Monterosso al Mare is one of the five fabulous fishing villages of Cinque Terre National Park. Trains from the north stop here first and the town is easily accessible by car, making it one of the busiest transport hubs on the coast. Bask in its long stretch of sandy beach; set off on foot or by rail to the other four seaside villages; or explore the coastline on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak. A Cinque Terre boat tour ranks as one of the best things to do in Monterosso al Mare.
With churning seas and alpine winds, the Cinque Terre coastline in winter is unforgiving. Spring brings more inviting weather, but also the first wave of crowds that overrun this A-list destination until fall. The most popular time of year to visit is the summer, of course, when you can hike the coastal trails or set sail for a pleasure cruise. The early spring and late fall bring unpredictable forecasts, but significantly sparser crowds and milder temperatures.
Monterosso al Mare is the most automobile-accessible village in the Cinque Terre—though the historic center itself is pedestrian-only, so you have to park just outside of town. Its streets are also significantly less steep than its neighbors, so getting around on foot is less challenging than in the vertical villages farther south. All five Cinque Terre towns are connected by a convenient local train and by a series of scenic trails that skirt the waterfront; ferries also run regularly between the villages in summer.
Monterosso al Mare and its four sister villages (Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park, so you’ll need to buy a Cinque Terre Card to access the trails that run between them from spring through fall. Opt for the Trekking Card for trail access or the Treno Card for trail access and unlimited rail transport; you can buy 24- or 48-hour options online or at the trail access points inside the park.
