Italy for me From Italy with love
Page Contents
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare is the largest town in Italy’s Cinque Terre National Park. It boasts the biggest sandy beach in the entire “Five Lands” area, the famous statue of Neptune, and the iconic Aurora Tower, which divides the town into the old and new quarters. Monterosso is filled with fascinating landmarks waiting to be explored.
How to Get There
You can reach Monterosso by train from Genoa, with travel times ranging from 1 to 2 hours. Train schedules and ticket prices are available at trenitalia.com.
We recommend reading this guide: How to buy train tickets in Italy.
From Genoa Airport, intercity buses regularly travel to Monterosso. Taxis are also available for about €100.
Monterosso is connected to the other Cinque Terre towns—Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—by scenic hiking trails, ideal for leisurely walks and photography. For quicker and more comfortable travel, trains and ferries are recommended. Trains from the provincial capital, La Spezia, make regular stops in all five villages, including Monterosso.
The Beach
Monterosso’s main beach is called Fegina, named after the town’s modern quarter, which is connected to the old town by a 50-meter pedestrian tunnel. Fegina Beach is a paid beach; renting a sunbed and umbrella typically costs between €5 and €10. A small free beach is available nearby, but it’s less developed and not ideal for a full day of relaxation.
Fegina Beach is clean, well-equipped, and spacious. Amenities include changing rooms, showers, restrooms, and cafés offering delicious gelato. Visitors can enjoy a small football field or take a stroll along the main promenade, which runs parallel to the shore.
Attractions
Statue of Neptune
The Statue of Neptune, also known as “Il Gigante,” is a 14-meter (46-foot) tall figure holding an enormous platform that once served as a dance floor. Neptune is perched on a rocky outcrop, blending so naturally with the cliffside that he appears to emerge from it.
Created in 1910 by architect Arrigo Minerbi, the statue was heavily damaged during World War II—losing both arms and his trident—and again in a powerful storm in 1966. Partial restoration has taken place, but full reconstruction is still ongoing.
Aurora Tower
Aurora Tower (Torre Aurora) is one of just three surviving towers out of the original 13 built by the Genoese in the 6th century as part of Monterosso’s coastal defenses.
Today, Aurora Tower stands as a proud symbol of Monterosso. Although privately owned, visitors can still climb to the observation deck for sweeping views of the ruins of the ancient castle, the colorful houses of the modern town, and a stunning coastal panorama.
Religious Complex on Saint Christopher’s Cliff
The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi (Chiesa di San Francesco) and the Capuchin monastery (Convento dei Cappuccini) form a unified religious complex situated on the cliff known as Salita San Cristoforo. The site was established in 1622.
The courtyard of the monastery features a statue of Saint Francis sculpted by Silvio Monforini. Inside the church, you’ll find religious-themed paintings, including a depiction of the Crucifixion believed to be the work of renowned Flemish artist Anthony van Dyck—although some art historians argue it may have been painted by a lesser-known follower of the master.
Hotels
Monterosso offers over 50 accommodation options for travelers, ranging from luxurious palaces to cozy guesthouses. Regardless of your budget, you’ll find comfort, style, and genuinely welcoming service ready to assist with anything you might need.
Villa Caribe Hotel
Villa Caribe is located at Via Padre Semeria 49, just 0.5 miles (800 meters) from the sandy beach crowned by the statue of Neptune. Guests enjoy charming, well-kept rooms—some with balconies—free parking, and a daily breakfast of coffee, cereal, and sweet pastries. Every room includes a private bathroom with essentials, a TV, air conditioning, and access to a shared kitchen. Rates for a double room start from €95 per night.
Affittacamere Monterosso 5 Terre
Affittacamere Monterosso 5 Terre is located at Via Gioberti 25, just a 5-minute walk from the sea and 15 minutes from Monterosso’s train station. Rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, minibar, TV, air conditioning, and a work desk. However, Wi-Fi is not included. A double room here costs from €140 per night.
La Serra Sul Mare Hotel
La Serra Sul Mare is located near the historical center of town, at Località Serra 1. Rooms feature TVs, private bathrooms, air conditioning, and either a balcony or patio. Guests can relax in the lovely garden or on the terrace’s sun loungers. A complimentary shuttle to the city center is also available. Rates for a double room begin around €210 per night.