Monterosso is located in Liguria, about an hour away by car from La Spezia: if you are looking for the ideal place to spend your holidays not only relaxing by the sea but also culture, food and many activities, it is the perfect place for you! So let’s find out how to spend the best holidays in this wonderful place!
Monterosso, a medieval town to discover
Monterosso is the largest country of the famous >Cinque Terre: there is a promontory that divides the place into two parts, one that is the Fegina area, residential and with the railway station and the other the old port, or the old town. Inhabited since the Middle Ages, the village is a real historical treasure: among the most beautiful places to visit there are certainly the church of San Giovanni Battista dating back to 1282 in Genoese Gothic style, The baroque oratory Mortis et Orationis of the Brotherhood of Blacks and the church of San Francesco annexed to the Capuchin convent, built in the 17th century.
Another very famous attraction of Monterosso is the statue of the giant 14 meters high that depicts Neptune, the god of the Roman sea, who originally had a trident in one hand and in the other a shell-shaped terrace.
Finally, about 400 meters above sea level is the sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Soviore, dating back to the Romanesque period and characterized by several frescoes: a place where you can spend a few moments in silence, between breathtaking views and true spirituality.
The beaches of Monterosso
Monterosso is very famous especially for its beautiful beaches: among the most beautiful is the Fegina with golden sand and pebble shore, easily accessible from the train station, which includes both several bathing establishments and a free beach. Other beaches to see are the beach of the Giant, near the statue, with sand and small pebbles with turquoise waters and the beach of Monterosso, sandy and also in this case with a free area. Only in some of these beaches is there a rescue service and in some cases there are areas with games for children.
For lovers of water sports it is good to know that there are several organized activities: among these some of the most popular are paddle surfing or the tour of the Cinque Terre by kayak.
What to do in Monterosso and surroundings
Monterosso, as mentioned before, is one of the most popular tourist destinations of the Cinque Terre: every year there are many events that make the country always festive. For example, on the third Saturday of May there is the Lemon Festival , where limoncino reigns supreme, a typical fruit of the town or the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, August 14, which starts with a pilgrimage from the Oratory of Santa Croce and sees the children dressed in traditional clothes.
The third Saturday of September instead takes place the Festival of salted anchovy and olive oil and a week later takes place the Wine Festival, where numerous stands of the producers of the Cinque Terre are set up and there is the possibility of tasting the famous Sciacchetrà.
For lovers of nature and trekking, there are several walkable paths, for example the Blue Path that leads to Vernazza in about 3 and a half kilometers, between Mediterranean vegetation and beautiful marine landscapes, or the path that in about an hour leads to the traffic lights of Punta Mesco, a lighthouse now abandoned and near you can also see the hermitage of Sant’Antonio, a medieval complex now abandoned by the seventeenth century.
For lovers of literature in Monterosso there is also the villa where the famous Eugenio Montale, Nobel Prize: a literary park dedicated to him has been set up since 2015 and excursions are often organized to visit the corners and views that inspired the great poet, listening while reading some of his verses.
If you plan a holiday of several days then a visit to La Spezia, about 20 minutes by train and about an hour by car: the city is also only open in a weekend and is rich in history and art. Among the major attractions there is the Castle of San Giorgio with the Civic Archaeological Museum Formentini, the church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Amedeo Lia Civic Museum containing also works by Titian and Tintoretto.
For a walk with children there are definitely several playgrounds with large green spaces, rides and picnic areas, as well as many other well-kept public gardens throughout the city.
Where to sleep and what to eat in Liguria
For your stay in Monterosso there are several alternatives: between luxury hotels and guest houses, there are many possibilities even with different budgets. Some prefer to stay in apartments for families or small groups or in wonderful farmhouses where you can stay immersed in nature, for a relaxing holiday.
There are also many restaurants, trattorias, focaccerie, wine bars and gastronomy where you can taste the specialties of the place: among flour, stuffed muscles, rice cake, thin cappun accompanied by white DOC and finally the cake Monterrossina with sponge cake, custard, apricot jam and dark chocolate, your trip to Monterosso will surely be unforgettable!
