Monterosso al Mare: The Complete Guide

Staying in the Old Town offers a charming, traditional experience with boutique hotels close to restaurants and scenic viewpoints. For a beachfront stay, the Fegina area provides modern accommodations with direct access to the beach.

A 2 to 3-day stay is ideal for exploring Monterosso’s beaches, hiking the Cinque Terre trails, and enjoying fresh seafood. A 4-day stay allows for boat trips along the Ligurian coast or visiting nearby La Spezia and Portovenere.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Monterosso al Mare. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Throughout the year, Monterosso al Mare and Cinque Terre offer a range of unique experiences, making it a destination suitable for year-round visits. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to plan your visit:

Spring (March to May): During spring, the area enjoys mild and pleasant temperatures, with nature coming to life as flowers bloom. Hiking trails become accessible, and the sea offers a calm environment for swimming. This season allows you to explore the charming villages before the summer crowds descend.

Monterosso holds its renowned Lemon Festival, Sagra dei Limoni on the third Saturday of May each year. The festival pays homage to Monterosso’s rich lemon cultivation tradition and locals take pride in infusing them into various culinary delights. From anchovies marinated in lemon juice to limoncino (lemon liqueur), lemon cream, marmalade, granita, ice cream, and tantalizing lemon cakes, the festival showcases the versatility of this flavourful fruit. As the festival unfolds, the village transforms into a vibrant lemon paradise, adorned with delightful lemon-themed decorations. Navigate the narrow streets of the old town, where stands are set up to showcase the best of lemon products. Lemon producers proudly display their creations, offering visitors the opportunity to taste and purchase an array of delicious treats crafted from this exquisite fruit.

Summer (June to August): The summer months bring extended sunny days, providing the perfect backdrop for swimming and beach relaxation. However, this is also the peak tourist season, characterized by substantial crowds, particularly in July and August. To escape the heat and the masses, consider scheduling your visits for early mornings or late afternoons.

The gastronomic delights of Monterosso continue beyond lemons with the Sagra dell’acciuga fritta, a celebration dedicated to the famed anchovies of the region. Set to take place on the third Saturday of June, this event promises a savory experience for seafood enthusiasts.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn is a splendid time to discover Monterosso al Mare. It offers mild temperatures, reduced rainfall, and a vibrant local vineyard scene with full harvests. This is an opportunity to savour new wines and take part in local festivals. Hiking trails of Cinque Terre remain open, although daylight hours gradually decrease.

Extend your culinary journey in Monterosso by attending the Sagra dell’acciuga salata e dell’olio d’oliva, scheduled for the third Saturday of September. This festival invites you to experience the delightful combination of salted anchovies and extra virgin olive oil, both locally renowned for their exceptional quality.

Winter (December to February): The winter season is the most tranquil period in Monterosso al Mare. The villages exude a peaceful ambiance, and accommodation prices are at their lowest. However, temperatures can be quite chilly. This season is ideal for those seeking a serene experience, even though some hiking trails may be closed for maintenance.

Monterosso al Mare caters to various preferences and activities throughout the year, whether you’re looking for warm beach days, serene hiking adventures, or cultural festivals.

Getting to Monterosso al Mare by Plane: Milan Malpensa Airport and Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei serve as the most convenient gateways for your journey to the Cinque Terre. From Pisa Airport, a swift 5-minute ride on the People Mover shuttle train will transport you to Pisa Centrale station. Subsequently, Intercity trains await to take you directly to Monterosso. If you’re starting your journey from Milano Centrale station, Intercity trains will smoothly carry you to Levanto and Monterosso in just 3 hours.

Getting to Monterosso al Mare by Train: Opting for the train is the most comfortable route to Monterosso. The Cinque Terre villages lie along the Genoa – La Spezia – Pisa railway, offering frequent train services from Milan, Genoa, and Pisa. Monterosso stands out as the sole Cinque Terre village served by long-distance Intercity trains. If you’re arriving from the north (Milan or Genoa), you can hop on an Intercity train directly bound for Monterosso. From Pisa, Intercity trains also provide a direct connection. Traveling from Rome on a high-speed train requires a change at La Spezia, where you’ll switch to the Cinque Terre Express trains bound for Monterosso.

Getting to Monterosso al Mare by Car: Monterosso is the most accessible of the five Cinque Terre villages by car. Navigate the A12 Genoa – Livorno highway, and take the BRUGNATO exit. Follow the signs directing you to Borghetto Vara and Pignone, and then continue toward Monterosso. Upon reaching an intersection, turn right for Fegina, the newer part of Monterosso, or left for the old town. Ensure you know the location of your booked accommodation, and consider reserving a hotel with private parking for a hassle-free experience.