The Italian Riviera is a conglomeration of small coastline cities on the Liguria sea of Italy and borders France. Portofino, Bordighera, Lerici and Cinque Terre are among the more infamous cities on the Italian Riviera. Monterosso, Italy is not as well known to most tourists due to its westernmost location. This Italian Riviera city unpretentiously sits in a valley between rolling olive groves and vineyards. The surroundings may be reminiscent of Renaissance Italy, but locals consider Monterosso to be one of the more modern cities on the Italian Riviera. However, Monterosso is subdivided into two parts – the old and new city.
Unlike the rocky coastlines of neighboring villages in Italy, Monterosso has the longest sandy beach on the Italian Riviera. Early humans were as much interested in the Italian Riviera as today’s resort guests and tour groups. Civilizations frequently fended and secured the coastline of Italy from invasions throughout history.
Archaeologists have found numerous fragments of decorated shells and jewelry in this area of Italy. The walls that fortify most of the Italian Riviera cities likely protected them from invasions. Muslim and Viking explorers frequently attempted to rampage the Italian Riviera cities.
Remnants of the Roman Empire’s etruscan road and the walls place a historical stamp upon Monterosso, Italy. Villagers still celebrate the Corpus Christi festival and live a maritime lifestyle. Religion and fishing have long been the habitus for maritime villagers in Italy. Definitely avoid travel during major Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter (unless you are on a pilgrimage or otherwise cannot get the time off).
Meanwhile, Monterosso’s contemporary restaurants, nightclubs, and resorts create the lavish environment of the Italian Riviera. Party all week long, go hiking along cliffside pathways through antiquity, or converse with the locals. The versatility of Monterosso permits travelers the opportunity to decide upon an ideal getaway in Italy.
Things to Do
A day of travel in Monterosso, Italy includes the preferred method of getting around, which is to wander the gardens and produce stands. After visitors sample food and wine until contentment, he or she typically basks in the sun on sandy beach of the Italian Riviera. The beach is 6-15 US Dollars per day. While the lower price range includes one chair, the higher price includes an umbrella and two chairs.
Several days of absolute spoilage sometimes incites a desire to actually explore and travel around Monterosso. Monterosso is a combination of old world Italy and the new Italian Riviera. The Aurora Tower straddles the Old Town and New Town, and it affords a pleasant view of the entire city. As visitors walk throughout Monterosso, it becomes increasingly apparent that this Italian Riviera city is quite hilly. Nevertheless, car travel is discouraged and sometimes difficult to arrange.
The Convent of Cappuccini is also located on a hill in Monterosso, Italy. The 17th century, Medieval structure houses the Church of Saint Francis. The church contains a respectable collection of art. The Crucifixion by Anthony Van Dych and marble triptych by Domenico Gare are perhaps the most well known pieces. Open hours are 9AM until Noon and 4 until 7PM weekdays.
Although Monterosso is an attraction of its own, the Sentiero Azzurro footpaths serve as a captivating tour for many Italian Riviera vacationers. The footpath connects all five villages over a 12 km trail. Panoramic views of the ocean, natural sanctuaries, and an encounter with the shrine of Mary Magadelene on the way to Monterosso are only a few of the scenic tour highlights.
The walking travel tour from Riomaggiora to Manarola is paved and the easiest walk from Monterosso. Time to completion is about 20 minutes. The most arduous tour is from Vernazza to Monterosso, Italy. The staircases and cliffs require at least 1.5 hours of time from Monterosso. There are signs in every city that lead travelers between the exchange points. The walking tour begins at the Riomaggiora railway station outside Monterosso.
Coordinate Trenitalia service to travel between certain points of the Italian Riviera footpaths. Travelers often prefer to only complete a portion of the trail and take the train to the remaining Italian Riviera villages. Furthermore, Trenitalia connects visitors to almost any town in Italy or travel to almost any major city in Europe.
Weather
The weather in Monterosso adds to its Mediterranean, coastal flair. The climate, like most of the Italian Riviera, is mild even during the Winter. This is an ideal time for travel from many cities the United States and Canada where it is quite cold. The Alps and Apennines shield this area of Italy from cold winds and recycles the sea breezes year round.
Temperature ranges are low. There is usually a small change between day time and evening. However, prepare at least a couple outfits in your travel items for the unexpected. Microclimates can occasionally cause warm or cold spells at any time on the Italian Riviera.
July and August are the hottest months. You will likely find travel and tour specials in these months. Monterosso nightlife is more intense and gratifying during the late Summer. Carry plenty of bottled water and wear sunblock under sun exposure, especially while participating in outdoor sports, travel groups and beach activities.
Visitors for whom a hike along the footpaths is their primary goal should try to avoid Monterosso and the Italian Riviera in July and August. The very dry heat is ultimately tiresome and can be uncomfortable for people not accustomed to summer travel in a semiarid climate. Consider the Spring or Autumn specifically for hiking tours of Italy.
Winter snow can lightly dust Monterosso even at low altitudes. Skiers and powder enthusiasts stay at the Italian Riviera resorts and ascend the Alps at ski time in Italy. On the ground level, travelers never have to bundle up. A combination of a light sweater, sunglasses and coat usually provides comfort for winter travel in the Italian Riviera.
Reference:
- Italian Riviera Office of TourismTrenitalia
