Moneglia: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!

Framed by two mountain promontories, Moneglia is located in a sheltered bay on the Ligurian Sea in Italy. The charming seaside resort has an original old town and two castles. From Moneglia, you can explore the Cinque Terre National Park on numerous hiking trails and visit the unique colorful villages built into the rock.

Table of contents

Moneglia - Must-see attractions
Moneglia - Secret spots
Moneglia - In 3 days

Moneglia - Must-see attractions

Moneglia - Holiday homes & apartments

Beach of Moneglia

Just outside the municipality of Moneglia is the beach of the same name, surrounded by a magnificent mountain backdrop. With its gently sloping shore, the coastal section is popular with families with children who can splash around in the water without worry. At Moneglia Beach, you can engage in a variety of activities. Relax on the rentable sun loungers, dine at the beach restaurant, or try water sports like catamaran sailing or jet skiing. Other amenities include changing rooms, showers, and lifeguard supervision.

Town center of Moneglia

Compared to the often crowded holiday resorts on the Riviera di Levante, Moneglia is wonderfully quiet. Here you can stroll through narrow alleys and let your gaze calmly wander over the sea. The San Giorgio Church is striking. The 14th-century house of worship has a black-and-white striped bell tower. Numerous hiking trails run through the holm oak forests around Moneglia. From the 845 m high Monte San Nicolao, you can admire the Apuan Alps.

Liguria Trail

This long-distance hiking trail connects the towns of Ventimiglia at the westernmost and Luni at the easternmost coastal point of Liguria. The trail measures around 650 km and is traditionally divided into 29 stages. It repeatedly leads along the coast with panoramic views high above. Join the Sentiero Liguria for a multi-day tour at your leisure or hike the entire route. Small coastal towns like Alassio, Varazze, or Bogliasco invite you to stroll along the way, while the port city of Genoa provides variety with its big-city flair.

Church of San Giorgio

The medieval church of San Giorgio was inhabited by Franciscan monks for centuries. Kept simple on the outside, there are many details to discover inside. A wooden group depicts Saint George as a dragon slayer. A canvas depiction of George is said to be by Rubens. The cloisters added in the 15th century house further sacred treasures. In addition to remnants of some medieval frescoes, you can also admire a marble relief from 1455 and a bronze bell from the 14th century in the quiet corridors.

Fortress of Monleone

The fortress of Monleone was commissioned by the Republic of Genoa in the 12th century. It sits atop a hill high above Moneglia and is surrounded by an extensive garden. Only the outer walls of the old fortress remain. At the beginning of the 20th century, at the request of the Marchese de Fornari, a small castle in the Italian Art Nouveau style with a large terrace was built within the old walls of the Fortezza di Monleone. Today, the former fortress houses a hotel.

Manara Point

Walking paths and hiking trails crisscross Punta Manara. From the coastal paths, you have spectacular views of the Gulf of Tigullio between the towns of Sestri Levante and Riva Trigoso. In the shade of the pine forests, colorful flowers grow along the roadside. Swimming, snorkeling, or diving – the clear waters are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Numerous marine creatures frolic underwater. On land, the climbing wall with routes of varying difficulty levels is another highlight for adventurers big and small.

Moneglia - Secret spots

Moneglia - Holiday homes & apartments

The Oratory of the Disciplinanti Moneglia

The Oratorio dei Disciplinanti in Moneglia is an important Catholic place of prayer in the municipality of Moneglia. It is located in close proximity to the parish church of Santa Croce. The oratory is known for its historical significance and houses seven layers of frescoes from six different eras, making it a valuable testament to the artistic and religious history of the community.

The Cave of Moneglia

The water of the Grotta di Moneglia shimmers turquoise blue beneath the rugged cliffs of the Ligurian Riviera di Levante. You can only reach the magically appearing cave north of the colorful coastal villages of the Cinque Terre by kayak or boat. The Italian wildlife park also impresses with fragrant pine forests and Mediterranean maquis.

The castle ruins Fortezza di Villafranca

Unique is the striking location on the green slopes of the Italian town of Moneglia, where the historic castle ruins of Fortezza di Villafranca nestle. The ancient structure from the 12th century is now a venue for resounding concerts. From the castle park, you overlook the Ligurian Riviera Levante north of the spectacular Cinque Terre.

The Church Parrocchia San Giorgio Moneglia

The exterior facade of the Parrocchia San Giorgio in the Italian town of Moneglia surprises its visitors in a simple way with white and gray stripes. The interior of the Catholic church, located just a few kilometers north of the Cinque Terre, impresses with magnificent stucco work and significant frescoes. The black-and-white checkerboard pattern of the floor stands out as particularly noble.

Moneglia - In 3 days

Moneglia - Holiday homes & apartments

Day 1

After settling in, take a walk through the charming, lively old town of Moneglia. In the sacristy of the baroque church Santa Croce, you will find peace—and the masterful painting "The Last Supper" by the painter Luca Cambiaso. The church of San Giorgio dates back to the late 14th century. The facade with white-gray stripes up to the pointed roof of the campanile makes it a striking landmark. Inside, there are paintings by Luca Cambiaso and Peter Paul Rubens to admire. On the coast, explore the remains of the Fortezza di Villafranca, from which you can enjoy a beautiful view over the bay. Spend the afternoon at one of the dream beaches in the bay of Moneglia. Not only they, but also the crystal-clear water, have been regularly awarded the Blue Flag for over 30 years. The Bagni Letizia and Jolanda score with sun loungers, umbrellas, and everything a beach vacationer's heart desires.

Day 2

In the hills west of Moneglia rises the Fortezza di Monleone. The 12th-century walls now serve as an event location. The ascent through the Mediterranean vegetation to the distinctive fortress offers you breathtaking views. Alternatively, set your sights on the forested hiking area around Monte Crocetta. The hiking area around Monte Comunaglia also promises magnificent panoramas. With children, you should take a boat tour to the Grotta di Moneglia. Experienced paddlers can reach it by kayak. Even the journey along the rugged cliffs is an experience. Swim or ride into the shallow water of the grotto with small boats and enjoy the majestic beauty of the rock tunnel. Many protected species have their home on the seabed. If you are traveling with your dog, take an evening walk in the Lungomare Dante Alighieri dog park and enjoy the view as the sun sets into the sea.

Day 3

The villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore form the heart of the Cinque Terre region, which is under special protection as a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site. From the port of Moneglia, boats regularly depart, except in winter and during rough seas, to take you along the stunning coast. From the sea, you have the most beautiful view of the picturesque villages with their partly brightly painted facades, clinging like swallow's nests to the wooded slopes. Tip: Book a day pass, then you can get off at any time and explore the winding alleys. Excursions to the island of Palmaria are also included. Roam through the dense vegetation and explore the caves in the west of the island. Before you leave, stock up in Moneglia with some bottles of the delicious olive oil, which is among the best in Liguria. This way, you take the taste of Italy home with you.