Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare is the largest village in Cinque Terre which is National Park in Northern Italy which is made up of five beautiful villages linked together by a hiking trail, a train and the sea. It was actually excluded from the Cinque Terre for a short while between 1948 and 1949 because Italian officials thought it was too large.

For tourists who are looking for a busy, beach village in the summer months then Monterosso al Mare is the place to be.

The village is divided by a tunnel with the new development on one side and the older part of the village on the other. The train drops you off on the new side.

Historical sights in Monterosso al Mare include a castle partially ruined by the Genoese and the lovely parish church of St. John the Baptist which features a stunning fresco portraying the baptism of Christ.

There is a lovely atmosphere in Monterosso al Mare especially during the summer months where you can enjoy the happy-go-lucky feeling along with delicious local white wine and olives in its numerous bars, cafes and restaurants.

For tourists who are visiting Cinque Terre for the hiking, the heat of July and August should be avoided. The Spring or Autumn months are the best for hiking and tourists should always be prepared for the occasional downpour.

Monterosso al Mare is a village that is suitable for any type of traveler including young single backpackers,
families with young children and older couples. There is something for everyone.

The hike between Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza is one of the steepest, highest, longest, and most beautiful on the trail. If you start in Riomaggiore, you end in Monterosso and vice versa.