Monterosso Al Mare is a standout spot in the Cinque Terre, not just for its colorful village streets but for the variety of tours and experiences that truly capture the essence of this Ligurian coast. Whether you’re craving a luxurious private boat ride or a tasty pesto-making class, Monterosso offers options that cater to all interests. We especially love the Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour for its personalized touch and the chance to explore the coast in style, and the Sunset Cruise with Aperitif for its magical end-of-day views. These experiences let you see the villages from a different perspective—on the water, with great food and a relaxed vibe. For a taste of local flavors, the Wine & Food Tasting offers a delicious journey into regional specialties.
If you’re after a more active day, consider hiking the Sanctuaries or exploring via electric bike, which combine adventure with stunning scenery. With so many choices, there’s something for every traveler—whether you want to relax, explore, or indulge.
Quick Overview of Top Tours & Experiences in Monterosso Al Mare
This guide covers a range of boat tours, including private trips, sunset cruises, and multi-stop adventures (see all options here). You’ll also find food and wine experiences (try the tasting tours here), active excursions like trekking and electric bike tours, and cooking classes for those wanting a hands-on experience. Each offers something unique—whether it’s discovering secret spots, sampling regional wines, or learning how to make authentic pesto.
Below, we break down each tour, highlighting what makes it special and who it’s best suited for.
1. Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour
This private Ligurian gozzo boat departing from Monterosso provides a personalized way to see all five villages (more here). For around $244 per person, you’ll get about 2 hours of cruising along the coast with plenty of space to relax on the large sundeck. The boat passes in front of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, with stops for magnificent photo opportunities and swimming in turquoise waters.
The highlight is the chance to explore secrets of the coast with a knowledgeable captain, who often shares local stories and might even share fresh pesto and focaccia as a treat. Guests rave about Simone, the guide, noting his enthusiasm and expertise. This tour is perfect for those wanting an intimate, luxurious experience that combines sightseeing, swimming, and a taste of local hospitality.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a private, relaxed cruise with personalized attention and stunning views, this is hard to beat.
2. Cinque Terre Sunset Cruise with Aperitif from Monterosso
For about $138, you can enjoy a 2 hour and 45-minute sunset cruise that captures the magic of Cinque Terre as the day winds down (more details here). Aboard a traditional boat with a cozy cap of just 12 passengers, you’ll drift past the villages with sweeping views and experience the coast in peaceful twilight.
The experience features expansive coast views at sunset, a generous aperitivo with local drinks, and chances to swim or snorkel in the calm waters. Reviews praise the crew’s friendliness and the scenic beauty, describing it as a “live painting” with shifting colors and tranquil ambiance.
Bottom Line: Ideal for romantics or anyone wanting to end their day with stunning scenery and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
3. Cinque Terre tour with a traditional ligurian gozzo from Monterosso
This 3-hour boat tour for about $140 offers a classic wooden “gozzo” experience, with a cap of just 12 participants (see the details here). You’ll cruise along the coast and enjoy two swims in crystal waters, along with a traditional aperitivo featuring prosecco, beer, and soft drinks.
What makes this tour stand out is the authentic wooden boat carved by a renowned shipwright, providing a true Ligurian maritime experience. The guide shares heritage and trivia about each village, making it as educational as it is scenic. Guests describe it as a “beautiful cruise” with excellent value, especially for those seeking a luxurious yet authentic experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who love history, water activities, and regional flavors in an intimate setting.
4. Cinque Terre Morning Tour
Starting early at 10 am for about 2 hours and 45 minutes, this morning tour is all about avoiding crowds and catching the villages in their best morning light (more info here). It cruises along the coast, passing all five towns, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, and tasting local wine.
Onboard, your local skipper shares stories about the history and traditions of Cinque Terre. Guests love how this tour combines relaxation with beautiful scenery before the afternoon crowds arrive. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a quiet, scenic start to their day.
Bottom Line: Best for early risers eager to beat the crowds and enjoy peaceful, scenic views.
5. Cinque Terre Sunset Boat Tour: golden hour on the water
This 3.5-hour sunset tour costs about $141 and offers a luxurious cruise to see the villages bathed in golden light (more details here). A modern, hybrid-engine boat ensures quiet and eco-friendly cruising while you sip on local delicacies and wine.
Guests describe this experience as “unforgettable”, with stunning sunset views, opportunities to swim, and photo moments in the changing light. The crew is attentive, and the atmosphere relaxed and elegant.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a romantic, visually spectacular experience with comfortable amenities.
6. 2-Hour Boat Tour at sunset in the Cinque Terre with Pesto tasting and focaccia
For about $109, this sunset boat tour blends scenic cruising with regional flavors (more here). It starts from Monterosso and includes stops for swimming and snorkeling, plus a tastings of fresh pesto and focaccia made by locals.
People love the combination of beautiful scenery, tasty food, and a relaxed sunset vibe. The guide shares stories about the coast and the region’s culinary traditions, making it both a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Bottom Line: Suited for travelers who want a short, flavorful, and scenic experience with a focus on regional cuisine.
7. Cinque Terre Sunset Tour by Private Boat with Pesto and Typical Wine
This private sunset cruise for about $249 offers an exclusive way to see the Cinque Terre at dusk (see details here). The luxury gozzo boat features a large sundeck and is perfect for intimate groups or couples.
It includes pesto tasting, local wine, and stops at all five villages. Reviewers call it a “highlight of the trip,” and note how the small group atmosphere enhances the experience. It’s best suited for travelers seeking privacy and indulgence.
Bottom Line: If you want an exclusive, romantic way to enjoy Cinque Terre’s sunset, this tour is a top choice.
8. Cinque Terre daily boat tour with traditional ligurian gozzo
This 3-hour tour offers a relaxed exploration of the coast, with opportunities for swimming, tasting local tapas, and drinking prosecco or beer (more here). The tour includes photo stops at all five towns and a boat ride with scenic views.
What makes this stand out is the local tapas and drinks, giving a true taste of Liguria. The review mentions the beautiful waters and regional snacks, making it perfect for those who want a culinary and scenic experience in a laid-back setting.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a combination of scenery and local flavors without a long schedule.
9. 3 Hour One-Way Sunset Boat Tour from Monterosso to La Spezia
At around $113, this one-way sunset cruise offers a unique opportunity to see the coast from a different angle (more info here). Departing in the late afternoon, it passes all five villages, with time to swim and photo along the way.
Reviews highlight the friendly guides and the fantastic views. It’s particularly popular with travelers who plan to continue their journey to La Spezia afterward, making it a convenient and scenic option.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a spectacular sunset as part of a transfer or sightseeing route.
10. Cinque Terre: The trekking of the Sanctuaries
For those who prefer active pursuits, this 8-hour trekking tour combines hiking with visits to two sanctuaries (details here). The route offers breathtaking vistas, visiting less-traveled paths that give a different perspective of Cinque Terre.
Starting from Monterosso, the hike includes a Ligurian breakfast and visits to historic sanctuaries, suitable for fit and adventurous travelers. While the full-day commitment might be demanding, many describe it as rewarding with spectacular views.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers eager to combine nature, spirituality, and scenery in one day.
11. Cinque Terre: Wine & Food Tasting in Monterosso
This 2-hour tasting experience introduces you to five regional wines paired with local bites (more details here). Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll learn about wine characteristics and producers while savoring regional specialties.
Reviewers appreciate the well-curated pairings and friendly atmosphere, making it a delicious way to learn about Ligurian cuisine. It’s a good choice for foodies looking to deepen their understanding of the region’s flavors.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a relaxed, educational tasting of wine and local foods.
12. Farmhouse aperitif + electric bike tour in Monterosso al Mare
For about 3 hours, this electric bike tour covers vineyards, terraces, and villages, ending with an aperitif among the greenery (details here). The bikes are reliable and suitable for all fitness levels, making it a fun way to explore.
The tour includes visits to a farmhouse with local products, and the guides share curious stories about the region. Guests enjoy the combination of activity and culinary delights in a scenic setting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want to combine exercise with regional food and wine.
13. Monterosso al Mare: “Make your Pesto” Cooking Class- 5 Terre
This 2-hour hands-on class allows you to pick basil from the organic garden, learn to prepare authentic pesto with a master chef, and taste your creation on focaccia with a glass of local wine (more info here). Perfect for food lovers, it combines learning, tasting, and regional storytelling.
Guests rave about the personalized experience, with many appreciating the local tips shared by the chef. The setting at a beautiful agriturismo adds to the authenticity and charm.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a culinary hands-on experience that ends with delicious tasting and practical skills.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Monterosso Al Mare
When selecting the perfect experience, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. For a luxurious, private experience with plenty of comfort, the Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour is unmatched. If you’re after spectacular sunsets and a romantic vibe, the Sunset Cruise with Aperitif or private sunset boat (see here) fit the bill.
Active travelers should explore the trekking (see here) or electric bike tours (see here), which offer breathtaking views and physical engagement. For those who love culinary experiences, the pesto-making class and wine tastings are great options to deepen your appreciation of Liguria’s flavors.
Booking early is recommended, especially for private or popular sunset tours, as they tend to fill up fast. Check the weather forecast—many tours are weather-dependent—and plan your excursions for the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy better lighting.
Final Thoughts
Monterosso Al Mare offers a diverse array of tours and experiences that allow you to see, taste, and feel the region’s charm. Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset cruise, an active hike, or a culinary class, you’ll find options that suit your style. For a truly memorable trip, consider combining a boat tour with a food tasting or a scenic hike—just remember to book early and pack your sense of curiosity and adventure.