There are places in Liguria that seem made for slowing down. Moneglia, nestled along the Riviera di Levante between the blue of the sea and the green of the headlands, is one of them: a compact, elegant village where life still flows at a gentle pace.
Here you can alternate days on the beach with walks through the caruggi, panoramic trails, and small gastronomic discoveries. This is not the loudest or most crowded side of Liguria, but a perfect destination for those looking for a green holiday between sea and nature, with the possibility of getting around by train and experiencing the area slowly.
Why Visit Moneglia?
Moneglia is an ideal destination for those who want to combine the sea, nature, and slow tourism. The village offers a sandy beach, a charming historic center, panoramic trails through Mediterranean scrub and headlands, as well as convenient connections for exploring the Riviera di Levante in a sustainable way.
What to See in Moneglia: The Village, the Sea, and the Slow Life of the Riviera
The heart of Moneglia is best discovered without a fixed plan, simply by walking. The historic center is crossed by the ancient medieval caruggio, today Via Vittorio Emanuele, where colorful houses, slate portals, small shops, local businesses, and glimpses of the village’s maritime soul follow one another. It is the perfect place for a stroll after the beach, an ice cream, a look around the shops, or a taste of authentic Ligurian flavors.
Moneglia is one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages and is enclosed between two bell towers, those of the churches of San Giorgio and Santa Croce, and two ancient fortresses: Villafranca and Monleone. The Church of San Giorgio preserves a 15th-century cloister and valuable works of art, while Santa Croce holds memories linked to the village’s seafaring history, including the links of the chain from the port of Pisa, connected to the Battle of Meloria.
The sea naturally remains the star of the show. The central beach, with its golden sand, opens onto the middle of the bay and is surrounded by cliffs and the scent of Mediterranean scrub. For years, the Blue Flag has flown along Moneglia’s coast, a recognition linked to water quality, services, and environmental care. Those who love a wilder seascape can head toward Punta Rospo, where cliffs, hidden coves, and seabeds rich in marine life reveal a more intimate and natural side of the coast. Between a swim and a walk, it is also worth following the local flavors: from trenette with pesto to the area’s extra virgin olive oil, and scabeggio, a typical fish-based appetizer from Moneglia.
What to Do Around Moneglia: Trails, Villages, and Sea Views
Moneglia is a perfect base for those who love walking. Behind the village, beautiful hiking routes open up between Punta Baffe, Punta Moneglia, and the Val Petronio, in a landscape where the sea almost always remains in the background. This is not only scenic beauty: between Punta Baffe, Punta Moneglia, and the Val Petronio there is also a Natura 2000 SCI area, protecting habitats and environments of particular natural value.
One of the most beautiful routes connects Moneglia to Deiva Marina and Framura, passing through panoramic stretches, woods, climbs, descents, and open views over the coast. It is a trail suitable for those with some training who want to discover Liguria’s more vertical and wild side, beyond the classic seaside experience. Alternatively, you can choose shorter walks toward the hillside hamlets, such as Lemeglio, or spend a day exploring nearby towns along the Riviera di Levante.
Thanks to its railway station, Moneglia also makes it easy to get around without a car. In a short time you can reach Sestri Levante, with its famous Bay of Silence, Deiva Marina, Framura and, continuing along the coast, even the Cinque Terre. This possibility of alternating sea, villages, and trails using public transport is exactly what makes Moneglia such an interesting destination for a more sustainable trip.
Where to Stay in Moneglia Sustainably
To experience Moneglia with a truly green approach, the best choice is to stay somewhere that enhances the local area and reduces its environmental impact. On the hills, just a few minutes from the sea, you will find B&B La Volpe, a nature-surrounded accommodation about 300 meters above sea level, designed for those seeking silence, authenticity, and sustainable comfort.
The B&B is set in an early 20th-century house, fully renovated in 2023 according to environmental sustainability criteria. Today it is a zero-emission home, powered by renewable energy and equipped with technological solutions designed to reduce environmental impact without giving up comfort.
Surrounded by woods, olive trees, citrus groves, and Mediterranean scrub, B&B La Volpe is ideal for those who want to wake up between hills and sea, reach the village and the beach, explore the area’s trails, or set off to discover the Cinque Terre and the Riviera di Levante. Its rooms with independent entrances, outdoor relaxation areas, and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect choice for a regenerating and conscious getaway.
This is Moneglia: a small Ligurian gem to be experienced slowly, among clean sea, fragrant trails, nearby villages, and authentic hospitality. A perfect destination for those looking for a more intimate, natural, and sustainable Liguria.
B&B La Volpe – Green Bed & Breakfast in Moneglia, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Liguria, IT 
