Beaches of Moneglia

The main beach

This is the village beach, about a kilometre long, between Punta Sant’Elmo to the west and the eastern end of the bay. It is made of coarse sand and fine shingle, so water shoes are handy. Behind it runs the seafront promenade, partly under pine trees, with bars, ice-cream shops and restaurants.

The first half: calm water and a free beach

Between Punta Sant’Elmo and the mouth of the stream, artificial reefs offshore break the waves. The water is calmer, which makes this the best area for small children. Here beach clubs (stabilimenti, where you pay for a lounger and umbrella) alternate with a free public stretch with basic facilities. In summer arrive early if you want a spot on the free part.

The second half: towards the east

After the stream mouth the beach narrows and is almost entirely taken by beach clubs. The sea is more open: on windy days the waves roll in and some people go out windsurfing. This end is closest to Santa Croce church and the path up to the Villafranca fortress.

La Secca

Beyond Punta Sant’Elmo, west of the village, lies La Secca: about 300 metres of sand, pebbles and rocks in a sheltered bay. It is quieter than the main beach and also has a Blue Flag. There is one beach club and space for free use.

You can walk there from the village or drive: it lies past the first tunnels to the west, which reopened in 2025, while the rest of the road towards Riva Trigoso is still closed. Next to it is the sports ground, where in summer there is usually a paid car park with a shuttle.

The beaches of Punta Moneglia

After La Secca the coast turns wild and free all the way to Punta Moneglia. Here there are two pebble beaches, Vallegrande and Valletta, enclosed by cliffs of almost vertical sandstone layers and a square sea stack.

They are not for everyone. There are no facilities: bring water, food, water shoes and shade. Valletta can be reached on foot via the Punta Moneglia path, about an hour and a quarter from the station, but the last descent follows a steep gully and is suitable only for experienced hikers. The easiest and safest way to see this coast is by boat.

The coves towards Punta Rospo

To the east, below the hamlet of Lemeglio, the coast breaks into small pebble coves and rocky stretches, such as the area called Le Marine just before Punta Rospo. The water is clear and the rocky seabed is the best spot for snorkelling: with a mask and fins you will see octopus, starfish, anemones and, deeper down, gorgonians.

Many coves can only be reached by sea. In summer you can hire a boat or dinghy in Moneglia and stop in the inlets between Punta Moneglia and Punta Rospo. Always keep clear of the areas marked off for swimmers.

Practical tips

• When: the sea is pleasant from June to September; in July and August the main beach is full by mid-morning.
• Getting there: the train is the easiest option, with the station a few minutes from the beach. By car the tunnel road is closed: you arrive from the Via Aurelia, see our Moneglia guide.
• Parking: few spaces on the seafront, almost all paid or with a parking disc; in summer the La Secca car park is the best bet when it is running.
• Dogs: we found no up-to-date official rules; ask the beach clubs or the Pro Loco tourist office before you go.
• Nearby beaches: for a change, the train takes you in a few minutes to Sestri Levante, with the Bay of Silence, or to Levanto.