Hotel Porto Roca

A hotel on the rocks of Monterosso

Porto Roca is a four-star hotel at the top end of Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost village of the Cinque Terre and the only one with a long sandy beach. It is on Via Corone, on the rocks that close the old town, with the sea below and the whole gulf in front. It has 43 rooms and is a hotel for adults and teenagers only: it does not admit children under 14.

What sets it apart is the location. From the door starts the Sentiero Azzurro towards Vernazza, the best-known stretch of the coastal path, so you can start walking early, before the morning trains arrive. When you return there is an infinity pool with a sea view and, in summer, a private beach with sun loungers.

The rooms

There are several types, almost all with a sea view: Retro rooms, standard rooms with a sea view, those with a balcony, those with a terrace, one with a side view, junior suites, suites and a Garden Suite with a garden. Most have their own balcony and some a terrace. All have air conditioning, satellite television, minibar, safe and free wifi, which also reaches the bar, restaurant and pool.

Breakfast is a buffet and is included if you book directly with the hotel. The hotel has its own bar and restaurant, La Terrazza, and a free shuttle service at any hour between the hotel, the beach and the restaurant.

Getting there

By train to Monterosso station, on the La Spezia – Levanto line. The hotel offers paid transfers from airports and stations in major cities, useful if you fly to Pisa or Genoa and do not want to change trains with luggage. Monterosso is not a village for cars: the approaches are narrow and parking is scarce. The hotel's website does not say whether it has its own parking; ask when you book if you are coming by car.

Reception is open 24 hours and they speak Italian, English, French, German and Spanish. They store luggage, have a concierge, help with excursions and offer paid laundry and ironing.

With a dog

They accept small and medium-sized dogs and cats for €20 a night. They must be on a lead in the common areas and may not enter the pool or the hotel's beach.