Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare (Monterosso by the sea) is known as the resort town of the Cinque Terre. It is the only one of the five hamlets that you can actually drive all the way to the town. It comes complete with beach umbrellas that are rentable and a very busy and thriving nightlife.
Monterosso is also the only town that is built on flat land. And it's made up of two different parts. One is the new part of town called Fegina.
Fegina has the parking lots, the train station and a tourist information stand. The other part is known as centro storico - the Old World charm preserved in its crooked lanes, tiny hole-in-the wall shops, and pastel buildings.
Visitors can walk through a pedestrian tunnel that connects the two parts of the town. Or, if you want a more scenic stroll, take a little detour around the point and you'll end up with a beautiful walk.
You'll also see two important landmarks. Look for the 16th-century lookout tower which was built after a devasting pirate raid in 1545. And you'll see what is called, a "Nazi pillbox", which is a low concrete bunker where gunners hid. Read more about that on our history page.
One of the nifty things about Monterosso is that if you are on the beach, you can see each of the towns that make up Cinque Terre. It's especially pretty after dark, when each town is lit up and sparkles like diamonds in the night.
There is lots to see and do in Monterosso, particularly if you are more interested in the luxury-style hotels and nightlife. Nevertheless, it's a great place to visit and experience the old with the new.
For more great info on Monterosso, check out some of the links below:
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