Soggiorna
A village with two beaches, between Genoa and the Cinque Terre
Moneglia is located on the Levante Riviera, halfway between Genoa and the Cinque Terre, in a stretch of coast less frequented by mass tourism compared to the more famous villages. The town overlooks two distinct beaches, separated by a rocky promontory: the main beach in front of the historic center and the smaller Lemeglio beach.
The historic center, enclosed by the remains of medieval walls, features buildings with frescoed facades, two ancient watchtowers, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. On the two promontories that close the bay, you can find the remains of the medieval castles of Villa and Monleone, now scenic viewpoints accessible by foot.
Trails and districts
Above the town, the district of Lemeglio offers one of the most open views of the surrounding coast and is connected to Moneglia by a short scenic walk. The municipal territory is crossed by several hiking trails of the Ligurian network, leading to the inland and to the nearby villages of Deiva Marina and Framura, with moderate elevation changes suitable for half-day hikes.
How to get there
Moneglia has its own train station on the Genoa–La Spezia line, with direct regional connections to both Genoa and the Cinque Terre: a convenient base for those who want to visit multiple villages on the Levante Riviera without moving the car every day.
Before you go
How long you need. The old centre takes an hour or a little more. With the two beaches, the walk up to Lemeglio and one of the viewpoints over the castles, the day fills up comfortably.
When to go. In summer it is a seaside destination in full swing. Out of season it remains interesting for the trails towards Deiva Marina and Framura, which are far more tiring in the heat.
Accessibility. The seafront and the main beach in front of the centre are the easiest stretches. The viewpoints over the castles and the climb to Lemeglio involve height gain and uneven ground: treat them as a separate matter.
If it rains. Moneglia is an outdoor destination made of beaches and trails: in bad weather it offers little, and the train makes it easy to move on to the larger towns along the riviera.
To check before you leave: regional train times, which are the simplest way to get here; the condition and waymarking of the trails towards Deiva and Framura for the current season; access rules and services on the beaches; if you come by car, find out in advance about the road route and the parking available in high season.