiser was exceptional, and the wines were interesting and went really well with the food!Written 2 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - EuropeTraveller095Buckinghamshire, UK107 contributionsBeautiful setting. Slightly disappointing as our booking had been lost but luckily they had space for us.
Started really well with a complimentary prosecco and crudité. Staff were welcoming and friendly.
The menu was nice although a little pricey. We decided to splash out and try the tasting menu for our last evening in Italy. This wasn't cheap and was a mixed experience. The food was nice and some courses were amazing (lobster ravioli and prawn ceviche) but others were a little disappointing (octopus and seared cuttlefish).
Overall, good food but for the price the standard wasn't quite there. I would go again for the setting but be aware that this is what you are truly paying for.Written 16 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - betteskidBoston, MA1 356 contributionsWe visited this church when we stopped in Monterosso. It was an interesting, but small church with a bit of history. Entry is free and it is nice to have a look around.Written 7 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LostInTimePittsburgh, PA11 754 contributionsThis status looks to be holding up the cliff. And the back story about it having more to it before being bombed in WW2 is interesting. Certainly worth a look.Written 25 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LostInTimePittsburgh, PA11 754 contributionsThis church was different than others that I’ve seen. There were a lot of evil looking images. And death stuff. It’s small and worth seeing. And somewhat unique.Written 26 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CuriousCitizenYYZToronto, Canada94 contributionsIl Santuario di Soviore was a great home base for hiking in the Cinque Terre. The rooms are simple but clean, with views of the sea from high up above Monterosso al Mare. There is no aircon but up in the hills the air is fresh. I had dinner at the Santuario the night I stayed and the carb-filled menu was great fuel for hiking the next day.Written 3 July 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- spannerwingnutLondon, UK376 contributionsFun hike on lots of different terrain, from normal paved steps, to tarmac road, forest trail, stone, ending on crazy steep steps down into Monterosso! Take a picnic, and just before the point where Wilhem Maier fell off the cliff there is a nice spot to rest on some rocks and take in the view. There is also a picnic bench in the woods but no view from there! The end if this walk down into Monterosso was a bit frustrating where the steps just go down the side of the road, annoying! End with a swim in the sea and a afternoon Spritz!Written 25 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Monterosso al Mare
- The top attractions to visit in Monterosso al Mare are:
- Footpath Monterosso - Vernazza
- Church of San Francesco - Capuchin Friars Monastery
- Spiaggia di Fegina
- Borgo Antico
- Buranco Agriturismo
- The best outdoor activities in Monterosso al Mare according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Footpath Monterosso - Vernazza
- Spiaggia di Fegina
- Il Sentiero da Levanto a Monterosso
- Scoglio di Monterosso
- Beach Bar Alga
- The best day trips from Monterosso al Mare according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking
- Scent of the Sea: Cinque Terre Park Full Day Trip from Florence
- Best of Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence
- Cinque Terre tour with limoncino tasting from La Spezia Port
- Cinque Terre by Train from La Spezia
- The most popular things to do in Monterosso al Mare with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in Monterosso al Mare on Tripadvisor