Monterosso al Mare

Best things to do in Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare Must-Sees

Monterosso al Mare, the largest village of the Cinque Terre, is divided into a modern district and a historic center. Key highlights include the 14th-century Gothic Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Church of San Francesco, which houses a Crucifixion painting attributed to Van Dyck. The coastline features the extensive Fegina beach and the iconic 14-meter-tall concrete Giant statue. Medieval defensive structures like the Aurora Tower sit atop San Cristoforo hill, while the ruins of the Sant'Antonio del Mesco hermitage offer panoramic views from the coastal hiking trails.

Monterosso al Mare Must-Sees — Map

Lee & Chantelle McArthur / CC BY 2.0

A

Monterosso al Mare Beaches

Three stripes of white sands enveloped by the azure sea - just pick whichever one you like.

Davide Papalini / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista

A 14th-century Gothic-Genoese church featuring a distinctive white and green striped marble facade and an intricate rose window. It is located in the heart of the old town.

Marcela Mihessen / CC-BY-SA

C

Gigante

A 14-meter-high concrete sculpture of Neptune created in 1910 by Arrigo Minerbi. It originally functioned as a support for a shell-shaped terrace of the Villa Pastine.

GIANFRANCO NEGRI / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Chiesa di San Francesco

This 17th-century Capuchin monastery and church stands on San Cristoforo hill. It contains notable artworks, including a Crucifixion painting attributed to the Flemish master Anthony van Dyck.

Carlos Mario Tamayo O / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Torre Aurora

A 16th-century defensive tower built by the Republic of Genoa to protect the village from pirate raids. It occupies a strategic position on the cliff separating the old and new towns.

Davide Papalini / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Sant'Antonio del Mesco

Ruins of an 11th-century hermitage and church located on the Punta Mesco promontory. The site historically served as both a religious retreat and a strategic maritime lookout.

G

Spiaggia di Fegina

The largest sandy beach in the Cinque Terre, located in the modern Fegina district. It is characterized by its clear waters and the iconic rock formations rising from the sea.

H

Monteroso Levante Small Harbour

A small pier in the historic center used by the ferry boats that connect the Cinque Terre villages, as well as by local fishing boats.

I

Porticciolo Monterosso Ponente

A small harbor area located at the western end of Fegina beach, primarily serving local recreational boats and small marine craft.

J

Sant' Antonio al Mesco

A waypoint and panoramic viewpoint located along the hiking trail toward Punta Mesco, offering expansive views of the Ligurian coastline.

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