Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the 5 villages in Cinque Terre, but this is by no means large as the population is possibly around 1,000 people. There are two primary streets serving as the main arteries from town right down to the beach. There are dozens of small alleys and streets that you can follow deeper into town. It is a quiet, picturesque town and on the main streets, you’ll find the typical souvenier shops, cafes and stores. Getting lost down the side streets is where the true magic is that gives you a sense of what it is to live in this fairytale town.

We stopped for some capuccino a cornetto and a strawberry & custard pastry at Ely Caffe. This is a small, understated cafe with three tables inside and about 5 small tables outside. The coffee was phenomenal and the pastries are not to be missed. Flaky, buttery, sweet, but not overbearing. I highly recommend stopping by to satisfy your cravings.

Monterosso al Mare is known for it’s pesto – claimed to be the home of true pesto sauce – as well as the Focaccia. I sampled some Rosemary and Tomato and Sardine at Focaccieria Il Frontoio which I highly recommend. Needless to say, the focaccia is served and the smell as you walk in is truly nothing short of intoxicating.