Imagine a shiny, pebble and sand beach framed by a pretty bay and dramatic cliffs, disappearing into a tranquil turquoise sea.
With a backdrop of pastel houses, a quaint old wharf and rocky hills, Monterosso Beach draws visitors from far and wide. Cinque Terre hikers don’t necessarily set off looking for places to swim, but this spot is as beautiful as any beach on the Ligurian Sea. What sets this beach apart is that instead of just large pebbles, it actually has sand, rare along this rocky coastline.
Monterosso al Mare is the northernmost of the Cinque Terre villages and is the one least like an old fishing village and most like a modern resort. The beach is wide and you can walk its whole length, drinking in the sea air, mingling with locals and tourists on the sand or the sidewalk on the promontory above it. Wade into the beautiful salty blue sea and float around, looking back at the shimmering town with its green hills rising behind it. The beach is also the perfect location for a tour in a small boat.
This beach is recognizable for the huge boulder that juts out of the water in the shallows. If you’re feeling brave, try climbing it and getting a better view of the cliffs and far horizon. Another special attraction is Il Gigante, a 46-foot-tall (14-meter) mysterious rugged male figure carved from concrete in 1910. It’s Neptune, holding back the waves, although he has lost his arms, trident and seashell due to bombing in World War II. Walk to the end of the beach to get a glimpse and take a photo.
It’s not a secret that Monterosso Beach is a gorgeous spot to lie in the sun. In peak season you’ll need to reserve your colorful beach umbrella and deckchair a few days in advance. Between swimming and sunbathing, you won’t need to travel far to taste the regional delights including white wine, olives and seafood, as the shoreline and town feature numerous dining options.
