Things to Do in Monterosso

This footpath stretches from the very eastern part of the town in Hamlet, Regina and goes along the whole railway station and the next tunnel across the beach and ends on the western side where the pedestrian square starts. The specialty of this footpath is the views you can enjoy while you simply walk along it.

The path is really narrow at some places and you have to stop to let the people coming from the opposite direction pass and again at some points it is very wide and peaceful. The footpath also includes a stone bridge on which, if you stand you can get the most beautiful views of the sea. There are also a few benches at this place if you want to sit and relax. After this as you start moving down the bridge you get the most breath taking views of the whole town as well. As you reach the end of the railway station you also find the Church of Santa Margherita on your way.

This is a company that offers fantastic tours along the coastline. It is also rated as the best possible way to explore Cinque Terre by everyone who has once tried this. The company is named after a guy named Angelo, who would also be your boat driver, your host and your guide.

He is a very humble and generous person and you will find each bit of the journey very comfortable with him. As you start your journey you will be served with some very traditional refreshments and drinks. It is a very good experience to sip on your drinks and listen to all the tales of the coastline. To top it the other staff on board is also very friendly with the guests.

This is a lovely church cum monastery that is situated on top of a hill that is lead up by quite a number of stairs. In spite of that it is simply a not- to- miss as the stress is completely compensated by the incredible views. As you start climbing up the stairs you are welcomed into a very peaceful atmosphere with greenery all around and an awesome view of the Ligurian Sea.

Once you reach the church you will find it is very clean and well maintained with beautifully decorated interiors. As you move forward you get inside the attached monastery which is quite big and there is magic inside that heals all your tiredness and worries. Next to this is a cemetery, which is a favorite with tourists as they can take a little rest from all the climbing and hiking out here. The statue of St. Francis is a fabulous lookout point from where you can enjoy some of the most breath- taking views of the whole city, seas and the distant mountains.

The gigantic sculpture of Neptune overlooks the Italian riviera town of Monterosso del Mare making it a jaw dropping scene in Cinque Terra. This colossal structure was designed and built by Arrigo Minerbi, the Jewish Italian sculptor, who is also credited with the making of numerous cathedrals and for his bronze door on the Duomo in Milan. This concrete built sculpture was heavily destroyed by the allied bombing runs but still stood high in its position. Due to this it became the symbol of the town, marking resilience. At first you will find it to be merged in the rocky cliffs, however, its identity stays quite visible and stark if you look carefully.

One of the most beautiful and quaint beaches of Cinque Terra, this place is a must if you love serenity and quietude. Photographers will love its location for clicking great pics and earning some splendid memories. For swimming, this beach is ideal in Cinque Terra as the water remains warm and clear. Take a stroll around the beach during sunset and you will see the city and sea glimmering with golden and red hues. Just be careful of the big rocks that populate its sandy land.

This is that part of town where you can experience a perfect blend of the old and new town picture. The new town area is very modern with large buildings, shops, restaurants, cafes, museums with nice views of the sea. The highlight of this part is the tunnel as you cross the railway station. The other and more adventurous way to explore this place is by taking the way around the cliffs. The latter is a bit more tiresome but is definitely better when talking about the views.

On the other hand the old part of the town is marked by narrow streets, old buildings, traditional shops selling local goods, small restaurants, cozy cafes and beautifully designed churches and other such views. It is a good way to get an insight into the history and original lifestyle of the small town. The views of the beach are equally beautiful from this part.

This is a boat rental company that provides tour services of the Ligurian Coast from Monterosso Al Mare till Portovenere and the island Palmaria. You get to explore the rocks and water bodies in a beautiful Gozzo Sorentino. They also guide you for swimming in the remotest bays of Monterasso.

The host and guide Stefano is a local and is absolutely in love with his town. His wit and humor keeps on entertaining you along the journey and makes your trip of the “5 Cities” even more memorable.

Also known as the Church of St. John the Baptist, this is situated in Piazza Don Giovanni Minzoni in the province of La Spezia. This is the parish under the Diocese of La- Spezia- Sarzana- Bruganto.

The present structure that we see was built around the 13th- 14th century and later was renovated in the Baroque period. The design and exteriors are beautiful with the double color tone of marble white and dark serpentine. There is a large marble white rose window, under which you will find the beautiful fresco depicting the Baptism of Christ.

The interiors are equally mesmerizing but the architectural style is a typical Gothic one here with 3 different naves. There is also the Bell Tower that was earlier on a watch tower and the fortifications later done by the Republic of Genoa.

While you are exploring the town of Cinque Terra, you will come across a beautiful monument of San Francesco d'Assisi. The saint is portrayed with arms that are lifted up and palms facing in the direction of the Basilica of St. John as if in the act of tranquil prayer. This monument is flanked with five other statues of followers who accompanied him during his journey to Rome to meet Pope Innocent III (1198-1216). As you look at this monument carefully, you will also see an inscription with verses of the eleventh canto of Paradise of the Divine Comedy embedded. Spend here some moments in quietude and spirituality.

This is a Medieval Era Clock Tower that can be seen from quite a long distance and it is always 10 minutes to 9 in this clock. It is quite a hike to reach this place and the stairs make it somewhat easier for you.

The views from this place are absolutely unreal and words are really not enough to express how beautiful it is. The tower still has that one large window with iron bars and the bricks coming out from under the coating of plaster that has eroded over the years. This is one of the emblems of the town that is just not to be missed!

Better known as the Church of Brotherhood of Death and Prayer, this is an unusual church with an element of grotesque added to it. So, what makes it appalling? There are bones and skulls hanging around that render mystery as well as fear. However, behind this uncanny depiction is the idea that death is an inevitable part of human life and should be rather accepted rather than avoided. Further, Prayer is an essential feature before death to attain salvation as well as peace.

Sometimes, you don’t need a manmade structure in order to invoke pruned beauty. Located in the centre of Cinque Terre, Buranco Agriturismo can be very easily termed as a natural amphitheatre where wine is produced inviting the connoisseurs of this drink. Apart from lush vineyards, there are olive and lemon groves which offer an image of a typical Mediterranean setting. Take a wine tour here so as to taste some of the great samples of this divine drink.

This is a nice shop selling all types of Italian wine, juices, pestos, marmalades, crockery, fruits and other such items. The owner of the shop is Lorenzo and he is loved by everyone because of his nice behavior. He is always so entertaining and happy and he will also let you taste his wines and his special limencillo. This is one of the nicest places from where you can collect bottles of good wine to take back home as a mark of Italy.

Also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Soviore, it is a religious building in the Province of La Spezia. It is a part of the famous National Park of Cinque Terre and is situated amidst beautiful mountains and forests. It is part of the Diocese of La Spezia- Sarzana- Bruganto.

The exact date of the church’s construction is still in the dark however, some official documents state that it was sometime during the 13th century. It is till date one of the most important religious buildings of the province that is marked by unique architecture and designs. At present we see that there are 3 naves and some remnants of once beautiful columns and towers. Inside there are beautiful frescoes, the image of Virgin Mary, a Madonna Regent knees the dead Christ and other marine murals.

The other part where there is an old stage is still the part for guests and mass choir. The oldest part of the whole church is the still charming Bell Tower.

This is the only spa and wellness center of the town and above all it is better than almost all massages you have ever booked. Giorgio Moggia has magic hands and a lot of knowledge about which tissues need a better focus when you have sore limbs.

If you are tired and have a painful back and shoulders due to all the travelling for a few days, this is the perfect place to rejuvenate your body. He will treat you from inside out and the best part is that this man understands everything even before you do about your own body! His equipments and tables are too comfortable and his behavior is very friendly.