Monterosso is the largest and most touristy of the 5 villages. It has plenty of open space, tons of larger hotels, restaurants and is the only one of the 5 towns with a proper beach. If you are in a large group for a family vacation or have kids, Monterosso is the ideal spot for you. The kids will enjoy the beach and adjacent playground and there will be plenty of space compared to the much more cramped situation you will find in the other villages. While Monterosso is beautiful and offers a lot more to explore than the other towns, if you are a couple looking for, say, a more rustic and romantic experience…I would read on and pick a different village to stay in.
Best things to do in Monterosso al Mare:
– Sun bath on Cinque Terre’s only beach: The beach is a mixture of sand and fine gravel. The main beach is not free, however. You must pay a small fee to rent a chair or umbrella to use the beach. Well worth it if you’re set on spending some time enjoying the beach while on your trip to Cinque Terre.
– Being the only town in Cinque Terre with an actual beach, Monterosso is the perfect spot to launch an aquatic adventure. The two that I would highly recommend are: The Cinque Terre Sunset Boat Tour and The Cinque Terre Kayak Tour. Both tours leave from Monterosso. The Sunset Boat Tour involves a sunset cruise along the coastline, a stop in a secluded lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, a local apertivo made from local ingredients and drinks throughout the trip. The Kayak Tour provides you with a kayak and an expert guide to help you travel through secluded caves, along stunning cliffs and to otherwise unseen beaches. More info can be found by clicking the links above
– Monterosso has by far the most in the way of shopping, souvenirs and boutique shops. Explore the little side streets and stock up on olive oil, pesto and local wines.
– Make sure to see the giant statue of Neptune carved into the stones at the far end of Fagina Beach (see photo below)
Best places to Eat & Drink in Monterosso al Mare:
Ristorante Miky: The best restaurant in Monterosso. Every meal is equally beautiful as it is delicious. Try the cappellini with tomatoes, olives and local fish baked in a puff-pastry shell.
San Martino Gastronomia: Wonderful little pasta restaurant specializing in authentic genuine Italian cuisine where they make the pasta fresh while you wait and feature daily fresh fish specials caught earlier that day.
Pizzeria La Pia: Tucked away behind the center square this is the spot to go for take out pizza.
Il Bocconicino: This unassuming, walk-away fried seafood spot is located beneath the train station. Here they will fry fresh seafood you picked out right in front of you while you wait and place it in a giant paper cone for you to eat. Grab one of these masterpieces and sit on the nearby park benches over looking the sea.
La Taverna: Simple unassuming pizza and pasta dishes at very reasonable prices.
Pasticceria Bar Laura: Start off your day with an excellent fresh breakfast featuring freshly squeezed orange juice, perfectly brewed cappuccino, and the famous local pastry torta Monterossina
Gelato artigianale Il Golosone: Best artisanal gelato in town
Enoteca Internazionale: This is the oldest wine shop in town, so don’t miss out on stopping in for a wine tasting.
Besides eating, drinking wine, wandering the streets and starting your hike to Vernazza…there simply isn’t much else “to do” in Monterosso, but that’s also what is so very very nice about Cinque Terre. You’re coming here to relax and enjoy amazing wine and food in the most gorgeous setting imaginable.
