Spiaggia di Fegina, Monterosso al Mare

Beach in Monterosso al Mare

Spiaggia di Fegina is the wide, dazzling beachfront you see as soon as you step out of Monterosso's train station, framed by the cliffs and pastel buildings of the Cinque Terre. This is one of the best places to visit in Monterosso al Mare if you want an easy, classic beach day without sacrificing views or convenience. The water is usually crystal-clear and inviting, excellent for a refreshing swim after a hike or as a base for a lazy day by the sea. While the sand has a pebbly feel in places, it is still comfortable enough for barefoot strolls along the shoreline.

Most of the beach is divided into well-organised private lidos, where rows of deck chairs and umbrellas can be rented for the day, complete with showers, changing cabins, and bars. There is also a small but popular free section where you can simply throw down a towel and enjoy the scenery-if you arrive early enough to claim your patch. Summer weekends can be especially busy, so early birds are rewarded here. If you are seeking true peace and quiet away from the crowds, consider using Fegina as your “home base” and then exploring small coves and viewpoints along the coastal trails. Spiaggia di Fegina is a highlight of any walking tour of Monterosso al Mare, linking the promenade, Il Gigante, and the passage to the old town.

History and Significance of the Spiaggia di Fegina
Things to See and Do in the Spiaggia di Fegina
How to Get to the Spiaggia di Fegina
Practical Tips on Visiting the Spiaggia di Fegina
Where to Stay close to the Spiaggia di Fegina
Is the Spiaggia di Fegina Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Spiaggia di Fegina
Nearby Attractions to the Spiaggia di Fegina

History and Significance of the Spiaggia di Fegina

Historically, Monterosso's life revolved more around the old town bay beneath San Cristoforo hill, but Fegina gradually came into its own with the arrival of the railway. When the line was built along the cliffs, the area in front of the station became the natural “front door” of the Cinque Terre, and Spiaggia di Fegina turned into a welcoming shoreline for travellers stepping directly from train to sand. What was once a relatively quiet stretch of coast evolved into a lively beach resort, with hotels, villas, and later modern apartments rising behind the promenade.

Over the 20th century, Fegina became the symbol of Monterosso’s seaside identity. Long, wide, and more accessible than many other Cinque Terre beaches, it attracted families, day-trippers, and longer-stay holidaymakers looking for a balance between picturesque villages and easy swimming. The presence of Il Gigante-the giant statue of Neptune carved into the rocks at the far end of the beach-and the remains of Villa Pastine gave the area a touch of Riviera glamour and storytelling. Even as trails, boat trips, and Instagram viewpoints have grown in popularity, Fegina remains the relaxed, sun-soaked heart of Monterosso’s modern side.

Today, Spiaggia di Fegina functions as both a leisure hub and a connecting corridor. From here, you can walk towards the old town through the tunnel or around the headland, gaze up at the Aurora Tower and San Cristoforo hill, or simply settle under an umbrella and let the trains, boats, and hikers come and go around you. It's a place where the Cinque Terre's famous hiking culture merges easily with beach life and sea air.

Things to See and Do in the Spiaggia di Fegina

The main draw of Spiaggia di Fegina is simple: swim, sunbathe, and unwind. On calm days, the water is clear and inviting, ideal for a refreshing dip, a bit of bobbing about with a float, or a short snorkel along the rocks. The shoreline combines sand and small pebbles, so it's comfortable enough for most people, though water shoes can be useful if you have sensitive feet. Renting a sun lounger and umbrella from one of the private lidos is the easiest way to settle in for the day; you gain access to showers, toilets, and sometimes food and drink service to your chair.

For a more budget-friendly experience, make a beeline for the small free section of the beach. Space here is limited and fills quickly, especially during summer and at weekends, so arriving early is crucial if you want a prime spot for your towel. Once you’re set up, you can spend hours swimming, reading, and watching beach life drift by-locals chatting on the promenade, children playing in the shallows, and ferries gliding in and out just offshore.

Beyond the sand itself, take a stroll along the promenade towards Il Gigante at the far end of the bay to see the weathered Neptune statue and views back across the entire beach. In the opposite direction, the walkway leads you towards the Aurora Tower and the tunnel that connects Fegina to the old town beach and historic centre. Cafés, gelaterie, and bars line much of the seafront, so you can easily break up your beach time with espresso, aperitivo, or a seafood lunch. If you're craving more solitude, follow local advice and explore the cliff paths that depart from Monterosso-there are small coves and viewpoints tucked away along the trails that offer a quieter, wilder feel than the main beach.

How to Get to the Spiaggia di Fegina

Spiaggia di Fegina is the easiest Cinque Terre beach to reach by train, lying directly in front of Monterosso al Mare's station on the Fegina side of the village. The nearest major airports are Genoa Cristoforo Colombo and Pisa International; both have good connections by rail and road along the Ligurian coast to the Cinque Terre. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Monterosso al Mare on Booking.com.

From either airport, take a train towards La Spezia or Levanto and transfer to a regional service that stops at Monterosso al Mare; when you step out of the station, you are essentially already at Fegina beach, with the promenade and sand just across the road.Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy. This makes it incredibly convenient for day trips and longer stays alike, especially if you are travelling without a car.

If you are driving, you will find paid parking areas near Fegina behind the seafront, but spaces are limited and tend to fill up quickly in high season.If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. After parking, it's only a short walk down to the promenade and beach. Given the narrow roads and parking constraints throughout the Cinque Terre, many visitors prefer to leave the car in a larger town and rely on trains and boats to reach Monterosso and Spiaggia di Fegina.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Spiaggia di Fegina

Suggested tips: Arrive early if you want a spot in the free section or front-row umbrellas; pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Best time to visit: Late spring and early autumn offer warm water with slightly fewer crowds; in summer, mornings and late afternoons are more pleasant than the midday heat.
Entrance fee: Free, if you can find a space for your towel!
Opening hours: 24 Hour
How long to spend: Plan at least a few hours for a swim and some sunbathing; many travellers happily spend a full day here between dips, strolls, and café stops.
Accessibility: The promenade and main access points are mostly flat, making Fegina one of the more accessible Cinque Terre beaches; check individual lidos for ramps, beach wheelchairs, or easier water entry.
Facilities: Showers, toilets, changing cabins, and bars are available through the private lidos; additional cafés, restaurants, and shops line the promenade and nearby streets.
Photography tip: For classic views, photograph the beach from near Il Gigante looking back towards the station, or from the promenade at sunset when the cliffs and umbrellas glow in golden light.
Guided tours: Some guided Cinque Terre itineraries include time at Spiaggia di Fegina for a swim break between hikes or boat rides, which can be a nice way to experience both sea and trails in one day.
Nearby food options: Fegina’s seafront offers everything from quick focaccia and pizza slices to sit-down seafood restaurants and cocktail bars-perfect for a relaxed lunch or an aperitivo by the water.

Where to Stay close to the Spiaggia di Fegina

If beach time is your priority, staying near Spiaggia di Fegina puts you steps from the sand and a short walk from the station. For a peaceful clifftop setting with spectacular views over the sea and easy access to both Fegina and the old town, Hotel Porto Roca is a superb choice. If you prefer to be closer to the station and the main promenade, Hotel Villa Adriana offers comfortable rooms, gardens, and a pool within easy walking distance of the beach. Another appealing option is Albergo Degli Amici, located in the old town but still just a pleasant stroll through the tunnel or along the waterfront from Spiaggia di Fegina.

Is the Spiaggia di Fegina Worth Visiting?

Yes, Spiaggia di Fegina is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you like to balance hiking and sightseeing with time to simply relax by the sea. It is one of the must-see places in Monterosso al Mare thanks to its size, ease of access, and beautiful setting beneath the cliffs and colourful buildings. The mix of free sections and well-equipped lidos means you can tailor your day to your budget and style, whether you're happy on a towel or want a lounger, umbrella, and bar service. Even if you only have an hour between trains, a quick swim or stroll along Fegina's shoreline can become one of your favourite Cinque Terre memories.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.2 (866)

Monterosso public beach (Fegina) is a compact, sandy downtown beach with clear blue water, a mix of free public sand and paid sections where you can rent loungers and umbrellas; visitors praise its cleanliness, easy access for swimming, space to spread out, and convenient amenities like showers, lockers, snack bars and nearby terrace bars and souvenir shops along a shady promenade.

Emil Vainio

2 months ago

"Beautiful, clean, and scenic beach with crystal-clear water and a relaxing atmosphere. There’s a free public area as well as paid sections withadditional services. Sunbeds are available for rent...."

See More See Less

Jonathan Phan

4 months ago

"Fegina Beach is the largest and most accessible beach in Cinque Terre, with soft sand, clear water, and postcard-worthy views. There’s a mix of freeand paid areas, and renting a lounger can make the experience more relaxing. It gets crowded in summer, but early mornings or late afternoons are ideal. Amenities like showers, lockers, and snack bars add convenience. Great for swimming, sunbathing, or just soaking in the lively coastal vibe...."

See More See Less

melissa araigy

6 months ago

"The beach is just amazing! We wanted to swim but didn’t have time. We only walked down and ate seafood near the beach entrance. The water was soclean and blue and cold. It was really hot in june. Highly recommended dreamy place..."

See More See Less

FAQs for Visiting Spiaggia di Fegina

Yes, the wide shoreline and relatively gentle entry into the water make Fegina popular with families, though supervision is always important, especially when waves are stronger.

In high season, it can be wise to reserve with a lido if you want a specific row or all-day comfort, but outside peak times you can often just turn up earlier in the day.

Natural shade is limited, so bringing your own small umbrella or choosing early morning and late afternoon visits can help you avoid the strongest sun.

Absolutely-many hikers start or end their day with a swim here, as the trailheads around Monterosso are within easy walking distance of the beach.

Nearby Attractions to the Spiaggia di Fegina

Castle of Monterosso and San Cristoforo Hill: Clifftop cemetery and castle ruins above the village, offering panoramic views over both Fegina and the old town.
Il Gigante: The dramatic, weathered statue of Neptune carved into the rocks at the far end of Fegina beach.
Aurora Tower: A former defensive tower on the headland between Fegina and the old town, marking the divide between the two bays.
Monterosso Old Town Beach: A smaller, more intimate beach beneath the historic centre, just a short walk through the tunnel or around the headland.
Church of San Giovanni Battista: A beautiful Ligurian Gothic church in the old town with a striped façade and intricate rose window.

The Spiaggia di Fegina appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Monterosso al Mare!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!