Italy
Whether you have a short layover or an extended stay, these plans help you maximize your time in Monterosso. They include options for a quick 24-hour visit, a weekend getaway, a comprehensive week, or even two weeks for an in-depth exploration.
For example, a 24-hour visit could involve an afternoon arrival, exploring the old town and enjoying seafood dinner. The next morning could include a hike or a quick train ride to Vernazza before departure.
Tailor your Monterosso plan to your specific interests, whether history, food, adventure, or relaxation.
Concentrate visits on the old towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore. Visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista, Capuchin Convent, and Oratory of Confraternita dei Neri in Monterosso. Explore ancient castles and historical landmarks.
Base yourself in Monterosso for its variety of restaurants. Take a pesto-making class to learn this regional specialty. Visit local vineyards for wine tasting, including the unique Sciacchetrà. Sample fresh focaccia from bakeries and fried anchovies from street food vendors.
Focus on hiking all open trails within the Cinque Terre National Park, including both the Sentiero Azzurro and higher paths. Rent a kayak or take a stand-up paddleboard tour along the coast, exploring sea caves and hidden coves.
Stay in Monterosso’s Fegina area for easy access to its sandy beach, which suits children well. Mix train travel with short, manageable walks between villages, avoiding strenuous hikes. Enjoy plenty of beach days for swimming and sand play.
Appreciate the terraced landscape as a remarkable example of human ingenuity. Observe the colorful, stacked houses of each village. Visit churches for their Ligurian Gothic and Romanesque architectural features. For spiritual journeys, hike to sanctuaries above each village for peaceful reflection and stunning views.
The unique terraced landscape is a testament to human design. The houses show traditional Ligurian style.
Visit sanctuaries like Santuario di Nostra Signora di Soviore for tranquility. Consider low season visits for greater quiet.
Start days with morning beach walks. Focus on fresh, local food that nourishes you. Find moments of calm.
Your budget influences your travel choices. Here are plans tailored to different spending levels.
Stay in hostels in nearby Corniglia or Levanto for budget-friendly dorm beds. Rely heavily on walking. Self-cater most meals by buying groceries. Enjoy cheap eats like focaccia slices and picnics. Focus on free activities: extensive hiking, swimming, and exploring villages.
Stay in a comfortable B&B or guesthouse in Monterosso’s old town or Fegina. Use the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card for convenient and unlimited train travel and hiking access. Eat at local trattorias for dinner, savoring authentic Ligurian cuisine. Opt for picnics or casual cafes for lunch.
Stay at a high-end property like Hotel Porto Roca or rent a private villa with stunning sea views. Arrange private boat charters for exclusive coastal tours and water taxis for convenient transfers. Indulge in fine dining at top-rated restaurants, enjoying gourmet Ligurian cuisine. Consider a private chef experience.
Travel during the shoulder season (April, May, September, October) for a better balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more favorable prices for accommodation and tours. Book accommodations well in advance to secure better rates. Mix free activities with a few paid experiences.
Day 1: Arrival & Monterosso Exploration: Settle in, explore Monterosso al Mare, visit its old town, Aurora Tower, and enjoy Fegina beach. Enjoy aperitivo and dinner in the old town. Day 2: Cinque Terre Village Hopping: Purchase a Cinque Terre Card. Morning: Train to Riomaggiore, explore its harbor. Train to Manarola, explore and perhaps hike to Volastra. Lunch in Manarola. Afternoon: Train to Vernazza, explore its harbor. Evening: Return to Monterosso for dinner. Day 3: Scenic Views & Departure: Morning: Hike Monterosso-Vernazza trail or take a ferry for scenic views, stopping at one more village. Enjoy Fegina beach before lunch. Depart from Monterosso.
Days 1-3: In-depth Cinque Terre: Follow the weekend itinerary but dedicate more time to each village. Include a pesto-making class, a wine tasting at a local vineyard, and more extensive hiking. Visit the Capuchin Convent for sunset views. Day 4: Portovenere Excursion: Day trip to Portovenere, exploring Doria Castle and the Church of San Pietro. Day 5: Levanto & Cycling: Train to Levanto, enjoy its beach, and cycle the path to Bonassola and Framura. Day 6: Relaxation & Coastal Activity: Relax in Monterosso, enjoy beach time, or consider a boat tour/kayaking. Day 7: Departure: Prepare for your departure.
Combine the one-week Cinque Terre experience with 3-4 days in Florence and Tuscany, plus 2-3 days in Genoa or the Santa Margherita Ligure/Portofino area. This approach presents a diverse experience of Liguria's coast and cities, along with the art and countryside of Tuscany.
Consider renting an apartment in Monterosso, Levanto, or La Spezia. Use this as a comfortable base for exploring the entire Ligurian coast at a leisurely pace. This setup also fits longer day or weekend trips into Tuscany or other parts of Italy, offering comfort and flexibility.
Embrace the quiet for an authentic local experience. Focus on culinary delights and the cozy atmosphere. Be ready for some closures of restaurants and businesses. Utilize the train for inter-village travel, as ferries may not operate.
Check trail statuses carefully, as many may close due to weather or maintenance in the off-season. Plan alternative activities if hiking is not an option.
