I found the best-kept secret on the Cinque Terre
Crystal waters, beachfront restaurants and cute streets bursting with colour, Bonassola offers everything but the exorbitant crowds and prices of the Cinque Terre.
This beautiful beach town is a much quieter and more budget-friendly alternative to this famous coastline and is an easy five-minute train ride from Monterosso al Mare.
Bonassola Beach
Unlike many of the beaches in the Cinque Terre, the Spiaggia di Bonassola is over one kilometre long, and largely public. This means less paid private lounges hogging precious pebbles, and more opportunity to enjoy the beach free of cost. The ocean water is equally as clear as the the sea in Monterosso, with double the swimming space and half the people.
Don't miss out on the fresh coconuts sold by locals on the beach, just listen out for the shouts of 'Coco Bello! Coco Fresco!'.
Another bonus is that you don't have to pay for a lounger.
Restaurants in Bonassola
Bonassola has multiple beachfront restaurants and bars. Bagni Mar Albi Playa is a standout, with beautiful views of the water, a homely feel and a menu that changes based on the availability of fresh seasonal produce. Neighbouring restaurant Bagni Sabbia d'Oro is another great option for a sunset spritz right by the sea.
After some sunbathing, it's time for a spritz. Pictures: Alex Shergold.
Levanto-Bonassola-Framura Cycleway
Although Bonassola's proximity to the Cinque Terre is the drawcard, another must-do when visiting is the Levanto-Bonassola-Framura Cycleway. Originally a railway in the late 1800s, the remaining tunnel has since been revamped into a bike path that runs from neighbouring town Levanto through to Bonassola and finally to Framura. Five kilometres in total (and 2.6km from Levanto to Bonassola) you can cycle or walk alongside the Ligurian Sea with bikes available to rent in Bonassola and Levanto.
Levanto is the larger of the towns where you can find some delicious Italian gelato shops and a larger supermarket which makes up for the more modest produce selection in Bonassola.
Levanto-Bonassola-Framura Cycleway has some great sunset views. Pictures: Alex Shergold.
Accommodation
Accomodation prices will fluctuate depending on when, where and for how many people you are booking. At the time of writing, accommodation 'top picks' on Booking.com for a five-night stay in Bonassola in July/August 2025 for two to three people start at $A200 less than the 'top picks' in Monterosso al Mare.
Prices here are typically cheaper than in the nearby towns.
It could just be the best-kept secret of the Cinque Terre.
Originally published as I found a secret spot on the Cinque Terre that's cheaper and cooler than the rest
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