Monterosso al Mare
The only true sandy beach of the Cinque Terre.
Overview
Monterosso's long sandy beach is the easiest Cinque Terre beach to enjoy. The Fegina side offers wide free sections and full facilities, all a short walk from the train station.
Good for
Public access
Mix of free and paid sections
Beach clubs available: Yes — sunbeds and umbrellas can usually be rented in season.
How to get there
By train: Monterosso al Mare railway station - located just steps from the beach, making it the most convenient arrival point in the entire Cinque Terre. Frequent regional trains connect Monterosso with La Spezia, Levanto, and Genoa
By bus: No direct bus service to the beach area - train travel is the primary and recommended way to reach Monterosso al Mare
Parking: Very limited paid parking available outside the historic centre and uphill areas - in summer, spaces are extremely scarce and often full early in the day due to restricted car access in the Cinque Terre
On foot: Easy, flat walk directly from the station to the beach in just a few minutes. The route is straightforward, with the seaside promenade and old town accessible immediately upon arrival
Facilities
Practical tips
More about Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the Cinque Terre and one of the best places in the area for a proper seaside day. Unlike the smaller rocky swimming spots in the other Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso has a longer shoreline, clear blue water and a mix of public beach areas and managed beach clubs. The beach is set below the colourful village of Monterosso al Mare, with views of the Ligurian coast and the surrounding cliffs. It is especially popular because it combines the beauty of the Cinque Terre with more space, easier swimming and better beach facilities than many nearby villages. Monterosso Beach is mostly sand mixed with small pebbles and gravel, making it more comfortable than many rocky beaches in Liguria. The water is usually good for swimming when the sea is calm, and the beach works well for couples, families and visitors who want to spend time by the sea rather than only walking between villages. One of the biggest advantages of Monterosso is accessibility. Monterosso train station is very close to the seafront, making it one of the easiest Cinque Terre beaches to reach without a car. This also makes it a good base if you want to combine a beach day with exploring Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore by train. Because Monterosso is one of the most popular destinations in the Cinque Terre, it gets very busy in July and August, especially around the main beach areas and beach clubs. For a more relaxed visit, arrive early, stay later in the afternoon, or visit in May, June or September. Monterosso al Mare Beach is a great choice if you want the classic Cinque Terre scenery but also want a more comfortable and practical beach day. It is less hidden and more developed than some Ligurian coves, but that is exactly what makes it one of the best beach options in the Cinque Terre.
Location
Other beaches in Liguria are shown on the map — tap a pin to open its page.
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