If you’re wondering where to stay for Cinque Terre, Moneglia is worth considering…
Most people planning a trip to Cinque Terre spend all their time deciding which of the five villages to stay in.
I almost made the same mistake.
Instead, I ended up in Moneglia, a small seaside town just outside of Cinque Terre that rarely makes anyone’s “must visit” list
After spending a week there, I honestly couldn’t understand why.
We originally booked Moneglia for practical reasons.
Traveling with a dog often means making different choices than the average traveler. We wanted somewhere with a little more space, somewhere we could decompress after long days of exploring, but still be close enough to easily visit Cinque Terre.
On paper, Moneglia seemed like the perfect compromise.
What we didn’t expect was how quickly it became one of our favorite parts of the trip.
Instead of simply using it as a place to sleep between visits to Cinque Terre, we found ourselves lingering. We spent mornings wandering through the village, afternoons by the sea, and more than a few days exploring Moneglia itself rather than hopping on a train.
And when we did decide to visit Cinque Terre, it was incredibly easy. The train station was just a short walk away, and within minutes we could be on our way to some of Italy’s most famous coastal towns.
What started as a practical choice ended up becoming one of the best decisions we made during our time in Liguria.
Where Is Moneglia?
Moneglia is a small seaside town located in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy. Nestled along the Italian Riviera, it sits between the coastal town of Sestri Levante and the famous villages of Cinque Terre.
One of Moneglia’s biggest advantages is its excellent rail connection. The town has its own train station, making it easy to explore the surrounding coastline without the hassle of driving or parking.
If you’re flying into the region, the closest major airport is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA), located about 1 hour by car or approximately 2 hours by train. Pisa International Airport (PSA) is another convenient option, located roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes by car or about 2 hours 45 minutes by train.
Despite being well connected to some of Italy’s most popular destinations, Moneglia remains surprisingly relaxed and uncrowded, making it an ideal base for exploring the Ligurian coast.
Why I Chose Moneglia Instead of Staying in Cinque Terre
I know this probably sounds a little strange considering the entire purpose of our trip was to explore Cinque Terre, but I never seriously considered staying in one of the five villages.
Part of that was because we were traveling with our dog, Péngyǒu. When you’re traveling with a dog, especially for more than a night or two, having a little extra space becomes much more important. We wanted somewhere we could comfortably spread out, go for walks, and relax after a full day of sightseeing.
The other reason was the crowds.
Don’t get me wrong…I loved visiting Cinque Terre. The villages are beautiful for a reason. But they are also some of the most visited destinations in Italy. After spending all day weaving through busy streets, waiting for trains, and sharing viewpoints with hundreds of other visitors, I knew I wanted somewhere quieter to come back to at the end of the day.
Parking was another factor. If you’ve ever researched where to stay in Cinque Terre, you’ve probably already discovered that parking can be limited, expensive, and sometimes downright frustrating. Since we were road-tripping through Italy, staying somewhere with easier access and less stress just made sense.
More than anything, though, I wanted to experience a place that still felt like a real town rather than a destination built entirely around tourism.
I wanted to sit at a café surrounded by locals. I wanted to take evening walks along the waterfront without fighting through crowds. I wanted to spend a few days experiencing everyday life on the Ligurian coast.
At the time, Moneglia simply seemed like a practical choice.
What I didn’t realize was that it would end up being one of my favorite places from the entire trip.
What Moneglia Actually Feels Like
The best way I can describe Moneglia is that it feels like a Sunday afternoon seven days a week.
Not in a sleepy or boring way. In the kind of way that makes you wonder why you’re always in such a hurry everywhere else.
Time seemed to stand completely still here.
Most mornings started with coffee on the balcony of our stunning villa overlooking the surrounding hills that lead straight to the sea. Then we’d make our way into town for another coffee because, well… Italy.
Along the way, we’d pass locals who appeared to have been following the same routine for decades. Shop owners greeted people by name. Elderly couples sat on benches overlooking the sea. Fishermen chatted along the waterfront. Nothing felt rushed.
In the evenings, people gathered along the beach promenade for their passeggiata, Italy’s beloved evening stroll. Families walked together, friends stopped to chat, and older residents sat watching the waves roll in as the sun disappeared behind the colorful buildings.
What struck me most wasn’t the scenery, although it was beautiful. It was the feeling that this was still a place being lived in.
So many popular destinations eventually start to feel as though they exist primarily for visitors. Moneglia felt different. It felt like a real Italian village that happened to welcome tourists rather than a tourist destination trying to imitate village life.
The people were endlessly kind, patient and genuinely welcoming. There was no pressure to rush through a meal, no one trying to pull you into a restaurant, and no sense that the town was performing for visitors.
It felt like the kind of Italian seaside village you imagine when you see an old postcard, colorful buildings, laundry hanging from balconies, locals lingering in the piazza, and the sea never more than a short walk away.
The funny thing is that I came to Moneglia because I wanted easy access to Cinque Terre. What I found was a place I was perfectly happy not to leave
Things to Do in Moneglia
If I’m being completely honest, my favorite thing to do in Moneglia was simply wander.
Of course, the town has a beautiful beach, a charming historic center, and a waterfront lined with restaurants and cafés. But the moments I remember most weren’t tied to any particular attraction.
They were the moments spent TRYING to get lost.
Some of our favorite afternoons were spent following the trails that wind through the hills surrounding town. We’d set off without much of a plan and end up discovering viewpoints overlooking the Ligurian coastline, quiet corners of the village, and paths that seemed to disappear into the landscape.
When we weren’t walking, we were usually sitting somewhere along the waterfront. Coffee in the morning. A glass of wine in the afternoon. Gelato whenever the mood struck.
I could have spent hours simply staring at the water.
Depending on the light, the sea shifted between shades of deep blue and brilliant turquoise that almost didn’t look real. The kind of water that constantly pulls your attention away from whatever conversation you’re having because you keep finding yourself looking back out at it.
The historic center is also worth exploring. Colorful buildings, narrow streets, local shops, and centuries-old churches give the town plenty of character, but I found that Moneglia was best explored without a strict itinerary.
Some destinations are about seeing as much as possible. Moneglia is one of those places that truly rewards doing a little less.
The Best Day Trips From Moneglia
One of the things I loved most about staying in Moneglia was that it gave us the best of both worlds. We had a quiet village to come home to each evening, but some of Liguria’s most beautiful destinations were never far away.
Whether you’re looking for colorful seaside villages, elegant harbors, historic cities, or unforgettable food experiences, Moneglia makes an excellent base for exploring the region.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is the most obvious day trip from Moneglia, and for good reason. The five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are famous for their colorful buildings, dramatic cliffs, and postcard-worthy views.
While wandering the villages is reason enough to visit, I also recommend finding a way to experience the coastline from the water.
We joined a boat tour departing from Monterosso and loved seeing the villages from a completely different perspective. If you’re interested, you can read my full review and see photos and videos from our experience here.
Other great tour options I’d recommend in Cinque Terre:
Pesto Making Class with Wine and Food Tasting
Monterosso Kayak and Snorkeling Tour
Lemon Tour with Limoncino and Wine Tasting in Vernazza
Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Lunch and Wine
Sestri Levante
Just a short trip from Moneglia, Sestri Levante quickly became one of my favorite towns along the Ligurian coast. Known for its beautiful Bay of Silence, colorful waterfront, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect destination for a slower-paced day.
Spend a few hours wandering the historic center, enjoying lunch by the sea, or simply finding a bench and watching the boats drift across the bay.
Oh, and don’t forget to head to Trattoria da Turin for an amazing evening learning how to make the regions traditional pasta and pesto then enjoying the fruits of your labor with the most delicious house wine!
Other great tour options I’d recommend in Sestri Levante:
Boat tour on the Ligurian Riveriera
Stand Up Paddling among Cliffs and Crystal-Clear Waters
Sensory Workshop on Olive Oil in an Operating Mill
Portofino
If you’re looking for a touch of glamour, Portofino makes an excellent day trip. The harbor is lined with colorful buildings, luxury yachts, and waterfront cafés, all surrounded by the lush green hills that make this part of Italy so beautiful.
While Portofino is certainly more polished and touristy than Moneglia, it’s still worth visiting for a few hours to experience one of Italy’s most iconic coastal destinations.
Tour options I’d recommend in Portofino:
Small-Group Boat Tour to San Fruttuoso & Camogli
Fiat 500 Vintage Photo Tour – Italian Riviera in Portofino
Cooking Class at Local Home with Portofino View
Genoa
For something completely different, head to Genoa. The historic center is one of the largest in Europe and offers a fascinating mix of grand architecture, narrow alleyways, historic churches, and local markets.
It’s also one of the best places in Liguria to dive deeper into the region’s food culture.
Tour options I’d recommend in Genoa:
Handmade Pasta & Iconic Dessert Making Class
Genoa Must-See Attractions Walking Tour
Food and Wine Tasting Walking Tour
Rooftop Cooking Class in Genoa: Pesto, Fresh Pasta & Wine
Focaccia and Pesto Cooking Class in 18th-Century Home
The Ultimate Traditional Food and Drinks Tour
Make homemade gelato with a master gelato maker
Private City Tour with a Local Guide
Where to stay in Moneglia
I would be doing Moneglia a disservice if I didn’t mention where we stayed.
We booked a villa on a working family olive farm just outside of town, originally because it seemed like a practical choice for traveling with a dog. What I didn’t expect was that it would become one of my favorite places I’ve ever stayed in Italy.
The property was exactly what I picture when I think of an Italian countryside escape. Olive trees and lemon trees surrounded the villa, the sea shimmered in the distance, and the entire property felt peaceful in a way that’s becoming harder and harder to find.
In fact, we loved it so much that as our departure date approached, we seriously discussed canceling our plans in France just to stay a few more days.
For Péngyǒu, it was paradise. The property was fully fenced, which meant he could safely roam, sniff, and explore to his heart’s content. Watching him race around the olive trees each morning made it feel like just as much his vacation as ours.
The location was also ideal. We enjoyed the quiet of the countryside while still being close enough to easily walk into town whenever we wanted coffee, dinner, or an evening stroll along the waterfront.
It is worth mentioning that if you come by train, you may want to rent a moped in town as the villa views come at the expense of convince. There is a large hill to get the the villa at the top and it would be most convent to have a form of transportation although, we did walk it once or twice, but for relaxation purposes I don’t recommend it.
What made the stay truly unforgettable, however, was the welcome.
When we arrived, our host greeted us with homemade focaccia and olive oil from the very farm we were staying on, along with homemade wine produced by her father. It perfectly reflected everything I came to love about this corner of Italy, generosity, pride in local traditions, and genuine hospitality.
The villa itself was spotless and exactly as pictured in the Interhome listing, something that unfortunately isn’t always guaranteed these days. But the real highlight was the view. Mornings began with coffee on the balcony overlooking the olive groves and the sea beyond, and evenings ended watching the light fade over the Ligurian coastline.
It was peaceful, beautiful, and exactly the kind of place that makes you slow down and savor where you are.
If you’re traveling with a dog, looking for a quieter alternative to staying directly in Cinque Terre, or simply want a place that feels authentically Italian, I can’t imagine a better home base.
Is Moneglia Better Than Staying in Cinque Terre?
This is probably the question most people will have after reading this article.
The truth is, I don’t think Moneglia is necessarily better than staying in Cinque Terre. I just think it’s a better fit for certain types of travelers.
If your dream is to wake up, step outside your hotel, and immediately find yourself in the heart of Vernazza or Riomaggiore, then you should absolutely stay in one of the Cinque Terre villages. There is something special about experiencing those towns before the day-trippers arrive and after they leave.
For us, however, Moneglia was the better choice.
We were traveling with a car and a dog, two things that tend to complicate travel plans in places where space is limited and crowds are part of the experience. We wanted somewhere that felt relaxed at the end of the day. Somewhere we could easily park, stretch our legs, and enjoy a slower pace of life.
What we found in Moneglia was a town that felt lived in.
While places like Vernazza and Riomaggiore are undeniably beautiful, they also felt much more focused on tourism. Moneglia felt like a place where people actually lived their lives. We watched locals gather for evening passeggiatas, chatted with shop owners, and spent afternoons chatting over coffee without feeling like we needed to move on to the next attraction.
Monterosso probably comes the closest to what we loved about Moneglia. It has a larger beach, a bit more space, and a more relaxed atmosphere than some of the other Cinque Terre villages. If staying directly in Cinque Terre is important to you, Monterosso would probably be my first choice.
But if you’re traveling with a dog, have a rental car, appreciate quieter evenings, or simply enjoy finding places that feel a little less discovered, I genuinely think Moneglia deserves a spot on your shortlist.
After spending time in both, I can honestly say that while I loved visiting Cinque Terre, Moneglia was the place I couldn’t wait to get back to at the end of the day.
Who Should Stay in Moneglia?
When I first booked Moneglia, I saw it as a practical place to stay while exploring Cinque Terre.
We wanted somewhere quieter. Somewhere with a little more space for Péngyǒu. Somewhere we could escape the crowds at the end of the day and enjoy a slower pace of life. On paper, it simply checked all the boxes.
What I didn’t expect was how much I would genuinely fall in love with the town itself.
Don’t get me wrong… I absolutely loved visiting Cinque Terre. The colorful villages, dramatic coastline, and incredible views are every bit as beautiful as people say they are. But after a day of exploring, I always found myself looking forward to returning to Moneglia.
Returning to the slower pace. Returning to the waterfront. Returning to evenings spent watching locals gather for their passeggiata and mornings spent drinking coffee on our balcony overlooking olive groves and the sea.
After years of traveling, I’ve learned that my favorite places are rarely the ones I originally planned a trip around. They’re the places that surprise me. The places that make me slow down. The places that feel authentic.
For me, Moneglia was one of those places.
If you’re looking for a quieter, more authentic base for exploring Cinque Terre and the Ligurian coast, I can’t recommend it enough. In fact, we loved it so much that we seriously considered canceling the next leg of our trip to France just so we could stay a little longer.
And honestly? Looking back, I still think that would have been a pretty good decision.
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