Monterosso Cinque Terre is a mesmerizing destination that offers a plethora of activities for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a food lover, or a history buff, this charming town has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will be exploring the top 10 things to do in Monterosso, ensuring that you make the most out of your visit to this enchanting coastal gem. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the wonders that await you in Monterosso Cinque Terre.
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Monterosso al Mare Cinque Terre Italy
Monterosso al Mare is a beautiful seaside town in Liguria, in northern Italy, as well as one of the towns that are part of the 5 Terre. Behind it are the mountains that keep it separate and guarded from the rest of the Italian territory as if to preserve and protect its beauty.
The road to reach Monterosso al Mare by car is very suggestive. In fact, to get to this town in the Cinque Terre, you must travel a stretch of road descending from the mountains until you reach Monterosso al Mare. During this stretch of road, our attention is captured by the majestic natural landscape and the fascinating, somewhat remote villages that are ideally nestled between the mountains, woods, and Mediterranean scrub.
Monterosso al Mare is mainly divided into two areas: a newer area overlooking the sea where the main protagonist is the beach of Fegina and an older area which always starts from the sea and its beach, commonly called Tragagià, which then passes through the center of historical and which goes up the hill of San Cristoforo.
Let’s go together to see some historical information, the Monterosso beach, some restaurants you can find here in Monterosso and the best things to do in Monterosso al Mare.
Monterosso al Mare history and origins: What is the history of Monterosso Italy?
All the towns of the Cinque Terre are beautiful to see and attractive to discover and it is perhaps for this reason we want to know more about the history of these places. A question we asked ourselves while we were in Monterosso al Mare is the following: Where were the first residential areas born here in the Cinque Terre?
To answer, we can then say that they really arose here in the area of Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza. Vernazza is another of the Cinque Terre’s towns that is very close to Monterosso al Mare. If you move from Monterosso al Mare to La Spezia, it is the next town you can find.
The other settlements arose only later, thanks to Genoa’s military and political power.
What is the history of Monterosso Italy? The origin of Monterosso al Mare is quite ancient, as it can be dated to the era of the expansion of the Roman Republic.
The history of Monterosso al Mare is also strongly linked to the history of Genoa. In fact, towards the middle of the 1200s, after various struggles between the Maritime Republic of Pisa and that of Genoa, Monterosso al Mare was linked to the Maritime Republic of Genoa.
Top 10 Things to do in Monterosso Cinque Terre
Here are the main attractions and things to do in Monterosso Cinque Terre.
- Monterosso beaches
- Via Fegina
- Historic Center Monterosso al Mare and Church of S. Giovanni il Battista
- Statue of the Giant
- Punta Corone
- Statue of Saint Francis of Assisi
- Villa of Eugenio Montale
- Aurora Tower
- Capuchin Convent
- Cemetery (Orbetenga Origin Castle)
Monterosso beaches
Monterosso al Mare is one of the towns in the Cinque Terre directly on the sea and has beautiful beaches, probably the best of all. For this reason, we can only put the beaches of Monterosso among the things to see.
Via Fegina
Via Fegina is the pedestrian street that runs along the sea. The walk along Via Fegina is a classic here in Monterosso al Mare and it is a vivacious and popular area. Along this walk, you will find several bars, restaurants, hotels where you can have lunch and dinner.
Those in Monterosso al Mare walk along this street during the day to get to the beach, to go to buy what they need, to go to the train station, to go to their hotel and to go to the restaurant. In the evening after dinner, the people enjoy their relaxing “Italian passeggiata” tasting a delicious ice cream, listening to the music if there is any street artist, or simply enjoying the place.
Furthermore, a characteristic of Via Fegina is that it is mostly slightly elevated compared to the beach, allowing you to have beautiful views of the beach and the sea.
Along this street, we also find some verses by Eugenio Montale sculpted on the ground, an important literary figure who lived here and drew much inspiration from these beautiful places. It is therefore worth taking a few moments to read these magnificent verses as you walk and savor a slightly more cultural moment. The verses are in Italian, but the translation is more or less the following.
The journey ends at this beach
that tempt the assiduous and slow flows.
It reveals nothing but lazy smokes
the marina that weaves with locks
the soft breaths: and it is rare for it to appear
in the silent calm
among the islands of migratory air
the Corsica dorsuta or the Capraia.You ask if everything vanishes like this
Eugenio Montale – Casa sul mare (house by the sea) From Ossi di seppia (Torino, Piero Gobetti Editore 1925
in this little fog of memories;
whether in the torturous hour or in the sigh
every destiny is fulfilled at the juncture.
I would like to tell you that no, that he is approaching you
the hour you will pass beyond time;
perhaps only those who want it are infinite,
and you will be able to do this, who knows, not me.
I think that for most it is not salvation,
but someone subverts every plan,
pass the gap, whoever wanted finds himself.
Before I give in, I would like to point you out
this escape route
labile as in the troubled fields
of the sea foam or wrinkle.
Here in Monterosso al Mare, there is also the house that was his home. If you want to know something more about Eugenio Montale, go to the subtitle dedicated to “Eugenio Montale’s Villa”.
Historic Center Monterosso al Mare and Church of S. Giovanni il Battista
Monterosso al Mare is a town with beaches and beautiful landscapes, but it also has a long history behind it. Let’s not forget that the origins of Monterosso al Mare date back to the era of the expansion of Republican Rome and therefore certainly ancient.
It is therefore not surprising that Monterosso has a very characteristic historic center with broader and narrower streets waiting to be discovered.
It is lovely to walk through the streets of the historic center of Monterosso and discover unique and characteristic corners, discover with your eyes but also with your sense of smell and taste since in the historic center there are many restaurants and shops where you can find the local specialties.
Here is the location of the historic center of Monterosso al Mare: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MWw7wbjH5SxtVpcaA.
Right among the streets of the center you will also find a building that attracts your attention both for its characteristics and its position: the Church of St. John the Baptist.
The church of San Giovanni Battista was built between 1244 and 1307. This church immediately attracts our attention as it is not a church like many others that we find in any part of Italy but it is an example of a typical church Ligurian Gothic style. The classic facade appears in alternating light and dark stripes, more precisely in stripes of white marble and dark green serpentine. The central rose window is perforated in white marble.
Where is the Church of St. John the Baptist located? The church is located in Via Roma 12 in Monterosso al Mare. Here is the location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MLfp5pf2usRBQkVBA.
Statue of the Giant
What is the statue on the beach in Cinque Terre in the town of Monterosso al Mare? The Statue of the Giant is a huge colossus or stone statue that directly overlooks the outermost part of Fegina Beach, the one furthest towards Levanto.
What is the statue on the beach at Monterosso? The statue represents Neptune, the god of the sea.
The sculpture was created in 1910 in reinforced concrete and iron, is 14 meters high and weighs 1700 quintals. Unfortunately, the statue was partially damaged during the Second World War and subsequently in 1966 a strong sea storm weakened the Great Giant even further.
The statue has been partially restored but some parts are still missing today.
The Statue of the Giant is located very close to the pedestrian area in fact it is located on the far right of Monterosso al Mare if you are facing the beach. It is something very simple to see as you can reach the observation point even while taking a walk along the seafront.
In fact, when you walk along Via Fegina at a certain point, you can turn to go where there are benches and the walkway which directly overlooks the bathing establishments and the Statue of the Giant.
You can then sit on one of these benches to observe the sea and at the same time also the Statue of the Giant in total relaxation.
Where are these benches and this walkway located? Here is the point from Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NzHcs1m2aFuxnLyE8.
If, however, you don’t have the desire and time to go near the Statue of the Giant to be able to see it well up close and you are at Fegina beach, in the longest part, you can still glimpse the Giant even if a little further away. In this case, if you are facing the sea, turning your head to the right, you can see the Statue of the Giant in the distance.
Moreover, you may have a better effect from a distance because you don’t even notice the missing parts ;).
Punta Corone
Punta Corone is a magnificent vantage point from which you can see both Monterosso and Vernazza in the distance. Punta Corone is located near the path that leads to Vernazza. It remains slightly outside the center of Monterosso as you have to take a part of the path to get there. What I particularly like about the route to get to Punta Corone is that the path is quite short, extremely panoramic and does not require a lot of effort to follow.
Like any mountain path, you must travel it using the right footwear. In fact, sneakers are recommended. There is even a sign on the path that says that open-toed or smooth-soled shoes are prohibited.
If you walk this path in summer I advise you not to do it during the hottest hours of the day so that you can enjoy the view to the fullest without the thought of having to shelter from the sun.
To be able to go to Punta Corone you must start from the historic center of Monterosso a Mare, in front of the Tragagià beach and head towards the Hotel Porto Roca. During the route you will be able to see, admire and better appreciate the beauty of the historic center of Monterosso al Mare with its tower and the train that passes on the elevated passage. It looks like a postcard country, a country built to be a model to be admired.
Along the path to Punta Corone you also skirt and pass over the cliff. Below you is a wonderful sea that you can’t help but stop to look at.
Once you arrive at Punta Corone you find yourself in a small garden and square directly overlooking the sea and Monterosso. An amphitheater-shaped staircase also faces the sea and is the ideal place to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Here is our experience going to Punta Corone on August 14, 2023.
At 6.05pm we leave from the Monterosso al Mare train station to reach Punta Corone. It’s August 14, 2023, at 6.05pm it’s still 30 degrees centigrade and so we take the opportunity to take this beautiful walk not in the middle of the afternoon but more towards the evening.
This is certainly the ideal time as it is not too hot, you can still see the sea clearly, the transparency of the water and the people are still on the beach, there is still movement. So we can enjoy the show and the view to the fullest.
After having walked along the seafront of Via Fegina we pass under the tunnel and head towards the historic part of Monterosso al Mare.
We pass through Piazza Tina Anselmi and walk along the beach in the old part of Monterosso al Mare.
We then pass next to the Il Casello restaurant and continue straight on, taking the pedestrian street overlooking the sea that leads to Vernazza and the Hotel Porto Roca.
The pedestrian street is made of concrete and the first stretch is uphill. At the Hotel Porto Roca we go down the stairs on the right and take the path to Vernazza. You shouldn’t have any problems finding it as it is also signposted and there is a sign for Vernazza.
From this path we have a priceless view of the oldest part of Monterosso al Mare, with its characteristic clock tower that slowly marks time in the town, with its houses and monuments at the foot of the mountain.
If you continue straight on, at a certain point you will find yourself at a crossroads, but don’t worry because it is easy to understand where you need to go. The 2 directions are well signposted with the relevant signs and distances: on one side Vernazza at 1.5 km and on the other Punta Corone at 500 meters.
However, be careful that the Sentiero Azzurro to Vernazza requires a fee.
At 6.35pm we arrive at Punta Corone. From here we enjoy a magnificent view of the oldest part of Monterosso al Mare. Every now and then we also observe the train that passes right between the historic center and the beach. The sight of the passing train does not disturb the panorama because it is an element that characterizes these places. The passing of the train is that extra feature that completes the picture.
Minividero where you see the train pass in Monterosso al Mare: https://youtube.com/shorts/NJRLRFRq5VY.
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It took us about 30 minutes to get here to Punta Corone, but it must be said that we also went quite slowly as we stopped several times to take photos. It is an easily practicable path, not excessively demanding both in terms of route and time.
However, like any mountain path, you must do it using the right footwear. In fact, sneakers are recommended. There is even a sign on the path that says that open-toed or smooth-soled shoes are prohibited.
At Punta Corone there is also a staircase in the shape of a small arena or amphitheater with steps on which you can sit and admire Monterosso al Mare in peace. Great place to relax enjoy the view and rest before returning to town.
Still here in Punta Corone but on the opposite side of the small amphitheater you can see Vernazza in the distance.
Aurora Tower
Torre Aurora is now a private building but was once a lookout point and also a defensive outpost.
Torre Aurora has a story like in the films, which makes you dream of a past and adventurous life as it was built around the year 1000 to face pirate attacks.
Torre Aurora not only had the defensive task against pirate attacks but it also subsequently maintained its defensive function when in the second half of the 1200s, it was annexed to the properties of the Republic of Genoa. At this point, it was fortified to resist the incursions of the barbarians and Pisans.
Torre Aurora stands out on a rocky spur overlooking the sea that divides Fegina beach from Tragagià beach. You can admire it from the beaches, from the pedestrian street that passes behind the Tower, from the sea but one of the best ways to see and admire it is from the square where the Statue of San Francesco is.
Inside the Aurora Tower there is also a cocktail bar and restaurant. The environment of this place is very beautiful with the arches directly overlooking the sea. The view is magnificent. If you want to see Torre Aurora even a little from the inside by going to this cocktail bar and restaurant, however, I recommend not a dinner but rather an aperitif.
The upper floors of Torre Aurora are used as a private residence and, therefore, cannot be visited.
Panoramic Square Statue of Saint Francis
The square where there is the Statue of San Francesco is a very beautiful panoramic point that can be reached with a little effort. From here you can see Torre Aurora very well, Tragagia beach, which is the one located in front of the historic center of Monterosso al Mare and Fegina beach is a little further away.
How to get to the Piazzale della Statue San Francesco?
You can get to the panoramic point of the statue of San Francesco from three points.
In fact, you can go up both from the side of the historic center of Monterosso al Mare and the beach and seafront side of Via Fegina from 2 routes.
If you go up from the historic center of Monterosso al Mare, take the staircase that goes towards the Tower, more precisely the Salita dei Cappuccini and follow the signs for the monastery.
Here are the coordinates of the point where you have to take the steps to go up: 44.146061,9.654889. If you prefer, here is the link for the location in Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WGy7SwmoQDxeKBDy8.
If instead, you travel along Via Fegina, therefore the seafront of Monterosso al Mare, in the direction that goes from the train station to the tunnel that takes you to the historic center, just before the tunnel, go right towards the tower. Continue straight until you find the staircase with the sign for the convent and in the corner, you also see an iron cross. You have to go up this staircase.
Whether you come from the historic center of Monterosso al Mare or from the opposite side of the tunnel, you will still find yourself in the same point where there are signs for the convent, the iron cross and therefore the start of the staircase.
Another way and another road to get to the Piazzale della Statue of San Francesco is the following.
At Lapo’s restaurant
Or at the following point on Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/7Eagnd.
Also, on the Monterosso al Mare seafront in Via Fegina there is a slightly uphill street, Via Bastioni. At the end of this street on the right begins a very panoramic climb that takes you to the statue of San Francesco.
Villa of Montale
Eugenio Montale, an important Italian writer and poet, also famous internationally for having received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1975, was born in Genoa but spent a good part of his childhood and many summers of adulthood in the Cinque Terre and to be more precise right here in Monterosso a Mare.
In 1905 his father had an Art Nouveau villa built in Monterosso which would later be a great source of inspiration for Eugenio Montale. The poet called it the “Yellow Pagoda” or also “Villa of the Two Palms”. Unfortunately, today the villa cannot be visited because it has become a private villa.
Among Montale’s poems, we remember those of Ossi di Seppia linked to Monterosso. For poetry lovers, it is therefore recommended to go to these places with a small book of his poems, sit down and immerse yourself in reading and like this splendid place. If you are not a particular lover of poetry you can still enjoy small poetic moments by reading the plaques engraved with the poet’s verses that you can find in some places in Monterosso a Mare. The poetic verses are written in Italian but if you don’t speak Italian you could still try using a translator to understand the meaning of these magnificent verses.
Another interesting place to visit linked to Montale is the cemetery in the old village of Monterosso with the family tomb that the poet often mentions in his poems.
Capuchin Convent
If you feel fit you can take a nice walk uphill to the former convent of the Capuchin Friars. This is a panoramic point as from here you can enjoy an enviable panorama.
Here are the coordinates of the point where you have to take the steps to go up: 44.146061,9.654889. If you prefer, here is the link for the location in Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WGy7SwmoQDxeKBDy8.
The road to get there in the initial stretch is the same as the one you take to go to the Statue of San Francesco. However, the Capuchin Convent is higher than the Statue of St. Francis and therefore the effort to reach it uphill is greater. It is not recommended to go to the Capuchin Convent in the summer during the hottest hours of the day.
Orbetenga Origin Castle, now a cemetery
The Orbetenga Origin Castle in Monterosso al Mare represents an important historical and cultural heritage. The Orbetenga Origin Castle, dating back to the 13th century, bears witness to the ancient history and architecture of the region. These places offer a unique perspective on the history and memory of Monterosso al Mare.
Unfortunately today the castle which was overlooking the sea has almost completely disappeared and is used as a municipal cemetery. Three towers still remain of the old castle, although in ruins, some sections of crenellated walls and remains of the citadel.
Things to do near Monterosso al Mare Italy
Places in the Cinque Terre not to be missed if you stay in Monterosso al Mare:
- Vernazza
- Manarola
Vernazza
Vernazza is the Cinque Terre town closest to Monterosso al Mare, so much so that it is clearly visible from Fegina Beach.
Being so close and also being one of the most beautiful Cinque Terre towns to see in terms of characteristics and uniqueness, we undoubtedly include it among the things to see near Monterosso al Mare.
The idea of going to Vernazza in the evening is excellent. How come? Because the sun sets right in front of Vernazza, therefore Vernazza in the late afternoon is illuminated directly by the sun and in this way, the town takes on a magical light.
Even looking at Vernazza in the distance from Fegina Beach in Monterosso, you can clearly see that the town’s colors are more beautiful in the afternoon than in the morning.
How to go to Vernazza from Monterosso al Mare?
Reaching Vernazza from Monterosso al Mare is very simple, in fact there are 3 ways to go from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza, excluding the use of the car. We exclude the use of the car because although the 2 villages of the Cinque Terre are close to each other, getting to Vernazza by car from Monterosso al Mare takes a long time and the road is a very uncomfortable mountain road with hairpin bends.
Here’s how to go from Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare without using a car:
- on a boat
- on the train
- via the walking path.
Vernazza by boat
The most beautiful and scenic way to reach Vernazza from Monterosso al Mare is certainly by boat. By boat you can admire the coast and the cliffs between Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza and, moreover, you can see Vernazza well from the sea.
To go to Vernazza from Monterosso by boat it takes about 10 minutes of navigation and the one-way boat cost verified in August 2023 is 8 euros per person.
To take the boat to Monterosso, here is the pier’s location from where the navigation service connecting the Cinque Terre leaves: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hM1i5h6m7fVAwi8B9.
Vernazza by train
The train station in Monterosso al Mare is located right in front of Fegina Beach on the seafront and is therefore very convenient and easily reachable on foot.
The train from Monterosso goes directly to Vernazza and takes just a few minutes to arrive.
The train is therefore a very convenient solution for moving between the Cinque Terre in general but even more so between Monterosso and Vernazza. Furthermore, there are many trains during the day that go from Monterosso to Vernazza and from Vernazza return to Monterosso.
Trains also run in the evening while the boat service ends in the late afternoon and is unavailable in the evening.
The train ticket is slightly cheaper than the boat ticket. The Monterosso-Vernazza round trip still costs 10 euros per person (prices verified in August 2023).
If you only have to make a Monterosso-Vernazza return trip you are better off purchasing single train tickets, but if you need to travel more between the 5 Terre you should consider purchasing the Cinque Terre Card. Buy several train tickets with these prices it could in fact become quite expensive. The Cinque Terre Card includes some means of transport including the train.
Below is the link: https://www.parconazionale5terre.it/pagina.php?id=148.
Using the train to move around the Cinque Terre has some disadvantages:
- usually in high season the trains are much more crowded than the boats
- the train journey is certainly less scenic than the boat journey.
Hiking to Vernazza on foot via path
An excellent idea especially for those who love walking is to go from Monterosso to Vernazza on foot via the path that runs along the coast.
To take the path from Monterosso to Vernazza, just walk towards the Hotel Roca and follow the signs.
The first stretch of the Monterosso-Vernazza path is the same one that takes you from Monterosso to Punta Corone. At a certain point, however, you see the sign indicating Punta Corone on one side and Vernazza on the other. The distance between Monterosso and Vernazza via path is approximately 3 and a half km.
It is recommended to do this path when it is not too hot and using closed shoes such as sneakers. On the route there is also a sign indicating that it is forbidden to walk the path with open shoes and/or shoes with smooth soles.
Be careful though because here in the Cinque Terre unfortunately the Sentiero Azzurro is paid. If you plan to use the paths often you can consider purchasing the Cinque Terre Card which also includes access to the paths.
The paid Sentiero Azzurro is the one that remains closest to the sea. However, the Sentiero Azzurro is not the only path that connects Monterosso to Vernazza. There is also one higher up which does not require a fee: path number 1 or Sentiero Alto. It’s definitely a little more inconvenient to get to but it’s free.
Please note that during bad weather the paths may be closed.
A beautiful evening in Vernazza
An excellent idea to spend a nice evening different from the usual is to go to Vernazza.
How to get to Vernazza from Monterosso al Mare in the evening?
Vernazza is located just 5 minutes by train from Monterosso al Mare and, given its easy accessibility, it is advisable to take the train to spend a pleasant evening in Vernazza.
You can opt to take the train, for example, at 18:00 or 18:30, so as to arrive in Vernazza in time for a pleasant walk and enjoy the view before dinner.
We chose the train rather than the boat since the boat transport service ends before 6 pm.
You can turn to the convenient automatic machines at the Monterosso train station to purchase your train ticket.
What to do in Vernazza?
Once you arrive at the Vernazza train station, you will immediately notice its location in the historic center of the town, from which you can start your walk. Walking along via Roma and then via Visconti, you will have the opportunity to admire the fascinating characteristic corners of Vernazza and you will head towards the sea and the small square in front of the beach and the tourist port, the most typical area of Vernazza.
Looking at this little square, it is not surprising that its elements inspired the Disney film Luca.
I personally like Vernazza a lot both during the day, especially at sunset, and in the illuminated evening.
In Vernazza in Piazza Guglielmo Marconi (Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XRJxrBeh3cu2mFWv8) several restaurants directly overlook the sea. You can then choose your favorite restaurant where you can enjoy a nice dinner overlooking the sea.
One of the restaurants with the best view is the Bar Restaurant at the castle as it has a terrace that directly overlooks the square and the sea, but the Belforte Restaurant also has an equally spectacular view. These are not the only 2 restaurants to choose from with beautiful views, there are many others.
The Doria Castle
If you have some time before your dinner I recommend you go and see the ruins of the Castello Doria. These ruins can be reached directly from Piazza Marconi on foot. If you are in Piazza Marconi and look up from the opposite side of the church you will see a tower.
From Piazza Marconi, it is necessary to go up to reach the Doria Castle. In the square, you will find an indicative point marking the start of the stairs leading to the tower.
A little effort is required as there are several steps to climb, but it’s worth it considering that entry costs only a few euros and the view from the top is truly spectacular.
Please note that the tower is closed in the evening, so it is recommended to go up before dinner to enjoy the view.
After the visit to the Doria Castle and the tower, you will be just in time for your dinner, perhaps with a sea view, enjoying the delicious typical local dishes.
Once your sight and taste are satisfied it will probably have gotten dark, and you will then be able to admire Vernazza illuminated in the evening.
Time to admire this beautiful view, take some photos, enjoy the sound of the sea in the evening and we can happily walk towards the train station to return to Monterosso.
Going towards the train station you retrace Via Visconti in the center, and then you can also take a last look at the shops. In 5 minutes by train, you are back in Monterosso al Mare.
Doria Castle Vernazza
As I said above, it is absolutely worth going up to see the Doria Castle. First of all because it is located right near the square (Piazza Marconi) overlooking the small beach of Vernazza and therefore you don’t have to move from the historic center to visit it. Furthermore, from the castle tower, the view is truly spectacular for a low cost.
In fact, the verified entry price to the castle in August 2023 is 2 euros per person. The opening hours are from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm.
To get to the Castle you have to go down a narrow street with a long staircase that starts from Piazza Marconi. It certainly takes a bit of effort to get to the top but little by little you can get there and it can be done by anyone who doesn’t have particular mobility problems.
The staircase to reach the Doria Castle starts from Piazza Marconi on the opposite side of the church, in the direction of the pier. The route to take is Via Guidoni. You shouldn’t have any problems finding it as a sign also indicates it.
History of the Doria Castle of Vernazza
Vernazza was a fortified place as early as 1080 and was precisely where the naval forces that fought against the Saracens departed. Furthermore, in the 12th century, the Genoese used the village as a starting point for the conquest of the eastern coast.
The castle built on the rocky promontory to defend the bay dates back to at least the 13th century, as several documents refer to this castle in the indicated period. In 1245, for example, the castle was already described, indicating some details and specifying that it was equipped with defenders, weapons, and supplies.
The constitution of the castle as we see it today is not the original construction but is the result of subsequent additions and modifications.
The castle’s most striking part is its tower, which probably constitutes the oldest area, dating back to the 11th century.
Manarola
Just 10 minutes by train from Monterosso there is another splendid town in the Cinque Terre: Manarola. What distinguishes and characterizes Manarola are the colorful houses perched on the rocks, which overlook the picturesque marina and the sea, creating a unique and evocative spectacle perfect for being immortalized on Instagram. Furthermore, in Manarola, you can find some restaurants that offer a direct view of the sea. The 10-minute train ride from Monterosso to Manarola is worth it for a pleasant evening while staying in Monterosso al Mare. This duration corresponds to the time often taken to move between the various neighborhoods of any city using the subway.
As in Vernazza, here in Manarola, the train station is very convenient as it is located in the historic center. Once you exit the train station, you are ready to walk along the main street: Via Renato Birolli. While walking along this street, you will want to look around because it is lovely and characteristic. Just enough time to take a walk, and in just 5 or 10 minutes, you are already at the marina overlooking the sea to see this beautiful show: https://youtube.com/shorts/xcayC3fbCcw?si=LK_Vz-96bT611LCs.
Here is the Google Maps location of the Manarola panoramic point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pqAMdq4RKXw8xVqG7.
As for the best time to arrive in Manarola to spend a beautiful summer evening when the days are longer, I can advise you to arrive around 6:00 pm and no later than 6:30 pm.
This is because a part of the scenic walk along the seafront from which you can take nice photos is already in the shade at 7 pm even in August. It is true that after 7 pm it is still beautiful to see the town and the panorama, but some glimpses of the sea are no longer as appreciable as they might be if you arrive a little earlier with the sun illuminating the sea and the coast.
Furthermore, here in Manarola, there are not many restaurants with a sea view, so if you arrive early you have time to take some nice photos and sit in the restaurant before it gets too full.
As we said, in Manarola, some restaurants with sea views are available, such as Nessun Dorma and Alla Marina. After enjoying a delicious dinner, we advise you not to miss the unique spectacle that Manarola offers illuminated at night. In this way, you will be able to experience an enjoyable and unforgettable evening, in complete relaxation and without much effort.
The return train ticket costs 10 euros per person: 5 euros for the outward journey and 5 euros for the return journey. The price of the train ticket to go to Manarola is the same as the price you pay to go to Vernazza. The prices quoted are verified in August 2023.
Sunset in Monterosso al Mare
The sun in Monterosso al Mare does not set in front of the beach but sets in a lateral position to Fegina beach, in the direction of Levanto, and slightly shifts towards the hinterland.
The sun gradually disappears behind a promontory that we have right in this direction. From Fegina beach we do not see the sunset over the sea.
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